SYRACUSE, N.Y. -- A few hundred people popped into the Carrier Dome for the start of Fan Appreciation Weekend, formally known as Orange Madness. 

Although Friday's festivities were a little less intense than previous years, it didn't dull the excitement of fans. 

"It's amazing. It's amazing watching Tyus Battle play, you know dribbling up the court. It's like, it's amazing. It's amazing," said Syracuse resident Dylan Purdy.

The men's team welcomes six newcomers with four freshman and two transfers. 

Friday night's preview of the men's team is only the kick-off to fan appreciation weekend, the women's team will take the court on Sunday.