The Ralph Tyler Companies conceptualized this geodesic dome to potentially cover the Cleveland Browns Stadium. Ralph Tyler Companies Cleveland Browns fans, who have been asked to imagine a football team winning under new ownership, can now also fantasize about enjoying those victories in a stadium impervious to Northeast Ohio weather.
In reaction to incoming team owner Jimmy Haslam’s recent intimations that he might consider building a dome over the lakefront stadium, local architecture and engineering firm Ralph Tyler Companies has dreamed up a way to possibly make it happen.
The idea: A free-standing, glazed geodesic dome — 1,100 feet wide and 380 feet high — could straddle the stadium, shielding it from the elements, the company’s director of architecture, Geoffrey Varga, said in an interview Friday.
The dome, which Varga estimates could cost anywhere from $150 to $200 million, could open a world of possibilities for the facility’s off-season use and likely break a few world records while at it, he said.
“It would be like putting a giant umbrella over the entire stadium,” Varga said. “It’s just a fun idea we’ve been playing with. But it’s one we thought could really work. And the greatest economic benefit is that you could use the stadium more than eight times a year.”
The concept, at this point, is merely that — a tantalizing idea to feed the imaginations of Clevelanders, who have loyally cheered their team from often frigid or damp stadium seats.
Hardy, true-blooded fans might argue that weathering storms, both literally and figuratively, is fundamental to Dawg Pound culture.
The Plain Dealer But the harsh Cleveland weather has taken its toll on the city-owned stadium, which opened in 1999 and requires yearly cash infusions for its upkeep. The Browns have a 30-year stadium lease that calls for the city to pour money into repairs. That money comes from a countywide tax on alcohol and tobacco sales. But the so-called sin tax expires in 2015.
Earlier this year, contractors did more than $5 million in stadium repairs, including refurbishing seats and replacing, repairing and waterproofing concrete.
That deterioration would slow substantially if the facility were sheltered, Varga said. The structure, however, was not designed to withstand the weight of an added roof. So if one were to be considered, it must envelope the 73,000-seat stadium while relying on its own supports.
The dome of Varga’s dreams would meet that criteria, without losing seats or obstructing views, he said.
A geodesic dome is a partially-spherical shell structure comprised of tilting triangular tiles set on a lattice that looks similar to a playground climber. The mathematics underlying the structure were conceived decades ago by legendary architect R. Buckminster Fuller, under whom Varga studied at the University of Detroit School of Architecture in the early 1970s.
Northeast Ohio is home to a Fuller-designed dome that is part of the headquarters of ASM International in Russell Township. The largest dome of its kind in the country is the Desert Dome & Kingdoms of the Night in Omaha, Neb., which houses plant and animal life from desert climates. Built in 2002, the dome is 230 feet in diameter and 137 feet tall at its highest point. The largest similar dome in the world spans about 750 feet across a baseball field in Japan.
Child’s play compared to Varga’s vision.
The Browns Stadium geodesic dome, despite its eye-popping price tag, would be more cost-effective than its traditional alternatives that rely on steel beams and girders, because it would require far fewer materials, Varga said. He likened each triangular tile on the dome to a leaf on a tree — “completely efficient, grows only as large as it needs to be and is structured to support itself.”
The dome boasts environmental sustainability, too, he said. The project could incorporate a variety of recycled materials. The glazed top not only would act as shelter, but would allow rain to be harvested for other uses, such as in the facility’s toilets or the field’s built-in sprinkler system. Some of the dome’s tiles also could be equipped with solar panels.
Varga said the dome would be made of light-weight, cutting-edge materials, such as carbon fiber instead of steel and aluminum. The lattice likely would measure between six and eight feet thick, and the panels could be made of insulated glass, composite plastics or materials so revolutionary they have yet to be invented, he said.
“It has to be investigated,” Varga said, as a disclaimer on his architectural offering. “This has not been engineered at all. The images are just fun to consider. And it certainly would add a beautiful element to Cleveland’s skyline.”
