Currently, there are 10 football stadiums with fixed domes and 7 football stadiums with retractable roofs, totaling 17 major football venues that are enclosed or partially enclosed. This number fluctuates slightly with new construction and renovations, but it provides a solid overview of how many football stadiums offer protection from the elements.
The allure of a controlled environment for football games has led to the development of numerous enclosed football stadiums and retractable roof football stadiums across the globe. These venues offer unique advantages, from fan comfort to playing conditions, and their popularity continues to grow. If you’re wondering about the prevalence of these modern marvels, you’ve come to the right place. Let’s dive into the specifics of how many football stadiums have domes and explore the world of indoor football venues.
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The Appeal of Covered Football Venues
Why do stadiums opt for domes or roofs? Several compelling reasons drive this trend in stadium design.
Fan Comfort and Experience
One of the primary drivers is enhancing the fan experience. No one enjoys sitting in the pouring rain, sweltering heat, or freezing cold. Domes and retractable roofs ensure that spectators can enjoy the game in a comfortable, climate-controlled environment, regardless of the weather outside. This means a more pleasant experience for families, tailgaters, and casual fans alike.
Playing Conditions
For players, a controlled environment can mean more consistent playing conditions. This can reduce the impact of weather on gameplay, such as wind, rain, or snow affecting kicking or passing. While some argue that this removes an element of natural challenge, others believe it allows for a purer display of athletic skill.
Event Versatility
Football stadiums with roofs and domes are not just for football. They can host a wide array of other events, such as concerts, basketball games, rodeos, and trade shows, without being limited by weather. This increased versatility can lead to greater revenue generation for the stadium and the city.
Broadcasting and Technology
Enclosed stadiums can also be better equipped for advanced broadcasting technology and in-stadium entertainment systems. Without weather interference, lighting and sound systems can operate at peak efficiency, providing a superior visual and auditory experience for both live attendees and television viewers.
Fixed Domes: The Fully Enclosed Experience
Fixed domes offer complete protection from the elements. These are the quintessential domed NFL stadiums and domed college football stadiums that many people picture when thinking about covered football venues.
How Many NFL Stadiums Have Fixed Domes?
Currently, there are five NFL stadiums with fixed domes:
- Allegiant Stadium (Las Vegas Raiders): Opened in 2020, this state-of-the-art stadium features a translucent ETFE roof that allows natural light while protecting from the desert heat.
- AT&T Stadium (Dallas Cowboys): Famously known as “Jerry’s World,” this stadium, which opened in 2009, boasts a massive, architecturally striking, and very long retractable roof. However, it is typically kept closed for football games, functioning much like a fixed dome for gameplay.
- Caesars Superdome (New Orleans Saints): A historic icon, the Superdome has been home to the Saints since 1975. Its distinctive dome was one of the first of its kind in major sports venues.
- Ford Field (Detroit Lions): Opened in 2002, Ford Field has a dome that offers a climate-controlled environment for Lions games.
- Lucas Oil Stadium (Indianapolis Colts): Opened in 2008, this stadium features a large, translucent roof that provides shelter for Colts games and other events.
How Many NCAA Stadiums Have Fixed Domes?
Several prominent NCAA Division I FBS stadiums also feature fixed domes, primarily catering to universities in warmer climates or those that host numerous non-football events.
- Alamodome (San Antonio, Texas – UTSA Roadrunners): While not a primary Power Five conference stadium, the Alamodome is a significant venue that has hosted college football games and is home to UTSA.
- Reliant Stadium (Houston Texans – formerly home to college games): Although an NFL stadium, it’s worth noting its history with college events.
- University of Phoenix Stadium (now State Farm Stadium, Arizona Cardinals – formerly hosted Fiesta Bowl and College Football Playoff National Championship): This stadium, known for its retractable roof, has also been highlighted for its impressive dome-like capabilities.
- Rice-Eccles Stadium (University of Utah – expanded, but not fully domed): While significant renovations have improved coverage, it’s not a fully domed stadium in the traditional sense for football.
- Texas A&M University – Kyle Field: While it has a significant canopy, it’s not a fully enclosed dome.
