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After careful consideration Connacht GAA determined that the second phase of work at the Centre should focus on the creation of an indoor facility sufficiently large to accommodate a full-size GAA pitch and to transform into a venue for exhibitions, concerts and conferences.
Initial Steps
Our extensive research led us to conclude that the optimal choice for our site and needs was an inflatable air dome.
In late 2018, Connacht GAA was among the first round of successful applicants for the Dept. of Rural and Community Development ‘Rural Regeneration and Development Fund’ – Minister Michael Ring announced an award of €2.1 million towards the construction of an air dome.
Construction
Construction of our 150 m (L) by 100 m (W) by 26m (H) Air Dome began in October 2019. Nine months later, despite the lockdown, the largest sports air dome in the world was inflated. We are grateful for the hugely professional team – Prunty Pitches, Slovenian-based DBS Engineering, SIS Pitches and Tobin Engineering – who delivered the Connacht GAA Air Dome. Incredibly, we are now in the final stages of fit out.
The University of Galway Connacht GAA Air Dome contains:
- Fullsize indoor GAA Field
- Running Track
- Fully Equipped Gym capable of accommodating 30 people at once
- Portable Stand
In addition, the completed Dome, within 72 hours, can be transformed into fully functional, adaptable conference arena unique on the island of Ireland.
Numbers:
- On-Site University of Galway Connacht GAA Air Dome Capacity:
- 2,000+ for games
- 10,000-20,000 (seated and standing) for concerts/events
