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[QUOTE="sutomcat, post: 1071797, member: 27"]
The technology to build fixed roof domes existed well before the air supported domes started getting built.  The Astrodome was built in 1965, the SuperDome was built in 1975, the Kingdome was built in 1976, etc.

The problem with this type of dome was the cost.  Even a small, low feature fixed roof dome like the Kingdome cost $67 million in 1976 ($278 million today), while the MetroDome, which opened in 1982, cost $68 million ($195 million in dollars today).

Air supported domes are by far the cheapest way to build a dome; this is inherent in how they are built and all the costs that are saved when you go with a solution with a dramatically lighter roof.

Unfortunately, true cost includes initial outlay of funds and ongoing upkeep/maintenance.  History has proven that the ongoing costs for air supported domes has been an issue.

Props to Pete Sala and his crew for doing a remarkable job keeping the Carrier Dome from ever having a catastrophic failure, despite all the near misses.  Props also to the Chancellor for doing due diligence regarding studying what the true risks are depending on an air supported dome and looking at ways to mitigate them.

I am not advocating replacing the Dome.  I am not advocating renovating it either.

I am saying that given the history of the air supported domes and the climate of Syracuse, NY, catastrophic failures of the Carrier Dome roof are only a question of time.  I hope this can be addressed before we have one, because if we do, it is going to be a really ugly and expensive mess for SU and the SU fanbase.
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