Bryce Harper, one of baseball’s youngest stars, brings an interesting opportunity to Syracuse University students.

Harper’s time in Syracuse will help increase the popularity of the Syracuse Chiefs. He has enough big-name notoriety to bring students outside the SU bubble and give community members a chance to witness history.

Harper has been hailed for years as a baseball prodigy. He is 19 years old and playing on the Washington Nationals’ Triple-A affiliate. Although it’s early in the season, Chiefs officials have seen a rise in multipack tickets sales. When Harper played for the Nationals’ Single-A affiliate last summer, attendance for games nearly doubled. The Chiefs struggle to attract fans partially because of the emphasis on other Syracuse sports, particularly basketball.

SU does not offer a baseball program, and the Chiefs can help fill a void for baseball lovers on campus. With Harper on the roster, fans have an extra incentive to go. The Alliance Bank Stadium is a quick drive or bus ride off campus. Ticket prices are relatively cheap – general admission tickets cost $8. The team plays 15 more games in Syracuse this April.

Harper has the chance to be one of the best baseball players in history if he continues on his current trajectory. A Sports Illustrated article once referred to Harper as ‘Baseball’s Lebron.’ In 2010, he was the No. 1 overall pick in the Major League Baseball amateur draft. With Harper in Syracuse this season, students have the opportunity to watch a snapshot of sports history.