Syracuse, NY - For a sports fan in Syracuse, the upcoming summer could be as bleak as the winter just survived. Soon the Chiefs will be the only option for those looking for game action. And no one knows that better than Shane Sutliff, who says he attends every Syracuse sporting event he can.
Sutliff has seen many teams come and go over the years. He witnessed the ordeal of the Syracuse Raging Bullz, the pro basketball team formed in July 2007, that folded after playing only two home games.
“I was not happy,” said Sutliff. “I will not describe in some of the words I would like to of my rage at them folding. But I was outraged.” Sutliff was one of about two dozen who purchased season tickets for the Bullz.
The Salty Dogs also once called Syracuse home, but the professional soccer team faltered financially after two seasons, from 2003 to 2004. “We built a very, very good team here,” said Tommy Tanner, a former player, coach, and general manager of the team. “And it was a shame we had to stop because we had a chance to go on. And if you win Syracuse will support you.”
So why is it so hard for many teams to stay afloat. Well, the mountain they must climb has a lot to do with a hill, the SU hill. “It’s probably like a lot of towns where the college is a big deal,” said Nolan Weidner, former sportswriter for The Post-Standard. “The college sports become the main attraction, at least for the sports that do well.”
Ninety miles to the west in Rochester, the picture is somewhat brighter. Fans can enjoy minor league baseball and hockey, but the city also offers pro basketball and soccer teams, indoor and outdoor lacrosse, and an arena football team. And teams have learned lessons that could help current and future professional teams in Syracuse.
“We went after soccer moms and soccer dads and the young families that are just experiencing soccer,” said Sam Fantuzzo, vice-president of the Rochester Rhinos soccer team. “The music at the game and the mascots, we tried to make it about more family fun. And I think that was a big part of our success.”
Back in Syracuse, Sutliff says he believes pro teams can compete with SU athletics. “If a team is going to make it here, you’ve got to market. You’ve got to market the team and have very good customer service,” he said.
But for now the city’s biggest sports fan looks ahead to another quiet summer. Waiting, hoping for someone to cheer for.
Sutliff has seen many teams come and go over the years. He witnessed the ordeal of the Syracuse Raging Bullz, the pro basketball team formed in July 2007, that folded after playing only two home games.
“I was not happy,” said Sutliff. “I will not describe in some of the words I would like to of my rage at them folding. But I was outraged.” Sutliff was one of about two dozen who purchased season tickets for the Bullz.
The Salty Dogs also once called Syracuse home, but the professional soccer team faltered financially after two seasons, from 2003 to 2004. “We built a very, very good team here,” said Tommy Tanner, a former player, coach, and general manager of the team. “And it was a shame we had to stop because we had a chance to go on. And if you win Syracuse will support you.”
So why is it so hard for many teams to stay afloat. Well, the mountain they must climb has a lot to do with a hill, the SU hill. “It’s probably like a lot of towns where the college is a big deal,” said Nolan Weidner, former sportswriter for The Post-Standard. “The college sports become the main attraction, at least for the sports that do well.”
Ninety miles to the west in Rochester, the picture is somewhat brighter. Fans can enjoy minor league baseball and hockey, but the city also offers pro basketball and soccer teams, indoor and outdoor lacrosse, and an arena football team. And teams have learned lessons that could help current and future professional teams in Syracuse.
“We went after soccer moms and soccer dads and the young families that are just experiencing soccer,” said Sam Fantuzzo, vice-president of the Rochester Rhinos soccer team. “The music at the game and the mascots, we tried to make it about more family fun. And I think that was a big part of our success.”
Back in Syracuse, Sutliff says he believes pro teams can compete with SU athletics. “If a team is going to make it here, you’ve got to market. You’ve got to market the team and have very good customer service,” he said.
But for now the city’s biggest sports fan looks ahead to another quiet summer. Waiting, hoping for someone to cheer for.
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