Finger Lakes Sporting Culture: The Most Popular Sports

Sport is a huge part of American culture, and that passion definitely trickles down to the Finger Lakes region. Despite being a smaller area with no major professional franchises, the region boasts a vibrant sports culture rooted in community, education, and the outdoors. Regarding fan base and followership, Finger Lakes locals often adopt professional teams from nearby cities. There’s also plenty of pride and support for NCAA programs like Syracuse, Binghamton, and the University of Rochester. 

This article explores the sporting culture in the Finger Lakes, highlighting some of the region’s most popular sports. 

Football (American)

Like in most parts of the country, football is a big deal in the Finger Lakes. Even though the region doesn’t have a major professional team, it has a vibrant, visible football culture. One of the biggest determinants of a sport’s popularity is the level of fandom and community support surrounding it. And when it comes to football, Finger Lakes locals don’t shy away from showing love. 

Many fans rally behind nearby NFL teams like the Buffalo Bills, New York Giants, and even the New York Jets, the closest pro football teams to the area. College football programs like Syracuse, Binghamton University, and the University of Rochester also enjoy significant support in the Finger Lakes.

Regarding football facilities, Finger Lake houses one of the country’s most iconic college football venues, the Syracuse JMA Wireless Dome, which hosts thousands of fans on game days. There are also other smaller stadiums like the Fauver Stadium in Rochester.

Basketball

Basketball, another mainstream American sport, also enjoys a strong following in the Finger Lakes. The region doesn’t have an NBA team, but many locals throw their support behind nearby franchises like the New York Knicks or Brooklyn Nets. Depending on family ties or favorite players, some fans even stretch their allegiance to teams in neighboring states, like the Philadelphia 76ers or Boston Celtics.

However, the real heart of basketball in the Finger Lakes is at the college level. Syracuse University has a strong basketball program, and it is known for producing NBA players and making a strong charge for the NCAA title. Their games at the JMA Wireless Dome also draw large, passionate crowds and are a big deal during the season.

Lacrosse

Lacrosse might not be as popular as football or basketball, but it’s a big deal in the Finger Lakes. It is a team sport played with a small rubber ball and long-handled lacrosse sticks. Players use the stick’s netted head to catch, carry, pass, and shoot the ball into the opposing team’s goal.
Just like India 

Like cricket, which is ingrained in Indian culture, with several people watching, cheering, and even following their live line cricket rate wagers, lacrosse enjoys that same kind of deep-rooted passion in the Finger Lakes. It’s a part of the region’s identity, with strong community support and a long-standing tradition.

Syracuse University is also one of the biggest names in lacrosse in the Finger Lakes region. The men’s team has a long and successful history, with several national championships and famous players like Gary and Paul Gait. The women’s team is also strong and regularly competes at a high level, attracting massive viewership. Other colleges in the region, such as Cornell, Hobart, William Smith, and RIT, also have strong lacrosse programs that compete at the national level.

Baseball

Baseball is another prominent sport in the Finger Lakes’ sporting culture. There are three major baseball teams with close proximity to the region: the New York Yankees, New York Mets, and the Toronto Blue Jays. The New York Yankees are arguably the most iconic team in Major League Baseball. Their fans are spread far and wide, including right here in the Finger Lakes. The team has 27 World Series titles to its name. This winning culture adds to their national appeal and makes them a favorite for many locals.

College (NCAA) baseball teams are also popular in the Finger Lakes. The Rochester Red Wings and the Syracuse Chiefs have strong fan bases. Also, the Finger Lakes Community College (FLCC) Lakers compete in the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA).

Hockey

Hockey might not be the first sport that comes to mind when you think of the Finger Lakes, but make no mistake, there’s a dedicated fan base here. While the region doesn’t have an NHL team, Finger Lakes residents are well within cheering distance of several major franchises. The Buffalo Sabres and the New York Rangers enjoy strong followership. Some fans even root for nearby teams like the Pittsburgh Penguins or Toronto Maple Leafs.

College hockey is also a big part of the region, especially at Cornell University. Their team is among the top programs in NCAA Division I, and their home games at Lynah Rink in Ithaca are known for their energetic crowds, especially when Cornell faces off against longtime rival Harvard. 

There’s also solid representation in Division III, with schools like RIT. Their men’s and women’s programs have both made national tournament runs.

Conclusion

The Finger Lakes region may not have its own major professional sports teams, but its sporting culture is anything but quiet. There is a sense of community and pride that surrounds sports in the region, whether locals are rallying behind nearby professional franchises or passionately supporting their own teams, such as Syracuse University