Power Surges Disrupt Syracuse-California Basketball Game

Dome lights and scoreboards affected during overtime thriller

Feb. 12, 2026 at 1:23am

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The JMA Wireless Dome in Syracuse experienced two power surges during the Syracuse-California men's basketball game on Wednesday night, causing disruptions to the lighting and scoreboards. The game was briefly paused as officials assessed the situation, but was able to continue with the court remaining well-lit. Syracuse went on to win the double-overtime thriller 107-100.

Why it matters

Power outages and surges can be disruptive to live sporting events, impacting the fan experience and potentially affecting the outcome of the game. This incident raises questions about the reliability of the Dome's electrical infrastructure and whether backup systems are in place to prevent such disruptions.

The details

The first power surge occurred during the second half of the game, causing the lights to flicker and the scoreboards to freeze before eventually returning to normal. The second surge hit during overtime, knocking out the surrounding lights and rendering the scoreboards inoperable for the rest of the game. However, the court lighting remained bright enough for play to continue.

  • The first power surge occurred with about 14 minutes remaining in the second half.
  • The second power surge happened after the game went to overtime.

The players

Adrian Autry

Syracuse University men's basketball head coach.

Mark Madsen

University of California men's basketball head coach.

Pete Sala

Syracuse University Vice President & Chief Facilities Officer.

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What they’re saying

“The lights that shine on the court run on their own system and were not affected by the power surges.”

— Pete Sala, Syracuse University Vice President & Chief Facilities Officer

What’s next

Syracuse University officials will likely investigate the cause of the power surges and work to ensure the Dome's electrical infrastructure is reliable for future events.

The takeaway

While the game was able to continue despite the power disruptions, the incident highlights the need for robust backup systems and contingency plans to prevent such issues from impacting the fan experience and potentially influencing the outcome of live sporting events.