Resource Library

Soccer Domes

Since the late 1960s, Ralph Farley has set the industry standard for dome quality and after-market 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’sexpertise, experience and professionalism are unparalleled in the industry. Year over 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. Given our expertise and experience, we’ve developed the internet’s only digital resource library for all things done related. 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.

Understanding the Process of Building a Dome

Air-supported domes (or “bubbles”) are a fast, cost-effective way of enabling year-round play on your tennis courts. 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.

By partnering with The Farley Group on your dome project, 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:

  • Initial planning and design
  • The structure’s fabric membrane and physicalinsulation for an R10 insulation value
  • Retention cables, as required, for stability andsafety
  • All entry and exit components, including allairlocks and emergency exit doors
  • HVAC required for inflation and operation
  • Automated temperature controls, including asuite of advanced environmental sensors
  • Customized, energy efficient LED lighting system
  • Interior fixtures such as walkways and dividers
  • And – of course – full installation, inflation andsetup for turnkey operation of the dome.

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.

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 operation – is completed smoothly, on-time, and on budget.

Soccer Specific Considerations

Air-supported domes are ideal for soccer facilities, either as permanent or seasonal installations, to ensure year-round play. Soccer fields have a wide range of size options, depending on the age group, number of players, and specific requirements of individual leagues or user groups. Every dome project The Farley Group installs is custom designed and tailor-made to the specific layout requirements of the facility.

Whether it’s several small fields, one full sized field, or a combination of the two, a dome is the perfect solution for creating an indoor soccer facility. Suitable for both retrofitting existing fields with a seasonal or year-round dome, or developing the entire facility from the ground up, an air-supported structure is the most cost-effective building system available.

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, walkthrough 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.

CIBC Fire Pitch

Chicago, Illinois

440′ x 230′ x 72′

  • Seasonal dome covering 100,000 ft field
  • Completed in 2016
  • Home to Chicago Fire FC
  • Dome features excellent lighting and climate control to enable both professional and amateur athletes to train any month of the year

Whitby Iroquois Soccer Club

Whitby, Ontario

250′ x 200′ x 60′ | 387′ x 250′ x 75′

  • Permanent dome covering artificial turf field
  • Completed in 2017
  • Can be split into three smaller fields to allow multiple games and activities to take place simultaneously
  • One of the largest air-supported structures of its kind in Ontario, it features several innovative features such as a skylight and LED lighting system that cuts the dome’s electrical lighting consumption in half

SeatGeek Stadium

Bridgeview, Illinois

400′ x 250′ x 75′

  • Permanent dome covering 345′ x 210′ artificial turf field
  • Completed in 2019
  • Home to Chicago Fire FC, as well as athletic leagues from youth to adults, and various public and private events such as concerts

Seneca College

North York, Ontario

315′ x 250′ x 75′

  • The “StingDome” is a seasonal dome completed in 2017
  • Built to enhance Seneca’s already extensive athletics program and recruit top-level athletes
  • Custom logo on exterior of the dome provides highly visible branding for the college and its athletics program
  • A public private partnership between SenecaCollege, the Canada 150 CommunityInfrastructure Program and Canada’s FederalEconomic Development Agency

Afrim’s Sports Park

Colonie, New York

345′ x 210′ x 00′

  • Permanent dome covering 345′ x 210 artificial turf field
  • Completed in 2019
  • Enables a variety of clubs, colleges, and leagues to play year-round
  • Indoor field can be subdivided into two 150′ x210′ or four 110′ x 150′ fields so multiple groups can use the dome simultaneously

Richmond Green Sports Centre

Richmond Hill, Ontario

375′ x 250′ x 75′

  • Seasonal dome covering 94,000 ft of field
  • Completed in 2015
  • Located in Richmond Hill’s biggest park, the Richmond Green Sports Centre and Park
  • Hosts soccer, football, frisbee, lacrosse, and speedminton leagues for kids and adults of all ages
  • Attached via air lock to a permanent, 500 ft
    structure housing washrooms, an office, and a mechanical room

Total Sports Complex

Rossford, Ohio

410′ x 230′ x 72′

  • Permanent dome covering 100,000 ft of artificial turf field
  • Completed in 2016
  • Indoor field can be subdivided to support full 11v 11 field, two 9 v 9 fields, or four 7 v 7 fields
  • Hosts nearly 30,000 athletes and visitors per season

Kelowna United Soccer Club

Kelowna, British Columbia

210′ x 135′ x 40′

  • Seasonal dome covering 28,000 ft of field
  • Completed in 2014
  • Welcomes players of all ages and levels in the Kelowna United Soccer Club
  • Public-private partnership between the Kelowna United Soccer Club, the City of Kelowna, and private sponsors

Union Point Sports

South Weymouth, MS

356′ x 230′ x 70′

  • Two seasonal domes, each covering one field
  • Completed in 2017
  • Each field has netting that spreads across the mid-way line to divide into two equal halves
  • Home to numerous local soccer clubs, Boston Laxachusetts Lacrosse, and the Boston Rugby Club

Kootenay East Youth Soccer Association

Cranbrook, British Columbia

000′ x 000′ x 00′

  • Permanent dome for year-round soccer
  • Completed in 2020
  • Home to the Cranbrook House Soccer Program, Kootenay Rovers Rep & Develop
  • Public-private partnership between KEYSA, the City of Cranbrook, and private sponsors

Save Max Sports Centre

Brampton, Ontario

405′ x 250′ x 75′

  • Seasonal dome covering full sized soccer field
  • Constructed in 2020 as an expansion to the existing Brampton Soccer Centre
  • Community centre owned and operated by
    the City of Brampton
  • One of many seasonal fieldhouse domes in the GTA