At O’Connell Electric Company, we take pride in powering iconic venues that bring communities together. One of our most ambitious and high-profile projects was the comprehensive renovation of the Syracuse University Stadium—a $118 million transformation that redefined the fan experience and modernized a historic structure.
Our team played a central role in delivering the stadium’s new permanent roof, replacing the original air-supported dome that had defined the skyline since 1980. The new roof structure incorporated over 8 million pounds of steel and nearly three acres of fabric, engineered to withstand up to 7,700 tons of snow. This upgrade not only improved durability and energy efficiency but also enabled the installation of a vertically hung scoreboard, state-of-the-art sound and lighting systems, and full air conditioning.
O’Connell Electric also led the integration of hundreds of LED fixtures, enabling full-spectrum color effects that elevate the stadium’s atmosphere for nearly 50,000 fans. These lighting systems were designed to deliver immersive, game-synchronized experiences that rival the action on the field.
Following the roof renovation, we continued our partnership with Syracuse University by supporting the rollout of a cutting-edge 5G wireless network in collaboration with JMA Wireless. This retrofit positioned the stadium as one of the most connected collegiate venues in the country. Our Construction Services and Syracuse Operations teams worked under an aggressive timeline to pre-fabricate and install the system ahead of the football season, showcasing our ability to deliver under pressure.