It’s important to differentiate between a full dome and extensive covered seating. Many modern NCAA stadiums with domes or significant roof structures are focused on providing shade and some protection rather than full enclosure for gameplay.
Retractable Roofs: The Best of Both Worlds
Retractable roof stadiums offer flexibility. They can be opened on pleasant days to provide an outdoor atmosphere or closed to protect against inclement weather. This makes them incredibly versatile and popular among teams and fan bases.
How Many NFL Stadiums Have Retractable Roofs?
There are seven NFL stadiums with retractable roofs:
- AT&T Stadium (Dallas Cowboys): While often operated as a closed environment, its massive retractable roof is a defining feature.
- Empower Field at Mile High (Denver Broncos): Features a partial retractable roof.
- Lumen Field (Seattle Seahawks): Opened in 2002, it has a distinctive wave-like roof structure with a retractable section.
- NRG Stadium (Houston Texans): The first NFL stadium to feature a retractable roof, opened in 2002.
- State Farm Stadium (Arizona Cardinals): Opened in 2006, it boasts a retractable roof and a retractable natural grass field.
- SoFi Stadium (Los Angeles Rams and Los Angeles Chargers): Opened in 2020, this cutting-edge stadium features a transparent, fixed roof with large openings, creating an indoor-outdoor feel rather than a traditional retractable roof. However, it offers significant weather protection.
- US Bank Stadium (Minnesota Vikings): Opened in 2016, this stadium features a massive, transparent roof that provides ample natural light while keeping the elements out.
How Many NCAA Stadiums Have Retractable Roofs?
While less common than in the NFL, some collegiate programs have invested in retractable roof facilities.
- Vanderbilt Stadium (Vanderbilt Commodores): Has undergone significant renovations, including the potential for improved roof structures. However, it is not widely recognized as a retractable roof stadium for football games currently.
- Future Considerations: As stadium technology advances, more collegiate athletic departments may explore retractable roof options for their flagship football stadiums, especially those in regions with unpredictable weather or those seeking to host major neutral-site games and events.
Stadiums with Covered Seating: A Different Approach
Beyond full domes and retractable roofs, many stadiums offer significant covered seating. This provides a degree of protection without the complete enclosure of a dome. These stadiums with covered seating are a popular compromise.
What Qualifies as “Covered Seating”?
This can range from small canopies over specific sections to extensive roof structures that cover a large percentage of the seating bowl. The primary goal is to shield fans from direct sun or light precipitation.
Examples of Stadiums with Extensive Covered Seating:
- FedExField (Washington Commanders): Features a large canopy over a significant portion of the seating.
- Raymond James Stadium (Tampa Bay Buccaneers): Has a distinctive canopy that covers a substantial area of the stands.
- Arrowhead Stadium (Kansas City Chiefs): While not fully covered, it has undergone renovations to improve fan amenities, including some sheltered areas.
- Bank of America Stadium (Carolina Panthers): Has also seen renovations that include improved covered areas.
These stadiums offer a compromise, providing a more comfortable experience for many fans without the complete environmental control of a dome. This is a growing trend, especially in warmer climates.
A Closer Look at Key Domed and Retractable Roof Stadiums
Let’s delve into some of the most notable examples of football stadiums with domes and retractable roofs.
Allegiant Stadium: The Desert Oasis
Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas is a marvel of modern engineering. Its translucent ETFE (ethylene tetrafluoroethylene) roof allows sunlight to pass through, creating a natural environment, yet it can maintain a controlled temperature, keeping fans cool in the blistering Nevada heat. The stadium also features a retractable bowl, allowing the field to be moved outside for other events, showcasing incredible flexibility. This is a prime example of stadiums with domes in NFL pushing the boundaries of design.
SoFi Stadium: The Transparent Marvel
SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles presents a unique approach. It features a transparent, fixed roof that covers the seating bowl but has large openings on the sidelines, creating an indoor-outdoor feel. This allows for natural air circulation while still offering significant protection from the sun and rain. It’s a distinctive addition to the list of domed stadiums, even if it doesn’t fit the traditional definition of a fully enclosed dome.
