A Fundraiser with a Fine Mess
The 'Fine Mess' tailgate group is preparing to auction three bundles of four tickets for the upcoming Syracuse University versus Notre Dame football showdown on November 28, turning a beloved game‑day tradition into a charitable drive that benefits both the tailgate’s equipment cache and Syracuse Athletics' Competitive Excellence program.
Each ticket package will be sold to the highest bidder, with the winning bids split between replenishing the tailgate’s gear and supporting the university’s student‑athlete recruitment and program development efforts. One set of tickets was donated by the Lally Foundation, which has a longstanding connection to Section 128 of the JMA Wireless Dome, while another bundle is reserved for upper sideline seats in the B or C levels of the stadium.
Bidding opens at $200 and will close on November 20 at 4:00 p.m. Eastern. Digital tickets will be delivered to winners 24 to 48 hours before kickoff, allowing fans to plan their game‑day experience without delay.
The Fine Mess tailgate originated informally in the late 1990s and was formally organized in 2007. Known for its all‑you‑can‑eat‑and‑drink offerings — including craft beers, seltzers and a margarita machine — the group regularly partners with local charities through a 50‑50 raffle and collaborations such as the National Association of the 10th Mountain Division.
The auction is managed via the thread "Fine Mess fundraiser – Notre Dame tickets" on syracusefan.com, and it also highlights Notre Dame’s independent football program, which is currently ranked No. 5 in the preseason Coaches’ Top 25 poll and eyeing a College Football Playoff berth.
Mark Cupelo, a longtime member of the tailgate, says the fundraiser reflects the group’s commitment to community, while John Lally and Laura Lally, representing the Lally Foundation, emphasize the importance of supporting Syracuse Athletics’ ambitions and the broader student‑athlete experience.