Tomorrow's
UNI-Dome
Renewing the UNI-Dome for the Next Generation
In nearly 50 years of increasing demands and usage, the UNI-Dome has seen occasional updates and improvements, but never the kind of comprehensive renewal envisioned here.
It's time to renovate and renew our UNI-Dome to serve our fans, athletes, community, state and nation for the next generation.
The renewed UNI-Dome will:
- Give hundreds of student-athletes a state-of-the-art facility for practice and competition, learning and leadership development
- Give patrons a first-class experience from the moment they arrive
- Raise the profile of Panther Athletics in the Cedar Valley, the state and the nation and compete with other athletic facilities across the country
- Build upon the legacy established 50 years ago and continue to serve as a landmark for the community, state and region
- Serve as an economic driver and grow the current economic impact to the Cedar Valley estimated at more than $17 million per year
- Renew its appeal for the next generation — offering fans, visitors, student-athletes, events and organizers a compelling destination in the heart of our community
The general seating area will be upgraded with a variety of new seating options including wider seats, bleacher areas, premium seating and an expanded suite level. Additional restrooms will be built into the northwest and southwest corners of the UNI-Dome.
Club seats will be available for fans, creating a high-end experience with comfortable black leather seats and access to the NW and SW upper terraces during UNI football games.
The west side of the UNI-Dome features 10 new suites that can accommodate from 12 to 30 patrons per suite. Suites include comfortable black leather seats at the front, a drink rail behind and counter space in the back. Fans in the suites also have access to the NW and SW upper terraces as well as two new bathrooms.
The west side of the UNI-Dome features 10 new suites that can accommodate 12 to 30 patrons per suite. Suites include comfortable black leather seats at the front, a drink rail behind and counter space in the back. Fans in the suites also have access to the NW and SW upper terraces as well as two new bathrooms.
Upper and lower terraces will be created in the NW and SW corners of the UNI-Dome to allow patrons an area to gather with friends to view the game.
Upper and lower terraces will be created in the NW and SW corners of the UNI-Dome to allow patrons an area to gather with friends to view the game. Additionally, a meeting room will be built into the lower terrace for use during events and games.
All renderings are conceptual only
Creating a better patron experience
- A new Teflon-coated fiberglass roof
- Van G. Miller Family Charitable Foundation Meeting Room supports our student-athletes and coaches and serve as suites for games/events
Phase 1 - COMPLETE ✓
- Comprehensive Reseating
- The general seating area will be upgraded with a variety of new seating options and party decks in the NW and SW corners
- Premium seating options create a high-end experience for fans looking for expanded comfort and viewing
- New Suites
- A new expanded suites level will create a premium fan experience and bring in more revenue to support Panther Athletics and sustain UNI-Dome operations
- Improved Accessibility
- New seating, wider aisles, hand rails will improve comfort and accessibility for all fans and visitors
- A new elevator will be installed on the west side for access to offices and seating areas
Phase 2 - IN PROGRESS
Future phases
- An all-new indoor track will allow our teams to compete on a championship-level running surface and to continue to host world class events
- New restrooms will be built in the NW and SW corners, adding to current restroom facilities
- Improved sound system
- More efficient lighting
- Restroom additions to the northeast and southeast corners
- Enhanced finishes include graphics throughout the UNI-Dome and marquee signage
Our History
The Vision
Athletics Director Stan Sheriff, Secretary of Agriculture Robert Lounsberry, T. Wayne Davis, Iowa Governor Robert D. Ray and UNI President John Kamerick
Groundbreaking Ceremony
July 26, 1974, clockwise from lower left: Mary Louise Peterson, president of the State Board of Regents; David Scherman, UNISA president; T. Wayne Davis, national chairman of the Centennial Fund Drive; Harry Slife, member of the Board of Regents & past president of the UNI Foundation; Robert Giertz, president of the UNI Foundation; UNI President John Kamerick; Iowa Governor Robert D. Ray
Construction
Construction underway for the UNI-Dome.
Doors Open
The UNI-Dome officially opens its doors. A grand opening took place over multiple days celebrating the new facility.
World-Class Performers
The Rolling Stones play for thousands of fans in the UNI-Dome. Frost on the roof of the Dome met the warm atmosphere during the concert, causing it to rain down on the band and concert goers alike.
A Place to Gather
RAGBRAI stays overnight outside the UNI-Dome
Dome Deflated
December 7, 1994 - Dome deflates after snow and ice cause tear in the fabric roof.
Hard Shell Roof
Construction of a hard shell roof completed.
North Dome Renovation
Completion of the Richard O. Jacobson Human Performance Complex which included a new football locker room, offices, training room and north end concourse connection.
Community Service
Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service held in the UNI-Dome. The largest single-day volunteer event in the Cedar Valley.
Economic Impact of the UNI-Dome
$17 Million
annual economic impact
200,000
visitors from outside
Black Hawk County
500,000
annual visitors
40+
single and multi-day community events hosted annually in addition to UNI events and classes
- Iowa High School Football Championships
- Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service
- High school & community college graduation ceremonies
- Special Olympics
- STEM festivals
- FIRST Robotics Competition
- Arts and crafts shows
- Farm shows
- Sportsman shows
- Boat shows
- Antique shows
- USA wrestling events
- Soccer tournaments
- Softball tournaments
- Junior college football championships
- Youth Sports Foundation events
- Iowa Shrine Bowl All-Star Football Classic
- High school football games
- High school track events
- Sports camps and clinics
- Concerts
- General community use
Naming
Opportunities
| Naming Opportunity | Price |
|---|
| Naming Opportunity | Price |
|---|
Frequently Asked
Questions
Project News
Contact Us
Please reach out for more information and how you can help support the UNI-Dome Renovation.
Senior Associate Athletic Director for Development & NIL
How you can help
Keep the UNI-Dome a special place for generations to come.