Syracuse University expects a record crowd on Sunday, May 10 when Vice President Joe Biden addresses the school’s 153rd graduating class at the Carrier Dome.
SU Special Events Executive Director Susan Germain estimates anywhere between 22,000 and 30,000 people will attend the ceremony at the Carrier Dome, putting enormous pressure on the venue’s personnel.
“Their staff is stretched,” she said.
Among their many challenges is the ramped-up security that comes with hosting a sitting Vice President.
“The biggest concern is the security issue,” Germain said.
According to SU Senior Associate Athletic Director Pat Campbell, senior Carrier Dome staff members meet two to three times weekly to plan accommodations for the extra 6,000 to 8000 expected audience members, including Biden’s Secret Service detail.
Even local businesses will need to adjust their procedures for the Vice President’s arrival next week.
“Security here is different,” said Syracuse University Sheraton Hotel Director of Rooms Gil Reyes. “We’re keeping everyone informed and setting aside parking for associates [on commencement day].”
For Reyes and the Sheraton personnel, commencement weekend adjustments come with great profit.
The hotel sells out at least a year in advance of every ceremony, with an average room costing over $300 per night.
“We like to say commencement weekend is our Super Bowl,” Reyes said.
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