WCFCourier: "Iowa regents consider plan to replace UNI-Dome fabric roof "

[ronfitch]

"More than 20 years after it was installed, the University of Northern Iowa is pushing plans to replace the UNI-Dome’s fabric roof.

The estimated $7 million to $8 million project was advanced by the Iowa Board of Regents’ property and facilities committee earlier this week, The Courier reported. Regents are expected to approve the plan at a meeting Wednesday."

Guess Cap'n Cat doesn't get an outdoor stadium any time soon.

Entire read:
https://wcfcourier.com/news/state-an...8bd49e9b4.html

[Newsbreaker]

Mother of God, it's been 20 years. I still remember watching the old roof deflate out the windows of Bender.

[vbfan19]

hopefully this roof replacement process has fewer problems and issues than the last roof replacement process.

[Born-a-Panther]

Mother of God, it's been 20 years. I still remember watching the old roof deflate out the windows of Bender.

My dad could share some emotional, cool stories of when the very first Dome roof collapsed. Standing there with Stan Sheriff by his side watching it happen.

Anyways - yeah... can't believe it's been 20 years. That's almost scary how fast that went.

[BCPanther]

We're really getting to the point where both buildings are showing their age. Need an influx of serious cash. Easier said than done but we've got good people working on it.

[Skej75]

My dad could share some emotional, cool stories of when the very first Dome roof collapsed. Standing there with Stan Sheriff by his side watching it happen.

Anyways - yeah... can't believe it's been 20 years. That's almost scary how fast that went.

If it first collapsed about 20 years ago, Stan Sheriff was not there. He died in 1993.

[BCPanther]

If it first collapsed about 20 years ago, Stan Sheriff was not there. He died in 1993.

It collapsed multiple times. It actually collapsed the first time right after they inflated it for the first time.

The catastrophic one was 1994 that finally led them to replacing it.

[Neighbor]

We're really getting to the point where both buildings are showing their age. Need an influx of serious cash. Easier said than done but we've got good people working on it.

What is the second building. McLeod center?
But for a 45 year old building the uni dome is is good condition. At least compared to sports facilities in Minneapolis.

[BCPanther]

What is the second building. McLeod center?
But for a 45 year old building the uni dome is is good condition. At least compared to sports facilities in Minneapolis.

Yep. Both buildings need all audio/video capabilities redone and lighting updated. The Dome needs a full top to bottom overhaul. The McLeod Center still feels 'unfinished'.

It's incredibly expensive, of course, but it has to be on the not too far term plan.

[vbfan19]

I go to athletic events to watch the action itself, not stare at the scoreboard or video board.
Sure, upgrades would be nice, but I don't consider them mandatory.
And I'm not in the position to make a major donation toward capital improvements, so I'm not going to whine about it.

[Blue42]

We're really getting to the point where both buildings are showing their age. Need an influx of serious cash. Easier said than done but we've got good people working on it.

The McLeod is showing its age....?

[ronfitch]

It collapsed multiple times. It actually collapsed the first time right after they inflated it for the first time.

The catastrophic one was 1994 that finally led them to replacing it.

Within two weeks of inflating it for the first time - the day after the official “Inflation Party” and open house on 11/8/75 - a roof panel tore in a storm and an interruption of electrical power which led to a partial deflation. Holes were shot in the sagging roof to drain rainwater and take weight off the support cables. High winds came again a few days later and tore more panels. It was repaired and re-inflated by the end of the month.

And again in ‘77 due to a main fan failing.

[BCPanther]

The McLeod is showing its age....?

It absolutely is. It's a 15 year old building that has had no major work done to it other than the suites on the west side, a cheap video board replacement and the forgotten ticket office.

Now it doesn't need the total overhaul the Dome does but getting into current day with lighting and audio/video presentation would make a huge difference. A ribbon board for ad revenue and live stats as well as the scorer's table for the same would be a nice move. I'd LOVE to see a hanging board too.

I'd also love to see a volleyball surface purchased. New lighting could also make it a more usable wrestling venue, with our current system being all or nothing, it's just flat too bright in there to create a wrestling atmosphere.

We've just got to keep raising dollars.

[Born-a-Panther]

If it first collapsed about 20 years ago, Stan Sheriff was not there. He died in 1993.

I'm aware that Staff Sheriff died several, several years ago. I'm also very clear on the Dome history. Thanks to those that cleared this up on my behalf!

[vbfan19]

I gotta be honest, I haven't fully conditioned myself to realize that the 90s were more than 20 years ago.
I'm getting old