SYRACUSE — The first phase of a multi-million, multi-year project to renovate and expand Syracuse University’s Manley Field House into the John A. Lally Athletics Complex will begin next spring. 

It’ll begin with the construction of a new front entrance for the complex described as “a state-of-the-art academic and athletics village” that will help all student-athletes, Syracuse University said in a Nov. 22 news release.

John Wildhack, Syracuse director of athletics, contends that the “revitalized complex will benefit all student-athletes at Syracuse University, improve recruiting and increase retention.”

The project, which will happen in stages, is part of a $150 million funding campaign by the Syracuse Department of Athletics. Syracuse describes Manley Field House as the “hub of activity and the center of student-athlete life” for its athletics for nearly 60 years.

The Syracuse Athletics fundraiser is part of Syracuse’s $1.5 billion Forever Orange: The Campaign for Syracuse University that launched two years ago and has recently exceeded $1.052 billion in funds raised.

“Philanthropy is critical to creating an environment in which student-athletes can thrive in their sport, in the classroom and in their careers. As a department, we are competing to attract the most talented student-athletes from around the nation and globe. Creating an unprecedented student-athlete experience will require equally unprecedented donor support for those who choose to wear Orange,” Wildhack said.

Syracuse will name the project after John Lally, a 1982 Syracuse graduate and three-time football letterwinner. Lally and his wife, Laura, in 2019 made a $25 million donation to jumpstart work on the project, which will be entirely funded by private philanthropy.

“John and Laura have been incredible partners over the years,” Syracuse University Chancellor Kent Syverud said. “We are grateful for their loyal support of Syracuse University — as donors, as champions and as fans. This is a defining moment for Syracuse University Athletics. The launch of this transformational project advances our trajectory to further create and foster a world-class culture of academic and athletic excellence.” 

About the project 

The new Lally Complex will support the academic and athletic efforts of the 600 student-athletes across all sports at Syracuse University. 

As part of the vision for the Lally Complex, the Department of Athletics is considering enhancements that include the creation of a new football operations center; a One Team Center, which all of Syracuse University’s Olympic sports teams will use; a student-athlete academic center to expand resources for academic support and professional and career development; updated dining and nutrition facilities; renovated locker rooms, medical training and strength and conditioning facilities; and modernized façades on the exterior of the complex.

Syracuse University plans to announce additional enhancements to the facility as more donations arrive.

Project’s initial work

As part of the initial work, the Student-Athlete Academic Support program will have an expanded area to meet student needs through private in-person meeting spaces for expanded tutorial appointments and academic advising, along with career and life-skills programming.

Available to all student-athletes, the expanded academic-support facility will house private rooms for student-athletes to use for completing class assignments or studying between classes. 

Additionally, early work will include an enhanced multi-display Hall of Champions. 

The display will celebrate the accomplishments of Orange student-athletes in the classroom and on the field in real time, as well as recognizing alumni successes. 

The area will also serve as a gathering and event space that can be used for special events, along with day-to-day activities and programming, Syracuse University said.