State Farm Stadium: Innovation in Arizona
State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, is another pioneer. It features a retractable roof that can open and close in as little as 12 minutes. What sets it apart is its retractable natural grass field. The field can be moved out from under the stadium to receive sunlight and natural conditioning, then slid back in for games, ensuring a pristine playing surface within a climate-controlled environment. This is a fantastic example of a retractable roof football stadium that prioritizes both player and fan experience.
Caesars Superdome: The Grandfather of Domes
The Caesars Superdome in New Orleans is an icon. When it opened in 1975, it was a revolutionary structure. Its massive dome was a significant architectural achievement for its time and has served as a symbol of resilience and entertainment for decades. It remains one of the most recognizable domed NFL stadiums.
The Future of Covered Football Stadiums
The trend towards enclosed football stadiums and those with advanced roof systems is likely to continue. As technology becomes more sophisticated and construction costs become more manageable, we can expect to see more of these innovative venues emerge.
Factors Driving Future Development:
- Fan Demand: Fans increasingly expect comfort and a premium experience.
- Economic Benefits: Increased event versatility translates to greater revenue potential.
- Sustainability: Modern designs often incorporate energy-efficient materials and systems.
- Technological Advancements: New materials and engineering techniques make larger and more complex roofs feasible.
Potential Challenges:
- Cost: Building and maintaining domed or retractable roof stadiums is significantly more expensive than traditional open-air venues.
- Environmental Impact: The energy required to climate-control a large stadium can be substantial.
- Atmosphere: Some traditionalists argue that the unique atmosphere of an outdoor game is lost in a dome.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: What is the primary benefit of having a domed stadium for football?
A1: The primary benefit is providing a controlled climate for players and fans, ensuring comfort regardless of weather conditions like rain, snow, heat, or cold.
Q2: Can I attend a football game in an open-air stadium during bad weather?
A2: Yes, you can attend games in open-air stadiums during bad weather, but you will be exposed to the elements. Domed and retractable roof stadiums offer protection from such conditions.
Q3: Who is responsible for deciding whether a retractable roof stadium is opened or closed?
A3: Typically, the stadium management or the home team’s organization makes the decision, often considering factors like weather forecasts, fan comfort, and event type.
Q4: Are there any stadiums that have both a fixed dome and a retractable roof?
A4: No, stadiums are generally designed with either a fixed dome or a retractable roof. Some stadiums might have large openings in their fixed roofs, creating an indoor-outdoor feel, but these are not typically considered retractable.
Q5: How does a retractable roof differ from a fixed dome?
A5: A fixed dome is a permanent, solid structure that completely encloses the stadium. A retractable roof, while also enclosed, is designed to open and close, allowing for a more natural outdoor experience when desired.
Q6: What are some of the oldest domed football stadiums?
A6: The Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, opened in 1975, is one of the oldest and most iconic domed football stadiums. Many earlier stadiums were open-air, with domes becoming more prevalent in the latter half of the 20th century.
Q7: Do all NFL teams play in domed or retractable roof stadiums?
A7: No, many NFL teams play in open-air stadiums. The trend towards covered stadiums is ongoing, but a significant number of venues remain traditional outdoor facilities.
Q8: What are the advantages of retractable roofs over fixed domes?
A8: Retractable roofs offer greater flexibility, allowing for natural outdoor conditions on good weather days, which many fans and players prefer. They can also be more energy-efficient than constantly climate-controlled fixed domes.
Q9: How does the construction of a domed stadium impact the playing surface?
A9: Fixed domes often necessitate the use of artificial turf because natural grass requires sunlight and natural air circulation to thrive. Stadiums with retractable roofs can often accommodate natural grass fields, like State Farm Stadium, by allowing the field to be moved outdoors for maintenance.
Q10: What is the cost difference between building a domed stadium versus an open-air stadium?
A10: Domed and retractable roof stadiums are significantly more expensive to build and maintain than open-air stadiums due to the complex engineering and materials required for the roofing systems.
By examining the current landscape of football stadiums with domes and retractable roofs, it’s clear that these structures represent a significant investment in fan comfort, event versatility, and the evolution of sports venue design. Whether it’s a fully enclosed marvel or a flexible retractable design, these venues continue to shape the modern football experience.