Recognizing the significant impact the project will have on Black Hawk County, the Board of Supervisors voted on October 17 to award $1 million to support a $50 million comprehensive renovation to the UNI-Dome.
Several of the supervisors expressed that the facility is a key economic driver for the Cedar Valley and enhances the quality of life in Black Hawk County.
“Supporting UNI is supporting the Cedar Valley. The Dome project represents an economic anchor that drives dollars throughout the Cedar Valley, helping support establishments that help define our community,” said Supervisor Tavis Hall.
“I have no doubt the county's investment is going to pay dividends for all of our citizens,” said Supervisor Dan Trelka.
“UNI Athletics is very grateful and incredibly excited to receive the support of the Black Hawk County Board of Supervisors,” said UNI Athletics Director David Harris. “We have said from the beginning that the UNI-Dome is a multi-purpose facility that brings visitors to the Cedar Valley. Those visitors have a significant economic impact on our community on an annual basis. The board was able to recognize how an investment in this project is an investment in the continued vitality of our region. Their support will help make this vision a reality.”
Since opening its doors in 1976, the UNI-Dome has become synonymous with the University of Northern Iowa and the Cedar Valley as a whole. Economic data gathered by UNI Athletics shows more than 500,000 people visit the UNI-Dome each year, resulting in an annual economic impact of more than $17 million. Annually, more than 200,000 visitors come from outside of Black Hawk County.
The UNI-Dome renovation project is a part of UNI's Our Tomorrow campaign.
Donations to the UNI-Dome project are tax-deductible through the UNI Foundation and can be made 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 Jamar Thompson, associate athletic director for external affairs, at 319-273-7817 or jamar.thompson@uni.edu.