Cleveland architecture and engineering firm Ralph Tyler Cos. has dreamed up an idea for a glazed geodesic dome large enough to envelope Cleveland Browns Stadium and protect it from the harsh Northeast Ohio weather. The concept, pictured here using Google images, was created in response to incoming Browns owner Jimmy Haslam’s recent comments suggesting he might consider ideas to enclose the stadium.Ralph Tyler Companies Varga acknowledged that if his firm were asked to further vet the dome’s potential, consultants and engineers who specialize in the futuristic materials he envisions would have to be called in. And studies would have to be conducted to consider issues such as proper ventilation and whether the tiles should vary in their materials to accommodate for the movement of the sun over the stadium during different seasons.
An engineer would even have to determine whether a dome of this size and scale would generate its own micro-climate — leading to foggy conditions inside the stadium or even “rain” in the form of condensation dripping from the roof, he said.
Cleveland City Councilman Michael Polensek said in an interview Friday that ever since Haslam’s comments at a City Hall meet-and-greet last month were widely construed to suggest his interest in building a dome, several firms have approached Polensek with ideas.
The councilman said it was a mistake to build a football stadium in Cleveland without a roof of some kind, and now the city is paying the price. He sees the recent buzz among engineers and architects as a sign that people finally are thinking outside the box about ways to make the stadium a more useable and profitable facility that would complement a wider plan for lakefront development.
“For the first time since the facility was constructed, people are embracing a much more progressive mindset about how it can best be utilized,” Polensek said. “I say let the experts step up to the plate, and if it’s feasible that’s wonderful.”
The Ralph Tyler Companies used Google images in the architectural rendering of their geodesic dome concept.Ralph Tyler Companies He added that he would not support the city bearing the cost of building such a dome, and he said that he has encouraged all of those with big ideas to contact Haslam.
Haslam could not be reached for comment.
Council President Martin J. Sweeney, in an interview Friday, praised Ralph Tyler Companies for their innovative thinking and for serving the city on many projects through the years. He then offered his own tongue-in-cheek suggestion for an alternative use for the dome — a tacit commentary on the likelihood of it ever being built.
“If this proposal does go through, it will also serve as a galactic shield for alien invasion for the 120,000 people who can fit into it,” Sweeney said. “And we will have a very fair and transparent lottery to see who can seek shelter there and be among those who continue the species. Of course, this would further be debated legislatively and the mayor would have veto power. But if he does veto it, I have the votes to pass it.”
I've seen the conceptual idea of what would be like building a bridge over the stadium that would hold the roof that would be retractable Hou/Ari style.
Why they didnt just build one like that in 98/99 I'll never know..
Am I the only one that pronounces hyperbole "Hyper-bowl" instead of "hy-per-bo-le"?
I actually really like this idea. Whether it's retractable or not, I think it's kinda unique...we'd be known for something at least. I like going to "The Globe" as a nickname ... and the winter months would be neat.
"First down inside the 10. A score here will put us in the Super Bowl. Jeudy is far to the left as Njoku settles into the slot. Tillman is flanked out wide to the right. Judkins and Ford are split in the backfield as Flacco takes the snap ... Here we go."
Quote: I actually really like this idea. Whether it's retractable or not, I think it's kinda unique...we'd be known for something at least. I like going to "The Globe" as a nickname ... and the winter months would be neat.
Quote: I actually really like this idea. Whether it's retractable or not, I think it's kinda unique...we'd be known for something at least. I like going to "The Globe" as a nickname ... and the winter months would be neat.
Quote: that's a pretty cool idea, and I've always loved geodesic domes.
The clincher for me would be if they design it with a few large retractable sections.
The facility would still be an ice box in winter... it just wouldn't be wind-beaten and snowy.
I like the idea as well but would think you would almost have to condition the air. Summer time use would be about as stagnant as it gets unless you kept it a controlled climate.
If everybody had like minds, we would never learn.
But I think the thought has possibilities. Because of how it's built with no internal support columns needed, it makes perfect sense. It would be like putting a cover over what's there. Not structural changes would be needed to the stadium.
But like Peen said, you'd have to put in some kinda of HVAC arrangement.
That cost seems rather high. just a guess.
#GMSTRONG
“Everyone is entitled to his own opinion, but not to his own facts.” Daniel Patrick Moynahan
"Alternative facts hurt us all. Think before you blindly believe." Damanshot
My mom used to work by there in the 80's and I would always make sure I looked for it when ever we would drive past it.
