The Alamodome in San Antonio

The Alamodome was constructed to be used as a multi-purpose facility in November, 1990. The facility was officially opened in May 1993. The venue has the capacity to seat up to 72,000 people with expandable seats. The Alamodome was constructed in a rectangular shape and the seating at the facility can allow for a variety of events by transforming into 24 different possible set-ups. Over the years the venue has primarily been used for sporting events, concerts, conventions, and trade shows. The first year, The Alamodome opened, more than 1.6 million guests visited the facility and over one hundred events were hosted.

The Alamodome is located on 57 acres and is east of downtown San Antonio. The convenience of the location places it within walking distance of Convention Center and the River Walk. There is nearly 200,000 square feet of space in the Alamodome and 32,000 of those feet can be used for meeting space. Approximately sixteen conference rooms are located in the venue that range in size from 1,100 to 3,800 square feet. The Alamodome is equipped with a state-of-the-art lighting and sound systems to contribute to the smoothness of concerts, sporting events, and business professionals who desire to rent the meeting space available.

All types of events can easily be held in the dome including ice skating, rock concerts, classical performances, and computer conventions. Any major event can find a suitable place at The Alamodome. The versatility of The Alamodome allows it to be transformed into a basketball court, ice hockey court, football field, or concert stage. The Alamodome has two permanent ice rinks and impeccable upkeep procedures to maintain the quality of the ice for speed skating, hockey, and figure skating. For soccer, football, rugby, and lacrosse the stadium uses a special turf called Astroturf. The turf provides a uniform surface that allows playing balls to roll on the ground smoothly.

Alamodome is also equipped with video monitors to make watching the games and events more accessible as fans leave the stadium area for concessions or restrooms. The facility is currently equipped with 425 video monitors, and 91 camera locations. Each video monitor is placed strategically throughout the venue.

Food and beverage services are available through The Alamodome's concession stands. The stands offer popular food products like sodas, beer, hot dogs, and peanuts. There are 24 permanent concession stands in various places throughout the dome that are operated by ARA Services. The concession stands are portable and can be placed in high-trafficked areas for an added convenience to visitors. Concession stand sales generate such a large income for the Alamodome that San Antonio's professional basketball team requested to get a large percentage of the profits.

The city is in the planning stages on what to do with The Alamodome by the year 2017. By then, The Alamodome will be 25 years old. City officials are currently deciding whether to make major upgrades and renovations to The Alamodome at that time or simply build a new one altogether. Some officials argue that The Alamodome is full of community value and continued improvements should be made to the facility. Since The Alamodome opened, about $16 million has been poured into updates and improvements.