UK GameDay record appears safe

Syracuse officials do not expect to break Kentucky’s record for attendance to a ESPN GameDay telecast. In fact, Syracuse will not even attempt to break UK’s record.

Kentucky fans filled Rupp Arena for GameDay on Feb. 13. The 24,000 was about three times more people than had ever seen the TV show, which ESPN launched four years ago.

GameDay is at Syracuse this coming Saturday (Feb. 27). It will originate from the Carrier Dome, which can seat more than 30,000.

But Syracuse is not taking aim at UK’s GameDay record, spokesman Pete Moore said. The school expects about the same 5- to 6,000 that attended two previous GameDay shows from Syracuse, he said.

The school’s relatively small enrollment (12,000) and widespread fan base in New York State make filling the Carrier Dome less likely than it might seem.

Syracuse is seeking to break the record for attendance at a game played in an on-campus arena. The old record is 33,633 set by Syracuse when the Orange played Villanova in 2006 (guard Gerry McNamara’s last home game).

Syracuse again plays Villanova this coming Saturday. Already the school has sold 34,616 tickets, Moore said.