As for a Dome, if we can get a Superbowl it will be worth it. Besides that I'm not buying the Concerts and NCAA Tourney, ect... argument. They already play Tourney games at Quicken. And with Nautica, Agora (may be a crap hole but the acoustics there are awesome) and Quicken what concerts are we missing out on during the Winter that if we had a dome on CBS we would get?
The only thing a Dome would do is steal revenue from those other places, I'm not seeing where we would gain additional events unless it's a Superbowl. That is the only reason to put a dome on there and if we have a realistic shot at getting one (and from Hotels and other requirements I'm not sure we do.)
Quote: I like the idea as well but would think you would almost have to condition the air. Summer time use would be about as stagnant as it gets unless you kept it a controlled climate.
It has to be climate controlled, it's not an option, even if its retractable in some fashion..
1. You need adequate ventilation and fresh air brought into the facility.
2. Even in the winter, with 73,000 screaming people in there, if you don't have climate control and conditioned air, the hot air from the people will hit the cold ceiling of the dome and it will start to rain inside.
3. In the summer it would be a sauna for a concert.
4. It would be asinine to spend hundreds of millions of dollars and not spend a few million more to make it comfortable year round. Football fans might not mind if its chilly in there but concert goers will so you are defeating half the purpose of putting it on.
that pic is ridiculous. to suggest it would be cost effective for the glass to go all the way down to the ground seems completely wrong.
i would imagine, if it actually happens (hope it doesn't), then it would be a elevated concrete cylinder encasing the stadium with some sort of roof built on top of it.
Looking at the picture you offered this dome idea looks cheap and tacky. However,looking at the ASM dome,I could see where a good design that also included aesthetics has some merit.
Quote: that pic is ridiculous. to suggest it would be cost effective for the glass to go all the way down to the ground seems completely wrong.
i would imagine, if it actually happens (hope it doesn't), then it would be a elevated concrete cylinder encasing the stadium with some sort of roof built on top of it.
That pic kinda shows it going all the way to the ground, but no way does it half too
The only thing that needs to touch the ground are the supports. The dome itself could be cut off at some point against the structure.
As neat as I think that kinda dome would be, I don't really want it.
My reason is simple, If we're going to dome the place, then let's make it retractable.
I want it open when the weather calls for it, and closed when it's raining or snowing or cold as hell out.
#GMSTRONG
“Everyone is entitled to his own opinion, but not to his own facts.” Daniel Patrick Moynahan
"Alternative facts hurt us all. Think before you blindly believe." Damanshot
I'm conflicted. One minute I think these things look tacky and the next I think how cool it would be for an entire stadium to be underneath one. If it kept me dry but the temp was the same as the exterior, I really think I would have no problem w/ it . . .
I also wonder if they could make it look like a gigantic bowl of dogfood . . .
Cleveland would be able to get a final 4, which you could probably get 60- to 70k fans for 1 game. In the past we've only got the first and 2nd rounds. Just by the numbers, it would generate more money into the local economy.. You also forgot about Wrestlemania. That event is just as big as the super bowl to a lot of the major cities. For the past decade or so, Wrestlemania has been held at a domed facility.
The Cleveland politicians definitely screwed up not getting a dome, plus the location is terrible.. I read in an article the colts football games, only contribute 13% usage of Lucas Oil stadium. They did it right in Indy, by getting a domed stadium, and connecting it to a convention center, and other venues.
A MASSIVE dome, one that enclosed the entire stadium and a huge expanse of area around it, would be absolutely incredible.... like, think in terms of it being big enough to also include the Science Center!!
Just climate-control the entire thing, and it'd be 70 degrees and sunny year-round under the dome. That's a lot of outdoor space under that thing to walk around in during the depths of winter. You could find a way to put a hotel or resort in there, easily.
Browns is the Browns
... there goes Joe Thomas, the best there ever was in this game.
They had to tear down Muni, plan and build a new stadium in 3 years. That's the reason we got a cookie cutter non-dome stadium. They floated out ideas back then about domes and people said they didn't want it but that's not the real reason they didn't do it. We broke ground in May of 1997 and had to have it up an running in September 1999.
Heck it took over three years to build the University of Phoenix Stadium, That's from when they broke ground to completion. So add in a few years of planing and financing. Same thing with Lucas Oil Stadium 3 year build time.
We just didn't have enough time to tear down Muni, plan and design an advanced state of the art facility and build it.
