By UNI Athletics
CEDAR FALLS, Iowa — The Black Hawk County Gaming Association (BHCGA) has approved a $1 million grant to the University of Northern Iowa to support the second phase of the UNI-Dome modernization project.
Phase two will include new suites, upgraded restrooms and comprehensive UNI-Dome reseating designed to enhance accessibility and comfort, while incorporating the iconic Panther purple throughout the stadium. Construction is set to begin in April, with new seating ready for the 2025 football season and full phase two work completed by fall of 2026 to coincide with the UNI-Dome’s 50th anniversary.
“Our organization is proud to support and invest in this important facility,” said Emily Hanson, executive director of the Black Hawk County Gaming Association. “The UNI-Dome is synonymous with the university and northeast Iowa. It’s a vital community resource that doesn’t just act as a hub for athletics, but is an economic driver for the region drawing people from all over the state. We are excited to be a part of its continued legacy.”
“We are delighted to have the Black Hawk County Gaming Association’s partnership on this next phase of the UNI-Dome modernization,” said UNI President Mark Nook. “With their generous support, the BHCGA is once again demonstrating their leadership in realizing signature projects that enhance the quality of life in the Cedar Valley. We’re grateful to the BHCGA Board for recognizing the urgency and impact of the UNI-Dome project, not only for our campus but for the broader community and the state of Iowa.”
The BHCGA’s recent gift builds on its legacy of supporting community-facing projects at UNI, including grants to improve Panther Athletics facilities, the Gallagher Bluedorn Performing Arts Center and a 2012 trail enhancement project in partnership with the City of Cedar Falls. The association also provided leadership funding for the 2017 renovation of the UNI Tennis Complex, a collaboration between the City of Cedar Falls, Cedar Falls Community School District and UNI.
Megan Franklin, Director of Panther Athletics, emphasized the importance of additional support to ensure the project’s timely completion.
“I am grateful to the BHCGA Board for their commitment to the UNI-Dome modernization project with their generous contribution. For nearly 50 years, the UNI-Dome has been a cornerstone of this community and an iconic building in the state,” Franklin said. “The UNI-Dome has hosted events stewarding memories of a lifetime. Now it is our turn to give back to the Dome. Contributions to the UNI-Dome modernization project fund transformative changes that enhance the stadium and elevate the fan experience. This renovation is about building a next-generation facility for the community, region and state.”
Fundraising for the $16 million phase two project now stands at $10 million. The university aims to raise the remaining funds by June.
In summer 2024, UNI completed the $11.2 million first phase of UNI-Dome renovations, which included replacing the aging fabric roof with a Teflon-coated fiberglass roof and adding the Van G. Miller Family Charitable Foundation Football Team Meeting Room in the northeast corner of the stands. Phase three will primarily focus on a total renovation to the track. Future phases will also include upgrades to audio and lighting, press box renovations, and concourse improvements.
About the Black Hawk County Gaming Association
Established in 2003, the Black Hawk County Gaming Association (BHCGA) is the Qualified Sponsoring Organization (QSO) for the Isle Casino Hotel Waterloo. As the QSO, BHCGA is the nonprofit license holder and responsible for allocating a percentage of the Isle’s revenue for community betterment in accordance with the Iowa Excursions Boat Gambling Act. State law requires BHCGA distributes at least 3% of the annual gross revenue off the tables and slots each year.
The BHCGA has reinvested more than $80 million into northeast Iowa since 2007.
About the UNI-Dome Modernization
The UNI-Dome welcomes 500,000 visitors a year to events hosted by UNI, the Cedar Valley and the state of Iowa. The facility generates an annual economic impact of $17 million—a figure that continues to grow.
The UNI-Dome renovation is part of UNI’s Our Tomorrow campaign, which publicly launched in October 2022. To date, the campaign has raised more than $289.4 million, including $92 million for student scholarships and access and $96.6 million for academic programs. More than 30,000 donors have contributed to the campaign.
Gifts to the UNI-Dome project and the Our Tomorrow campaign are tax-deductible through the UNI Foundation. Contributions can be made outright or as multi-year pledges.