Since introducing sports domes to North America in 1969, Ralph Farley has set the industry standard for dome quality and aftermarket service. We at The Farley Group believe that – given the financial investment and operational complexity of building an air-supported structure – who you choose to work with matters. The Farley Group’s expertise, experience and professionalism are unparalleled in the industry. Year after year, we are North America’s leading provider of dome construction and aftermarket service.
As a new dome operator, you can rely on The Farley Group to guide you through the unique complexities of planning, building and safely operating a dome. Operators need a trusted partner to be there for them, not just during construction but throughout the dome’s twenty-year lifecycle, to answer everyday questions, recommend best operating practices, and in the event of an emergency. As the industry’s only dome supplier with a dedicated, in-house service team, we’re the long-term partner you can depend on 24/7 for years (and years) to come. As our new dome owners become seasoned industry veterans, they appreciated the critical importance of having a reliable partner in the operation and maintenance of their domes. In fact, because of its focus on long-term client relationships, The Farley Group has never lost a service client.
The process of building a dome is complex, but it should not be confusing. We provide absolute, upfront transparency in dome design, building requirements, and project pricing. We believe that an educated buyer is our best buyer.
If you’re ready to build your dome, give us a call, and we’ll get started. Otherwise, research at your own pace in our digital content library, and when you’re ready, reach out to us to discuss how to make your unique dome vision a reality. From design to operation to replacement, when you’re part of the Farley family, we’ve got you covered.
Air-supported domes (or “bubbles”) are a fast, cost-effective way of enabling year-round play on your campus. Domes create a large and open interior space free from columns or beams. They can be installed permanently or seasonally to adjust for weather.
Farley’s best-in-class domes are specifically designed to withstand extreme weather outside while providing consistent comfort for athletes inside. We use physical insulation between inner and outer fabric layers (not just extra layers of fabric) to achieve an industry leading insulation value of R-10, helping maintain the desired internal temperature while simultaneously reducing operating costs. Remote monitoring, automated controls, and a suite of environmental sensors enable dome operators to ensure the safe operation of domes at all times.
Partnering with Farley. With Farley, you can build with confidence – starting with a true understanding of the full complexity of the project. Building a dome requires careful planning and precise execution. Much like traditional construction, the process involves custom design, permitting, concrete foundations, HVAC equipment, electrical work, and use-specific, add-on finishes.
The Farley Group provides everything you need for the dome portion of the project, including:
Bringing on a General Contractor. All dome projects also require a third-party general contractor which is directly hired by the dome owner. Your general contractor will be responsible for all site construction requirements for the dome. Prior to installation, the general contractor will then pour a concrete foundation – called a “grade beam” – around the perimeter of the planned dome. In addition to the dome’s concrete grade beam anchoring system around the dome’s footprint, the general contractor is responsible for the concrete pads for peripheral components and HVAC systems, and all electrical and gas infrastructure.
Completing the Dome. Once the construction requirements have been completed and utility services have been commissioned, The Farley Group can then begin the installation process of the dome package. This includes spreading out the dome’s fabric membrane and connecting it to the perimeter anchoring system, inflation and stabilization of the structure, installing the insulation material, interior lighting system, and all peripheral entry and exit components. This process takes only a week or two, depending on the size of the dome.
Finally, the general contractor and other specialists can complete add-on features such as the interior surface, exterior landscaping, parking lots or adjoining buildings for reception, locker rooms, restrooms and administrative offices.
Dome development projects can be complicated, but Farley is accustomed to working closely with general contractors and other consultants to ensure the project – from planning to play – is completed smoothly, on-time, and on budget.
Domes are increasingly becoming part of campus life. In addition to providing year-round training of varsity athletes, domes are used for intramural sports, club activities and community events. They give the entire student body a warm, bright and safe space for recreation during long, dark winters. Domes have become a highly visible demonstration of a university’s dedication to the health and wellbeing of its entire student body. Accordingly, campus domes have become an effective recruiting tool not only for elite athletes but all students.
Universities often have general contractors and other consultants on hand that typically guide building development on campus. Domes are a little different – building, operating, and servicing a dome requires specialized expertise and experience. The Farley Group strongly recommends that the University, itself, chooses the dome supplier because that partnership will extend beyond initial construction through the twenty-year lifespan of the dome.
Particularly as a first-time buyer, understanding the complexities and uncertainties of operating a dome is essential, which is why long-term service should be a critical factor in choosing a dome supplier. Our clients take comfort in having The Farley Group as a trusted, responsive, and dependable part of their operations team. We are there for you to answer everyday questions, recommend best practices, walk through solutions to pop-up problems or respond immediately in the event of an emergency.
When choosing a dome supplier ask yourself – who will be there for me not just during construction, but two months, two years, or twenty years after. Because of its dedication to its long-term service partnerships, The Farley Group has NEVER lost a service client.
Princeton, New Jersey
360′ x 200′ x 60′
Harvard University
Cambridge, Massachusetts
360′ x 200′ x 60′
Boston, Massachusetts
335′ x 228′ x 60′
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
240’ x 110’ x 36’
63’ x 120’ x 40’
Bozeman, Montana
242’ x 162’ x 50’
62’ x 130’ x 40’
Edmonton, Alberta
473’ x 236’ x 72’
North York, Ontario
315’ x 250’ x 75’
Toronto, Ontario
450’ x 250’ x 75’
Ottawa, Ontario
360’ x 218’ x 65’
