Built in 1979 for $8.2 million, the DakotaDome was originally a 9,100-seat multi-purpose dome that was the cornerstone of Coyote athletics at the University of South Dakota. As the nation’s oldest indoor football field, the University knew it was long overdue for a modern renovation to better support the football program, swimming/diving, and track teams.
In working with JLG on the master plan and renovation in 2020, Phase I included new football outdoor practice fields and training complex, increased seating capacity, new concourses with fan amenities, new premium club and suite seating options, and indoor football team lounges and training facilities. In this phase, the design also carved out 6,000 SF for a new football locker room that boasts 110 individual lockers. The most noticeable improvement for fans was the installation of permanent seating throughout the west side, the addition of loge boxes and suites right above the sidelines, and a new modern concourse with an industrial kitchen.
Phase II in 2021 focused primarily on the 400 level of the west side where football offices and meeting spaces were designed. It also saw the creation of a new equipment room and athletic training space on the 100 level with a new heroic front entry, team store/hall-of-fame, environmental graphics, and specialized branding throughout the facility. With improvements from the front entrances to the field, one of the nation’s first mult-purpose domes has restored its glory – once again giving fans and athletes an unforgettable gameday experience.
