UNI-Dome facts for kids
 |
|
| Location | 2401 Hudson Road Cedar Falls, Iowa, 50614 United States |
|---|---|
| Owner | University of Northern Iowa |
| Operator | University of Northern Iowa |
| Capacity | 16,324 (American football) |
| Surface | Mondoturf |
| Construction | |
| Broke ground | July 26, 1974 |
| Built | 1974–1976 |
| Opened | February 7, 1976 |
| Construction cost | $7.5 million ($38.6 million in 2022 dollars ) |
| Architect | Thorson-Brom-Broshar-Snyder Architects |
| Structural engineer | Geiger-Berger Associates |
| General contractor | John G. Miller Construction Company |
| Tenants | |
| Northern Iowa Panthers Football (1976–present) IHSAA Football Playoffs (1976–present) UNI Panthers Men's Basketball (1976–2006) UNI Panthers Women's Basketball (1978–2006) UNI Panthers Wrestling (1976–2006) UNI Panthers Volleyball (1978–2006) |
|
The UNI-Dome (say "YOU-nih-dome") is a large building used for many different events. It is located on the campus of the University of Northern Iowa in Cedar Falls, Iowa, United States. The UNI-Dome opened in 1976. It became the home for the UNI Panthers basketball and football teams.
The stadium can hold 16,324 people for football games. For other events like basketball, it can hold even more. It once held 22,000 people for a wrestling championship! Since 1976, the UNI-Dome has also hosted the Iowa State High School football championships. It's a busy place, hosting many sports, concerts, and big meetings.
Contents
History of the UNI-Dome
In 1994, the UNI-Dome's roof, which was supported by air, fell in during a snowstorm. This had happened before, so the university decided to replace it. They built a stronger, permanent metal roof instead.
Before November 2006, the UNI-Dome was also home to the university's basketball, volleyball, and wrestling teams. These teams later moved to a new building called the McLeod Center. The McLeod Center is right next to the UNI-Dome. A covered walkway connects the two buildings.
The most people ever to watch a football game at the UNI-Dome was 17,190. This record was set on October 17, 2009. It was during a homecoming game against the Southern Illinois team.
Stadium Upgrades
The UNI-Dome's roof was fixed again in 2010. This was because of damage from a strong wind storm in 2009. The repairs cost about $4 million. That storm caused a lot of damage around Cedar Falls.
In 2008, the UNI-Dome got a new, clear HD video board for football games. This new screen replaced an old one that often had problems. The Iowa High School Athletic Association helped pay for the new board. They host their state football championships at the UNI-Dome every year.
Another big video board was added in 2014 at the south end of the stadium. It measures 100 feet by 27 feet. The older video board was moved to the north end. This new board is one of the largest in college football's FCS division.
Before the 2017 football season, the UNI-Dome got a brand new playing field. They installed AstroTurf, which is a type of artificial grass. This upgrade cost about $900,000.
Cool Features of the UNI-Dome
During football games, the UNI-Dome has a fun tradition. Before the game starts, announcers share the weather from the visiting team's hometown. Then, they say, "The temperature in Cedar Falls, no wind, 72°, Welcome to the UNI-DOME!" This highlights that the indoor stadium is always warm and comfortable, no matter the weather outside.
The university celebrated 40 years of the UNI-Dome in 2016. The UNI Panthers football team has a great record playing at home. As of December 2019, they had won almost 80% of their games in the dome.
Other Ways the UNI-Dome is Used
When athletic teams are not using the UNI-Dome, it is open to the public. Many students and local people come to run or walk inside. They can use the stairs and the concourse (the area where fans walk around).
The UNI-Dome also hosts graduation ceremonies for the university. A very special ceremony happened in 2011. The First Lady of the United States, Michelle Obama, gave a speech there.
Events and Concerts
The UNI-Dome has hosted many exciting events over the years. It has been a venue for professional wrestling shows. Many famous bands have also played concerts there. Some of these include The Rolling Stones, The Who, Grateful Dead, Pink Floyd, Taylor Swift, Luke Bryan, and Garth Brooks.
Fleetwood Mac set the UNI-Dome attendance record for a concert. On December 1, 1979, 25,500 people came to see them perform!
Images for kids
-
UNI's Offense getting to work against the St. Francis Red Flash September 19, 2009
-
professors marching in commencement ceremony, December 2005
