Game day guide: where to watch SU sports beyond the hill

Whether a game is home or away, whether it’s a trip to the JMA Wireless Dome or to the neighborhood bar, Syracuse University fans across central New York have a plethora of options to choose from to rally behind the Orange. 

There are many establishments throughout Syracuse and its neighboring towns where watching SU sports isn’t just encouraged, it’s widely accepted. Each location offers different experiences for watching games, like food and drink deals, and bar games like cornhole, darts and pool. 

Change of Pace Sports Bar on Grant Boulevard has been voted for the best wings in Syracuse, according to their website. The menu also features burgers, deli sandwiches, pizza and shareable appetizers. For over 30 years, TVs, sports jerseys and other memorabilia have lined the walls of Change of Pace.  

SU graduate student Owen Robinson said he visits Change of Pace to tune into sports games. Robinson, a fan of Toronto and Buffalo sports teams, as well as SU athletics, said he appreciates Change of Pace’s food deals. 

“They have really good food, and the drinks are reasonably priced,” Robinson said. “It got a little loud, people were cheering, talking to people at other tables… it was in general a good time.”

Robinson offered other recommendations for watching weekday SU Men’s Basketball games. 

“If you’re trying to go somewhere more relaxed, I would say go to a place like Tully’s,” Robinson said. “But, if you want to go downtown, I would go to The Hops Spot because they have a great beer selection, and it is next to some of the other busy bars.”

The Hops Spot, a burger bar and poutinerie on Walton Street, is walking distance away from other spots like The Whiskey Coop, a fried chicken and bourbon joint.

Walton Street is also home to The Limerick Pub, an Irish pub with pool, darts and occasional live music. Sassy-Cuse Saloon, an upbeat, western restaurant, is located on the the neighboring Clinton Street.

John Barlow, the Jamesville-Dewitt varsity football coach and history teacher, has been with the district since 2016. Barlow said he’s always enjoyed watching the Orange at a variety of local bars and restaurants. 

“It shows the staple Syracuse basketball has been in our community for decades,” Barlow said. “Win or lose, it’s always a proud fan base supporting the team.” 

Robinson is an advocate for students going beyond SU’s campus and exploring downtown.

“I’ve been telling people for years that everyone needs to go downtown more often. Downtown is where it’s at,” Robinson said. “For watching games, getting some drinks and hanging out with your friends to watch the games, there are some absolutely great bars downtown.”

Another avenue for exploring the local bars and restaurants throughout the week is by playing trivia with the Syracuse Trivia Company. Residents and students compete in head-to-head trivia, Sunday through Thursday, all while watching SU games play in the background. 

Ryan Scheiner, a SU senior and frequent trivia player, said he visits Harvey’s Garden on Water Street most Wednesdays for trivia. 

“I really enjoy the environment there, because you’re there with your friends, you’re playing fun trivia that is very intellectually challenging, but also not too hard,” Scheiner said. “Sometimes they’ll have the NBA on or the MLB, but they’ll also have Syracuse basketball games. It’s cool to be there at the same time because everyone is rooting for the Orange.”

Harvey’s Garden features a beer on tap wall where people can select locally crafted beers. If you’re craving something to eat, check out Harvey’s Garden Toss & Fire pizza station for a wood-fired pie. There are two levels with plenty of seating as well as an outdoor area for the warmer months.  

Scheiner said that Harvey’s is normally pretty busy when he visits. 

“Every week they have a 30 team cap, and it always hits,” Scheiner said. “It shows how much people enjoy the trivia, the venue, and the vibes.”

Harvey’s owner, Michael Greene, opened the place in 2023. Ever since, there has been a significant turnout for all the games, creating a “comfortable and fun” atmosphere, Greene said. 

“We like to think of ourselves as a backyard party for the community,” Greene said. “Whether it’s game watches, birthday parties or anything people would like to celebrate, we have the space to accommodate them.”

With men’s and women’s basketball reaching the final month of their season, and lacrosse kicking off its season just a couple of weeks ago, SU fans have plenty to look forward to. 

“I think we got a good culture,” Robinson said. “If people stay on campus their whole four years, they won’t realize how rich a culture Syracuse actually has.”