UNI readies second phase of UNI-Dome renovation

CEDAR FALLS, Iowa -Two years after the University of Northern Iowa announced a major capital campaign to renovate the UNI-Dome, the first phase of the project has been completed and the university is seeking to launch the next phase. Phase two of the project will go before the Iowa Board of Regents at its November meeting for approval. The second phase looks to elevate the fan experience inside the UNI-Dome with a comprehensive reseating, improved accessibility and restroom upgrades.

"The UNI-Dome has given so much to Panther fans and this state. It's time for us to give back to this iconic space," said Megan Franklin, UNI athletics director. "The proposed upgrades to the bowl will provide Panther fans a variety of seating options and styles with increased comfort and high-end amenities."

Seating upgrades proposed in the second phase of the renovation include:

• new seating with wider chair backs in the general seating area
• premium seating options for additional comfort
• and an expanded suite level that will also bring in more revenue to sustain UNI-Dome operations.

Wider aisles and handrails as well as a new elevator will increase accessibility. Party decks will be added to the northwest and southwest corners allowing patrons an area to gather with friends to view the game. Additional bathrooms will be built in the northwest and southwest corners as well.

Over $9 million of the $16 million cost of phase two has been secured to date. Construction will tentatively begin in April with new seating ready for the 2025 football season. Phase two work is planned to be completed by fall of 2026 to coincide with the UNI-Dome's 50th anniversary in 2026.

This exciting next step builds on the recently completed $11.2 million first phase of renovations, which includes a new Teflon-coated fiberglass roof and the addition of the Van G. Miller Family Charitable Foundation Football Team Meeting Room in the northeast corner of stands.

"Fifty years ago, university leaders had a vision for a structure that would serve the university, the community and the state as a place to bring us together," said UNI President Mark Nook. "We are grateful for a new generation of donors who have made this first phase of the UNI-Dome renovation possible. This first phase is the initial step in a renovation that will carry this iconic facility through the next 50 years."

Each year, the UNI-Dome welcomes 500,000 visitors to UNI, the Cedar Valley, Iowa and other regional events. The UNI-Dome has a $17 million economic impact on the community each year - a number that continues to grow.

The UNI-Dome renovation project is a part of UNI's Our Tomorrowcampaign. The campaign, publicly launched in October of 2022, has raised $281.3 million to support the university, with nearly $90 million in support of student scholarships and access and an additional $95 million in support of academic programs. More than 30,000 unique donors have given in support of the campaign.

Gifts to the UNI-Dome project and Our Tomorrowcampaign are tax-deductible through the UNI Foundationand can be made outright or as a multi-year pledge.

For more information and to view the renderings, visit the UNI-Dome renovation website, unidomerenovation.com. Additional questions about the UNI-Dome renovation can be sent to Steve Gearhart, associate vice president of university advancement, at 319-273-5968 or [email protected].

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