Gallery: A glimpse into how the Orange fanbase prepared for its highest-anticipated matchup of the season
![Skyline of Syracuse with fog](http://dailyorange.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/01194208/CassandraRoshu_PE_clemsongallery_September-29-2023_001-scaled.jpg)
Cassandra Roshu | Photo Editor
A foggy and hazy morning shines along the Syracuse skyline as students awake for the big day.
![people standing near tents](http://dailyorange.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/01194235/JoeZhao_APE_clemsongallery_20230930-10-scaled.jpg)
Joe Zhao | Assistant Photo Editor
South of campus, families, alumni, and friends meet in the parking lot to begin tailgating. Each tent had music, games, and drinks as they awaited the opening of the JMA Wireless Dome.
![A man watches TV](http://dailyorange.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/01194213/CassandraRoshu_PE_clemsongallery_September-29-2023_008-scaled.jpg)
Cassandra Roshu | Photo Editor
Tailgaters all around the university prepare for the big day. Some even brought large televisions to watch pregame content before noon.
![People sit near a fire](http://dailyorange.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/01194216/CassandraRoshu_PE_clemsongallery_September-29-2023_009.jpg)
Cassandra Roshu | Photo Editor
Some tailgaters go all out and bring decorations to liven up their tailgate.
![A crowd listens to music](http://dailyorange.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/01194242/JoeZhao_APE_clemsongallery_20230930-21-scaled.jpg)
Joe Zhao | Assistant Photo Editor
Near the north end of Walnut Park, a large tailgate with a DJ begins. Hundreds of students and friends gathered to party and dance to the music.
![A crowd of people](http://dailyorange.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/01194257/JoeZhao_APE_clemsongallery_20230930-40.jpg)
Joe Zhao | Assistant Photo Editor
The quad filled with people with one hour until game time. They grabbed a bite to eat and watched the marching band perform the Syracuse Fight Song.
![Food cooking on a grill](http://dailyorange.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/01194221/CassandraRoshu_PE_clemsongallery_September-29-2023_017-scaled.jpg)
Cassandra Roshu | Photo Editor
Carabba's cooks a variety of food from their tent. From food trucks, to VIP hospitality tents, the quad had a plethora of food vendors to choose from.
![Cheerleaders performing](http://dailyorange.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/01194308/MaxineBrackbill_PE_ClemsonTailgate_09302023_029-scaled.jpg)
Maxine Brackbill | Photo Editor
Syracuse's cheer team took the stage in front of the drumline on the quad. As they played, the cheerleaders lifted and flew into the air along to the beat.
![A group of people marching](http://dailyorange.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/01194238/JoeZhao_APE_clemsongallery_20230930-14.jpg)
Joe Zhao | Assistant Photo Editor
Syracuse Marching Band's trumpet section make their way to Hendricks Chapel, but soon stop to play a tune for the tailgaters on the quad.
![A group of people waving large flags](http://dailyorange.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/01194226/CassandraRoshu_PE_clemsongallery_September-29-2023_031-scaled.jpg)
Cassandra Roshu | Photo Editor
The color guard of the Syracuse Marching Band enters the quad with their flag swinging. They performed alongside the music of the band and the cheerleaders in front of Hendricks Chapel.
![A group of people cheering.](http://dailyorange.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/01194254/JoeZhao_APE_clemsongallery_20230930-36-scaled.jpg)
Joe Zhao | Assistant Photo Editor
Crowds cheer as the band begins to line up on Hendricks Chapel. The band danced alongside the audience to their stand tunes.
![A band performs.](http://dailyorange.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/01194250/JoeZhao_APE_clemsongallery_20230930-34.jpg)
Joe Zhao | Assistant Photo Editor
The band sets up on Hendricks Chapel stairs. They prepared the audience for the big game with audacious music that could be heard across campus.
![A line of drummers](http://dailyorange.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/01194203/AG6_1463-scaled.jpg)
Aidan Groeling | Contributing photographer
The drumline leads the fans to the opening of the Dome. Everyone clapped and danced behind them as they marched down forestry drive to the stadium.