Dome renovation impacts Minot, region
MINOT, N.D. – The Minot State University Dome dominates the skyline, casting a shadow across the north end of campus.
The impact the MSU Dome has on the local sports scene and the economy reaches much further than its North Hill location.
Serving as one of the top athletic venues in the Upper Midwest, Minot State has made significant improvements to the Dome to ensure that status and ensure Minot stays in the rotation for regional and state tournaments.
“The MSU Dome was really built to host regional and state sporting events,” said Rick Hedberg, Minot State vice president for advancement / executive director for the MSU Development Foundation. “Minot has a long and storied history of hosting these types of events dating back to the 1950s. The Dome opened in the early 80s and really set Minot up to continue the tradition of hosting. These tournaments have a major impact on our city and our campus.”
The pinnacle event happens this week as the Dome and Minot will host the State Class B Boys Basketball Tournament Thursday through Saturday. The event is estimated to attract 30,000 fans during the three days.
“I think the MSU Dome is now one of the premier basketball venues in the state,” said Mitch Lunde ’92, Minot Public Schools activities director and manager of the state tournament. “Minot has a reputation for being Class B country, fans enjoy the setting at the Dome and in Minot, and Minot has done a great job of taking those people in with open arms.”
“As far as facilities go, especially in Western North Dakota, it’s one of the best. There is nothing like the Dome when it is packed and the fans are right behind the basket,” said Brock Teets ’99, current Our Redeemer’s Christian School head coach. “I’ve played and coached at the Dome and you want that energy, you want the people on top of the court. On semifinal night and championship night, it gets loud.”
As a premier venue, the University continues to enhance and prioritize the viewer’s experience. In 2019, MSU underwent a $2.8 million renovation project replacing the seating in the lower section of the arena, incorporating a concourse level for entry to the seating from the second floor, and adding bar-top seating.
“The red seats look awesome,” Teets said, referring to the red chairback seating in the lower bowl that replaced the original blue and green decor. “I can remember coming over as a kid when they were pouring the concrete for the original build — it has come a long way.”
“The fans have changed over the years, it used to be someone would watch all four games all three days. That doesn’t happen as much,” Lunde added. “You have to keep up with the Jones so to speak to make sure the venue is — and really your community is — kid, family, and adult friendly. All of those things make for a great event. Even adding the new lights in the Dome this year has made a difference. The little things add up.
“It takes a community to host an event like this — Minot State, Minot Public Schools, Visit Minot, the City of Minot — all work together to make it go smoothly.”
Stephanie Schoenrock, executive director at Visit Minot, agrees amenities such as the video board make a difference attracting potential events.
“In the past 12 months, as Visit Minot has actively pursued hosting new/additional events in Minot, we’ve learned facility standards have shifted,” she said. “Spectators expect modern facilities; amenities like a giant video board, comfortable seating, modernized restrooms, ample parking, and a choice of concessions make a big difference.
“As we continue to track the visitation to our key facilities in Minot, we are continually impressed with the economic impact from visitors at Minot State University.”
Since its completion in 1981, the Dome has played host to multiple local and regional events beyond basketball including the Special Olympics, high school track & field meets, Minot State and Minot High School graduation ceremonies, the MSU Powwow, concerts, and conventions.
“The ability to have it be multifunctional, not just a basketball arena, but softball, volleyball, track & field, wrestling, and not just sporting events, for everyone to have the space is so important,” Teets said. “The investments made at the Dome help our community have more things available and that’s good for all of Northcentral North Dakota.”
To offset costs of these major renovations, MSU sought both public and private partnerships. The MSU Development Foundation partnered with four area companies — First International Bank & Trust, SCHEELS, First Western Bank & Trust, and Ryan Family Dealerships — along with a grant from the Minot Community Facilities Fund and a buy-a-seat campaign.
“With the Dome approaching 40 years since it’s opening, it was showing its age and many competing venues across the state had made some significant improvements,” Hedberg said. “We put together a nice plan for improvements and we were so fortunate to have wonderful support from local businesses and individuals as well as the City of Minot. It’s easy to see how these tournaments benefit our region of the state. The improvements have been well received by our fans and visitors.”
About Minot State University
Minot State University is a public university dedicated to excellence in education, scholarship, and community engagement achieved through
rigorous academic experiences, active learning environments, commitment to public service, and a vibrant campus life.
| Published: 03/16/22 |