Quote: A MASSIVE dome, one that enclosed the entire stadium and a huge expanse of area around it, would be absolutely incredible.... like, think in terms of it being big enough to also include the Science Center!!
Just climate-control the entire thing, and it'd be 70 degrees and sunny year-round under the dome. That's a lot of outdoor space under that thing to walk around in during the depths of winter. You could find a way to put a hotel or resort in there, easily.
and then, just put Pauley Shore, 2 hot chicks, and another dude in there for the entire offseason. film it and sell it as a reality TV show. we'll all be rich!
Just thinking outside the box here. Let's say Haslem is dead set on a dome/retractable roof stadium. The city is a partner with Haslem. They have interest in a year round facility as well. The sin tax for CC expires in 2015. Build a new Stadium. Haslem chips in as well.
No not this tear down and rebuild, build it elsewhere. West of Progressive Field by the river, South of Progressive Field by the River. I don't know if those locations are available but I'm sure it can be for the right price. All three sport complexes in the same area. Take a few years of planing and getting the land ready. Spend the next seven years, go to the voters and extend the sin tax. Yes it sucks continuing going to the Smokers and Drinkers and making them pay. Especially since smokers can't smoke. But that is the nature of the beast.
While it is being built the Browns continue to play in CBS or what ever it will be named when Haslem sells the rights. The city doesn't lose out on that revenue. Open the new stadium in 2019. That means CBS will of had 20 years of use and I'm not a bean counter but I'm sure it had made if not all but a huge portion of the cost back.
A new state of the art facility that can house a Superbowl, NCAA Final Four, Wrestlemania. Heck, if I was the city I would look at seeing how the University of Cleveland can start a Football team and let them play there as well. Maybe even get a new NCAA Bowl game there. The Big Ten Title game rotated every few years there.
Building a new facility near the casino and the other stadiums (and hotels) makes a ton of sense... and holy crap, it's crazy to think that the stadium is that close to being 20 years old.
Browns is the Browns
... there goes Joe Thomas, the best there ever was in this game.
Quote: A MASSIVE dome, one that enclosed the entire stadium and a huge expanse of area around it, would be absolutely incredible.... like, think in terms of it being big enough to also include the Science Center!!
Just climate-control the entire thing, and it'd be 70 degrees and sunny year-round under the dome. That's a lot of outdoor space under that thing to walk around in during the depths of winter. You could find a way to put a hotel or resort in there, easily.
Actually, I like the way you think. Think bold and big. Lot's of ideas didn't make sense until they worked. In my lifetime people said it was crazy to put a roof over entire shopping centers. It would never work.
When I was a kid Great Northern and Westgate were outdoor shopping centers. They had covered sidewalks, but once you left the store, you were outside. People said a "mall" concept would hurt business as people wouldn't be as eager to get in the store to beat the weather. Fifty years later, I think we know what works best.
We would have to move that windmill...ok....old guy here....wind turbine..it probably wouldn't work inside some enclosure.
Cover the whole downtown area. Somebody is going to do it sooner or later.
If everybody had like minds, we would never learn.
You don't have to cover the entire downtown... you can connect buildings with a series of overhead walkways that connect buildings across streets. Heck you can go for multiple blocks in Charlotte without going outside (always confused me since Charlotte has a pretty decent climate much of the year) but for a city like Cleveland it would be ideal.
Imagine something big where the metro system comes up inside it. You could get from outside the city to inside the stadium without ever going outside.
while I think your idea has merit instead of a sin tax which taxes smokers who cant smoke in the place you use a crap tax and tax bathroom tissues. Every one pays a fair share even though they cant use the place.
If you need 3 years to be a winner you got here 2 years to early. Get it done Browns.
I think that a dome enclosing a stadium, parking, restaurants, hotels, and shopping would be spectacular. Imagine being able to drive into your parking space, walk into an enclosed walk to the stadium, or if you want to get there early, you could stop at a bar or restaurant, and so on.
They could even have a tailgate area where people could set up, either without their vehicles, or maybe on the top (uncovered) level of a parking deck. They could make money by renting the spaces for tailgating at an additional charge.
Micah 6:8; He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.
John 14:19 Jesus said: Because I live, you also will live.
Quote: Just thinking outside the box here. Let's say Haslem is dead set on a dome/retractable roof stadium. The city is a partner with Haslem. They have interest in a year round facility as well. The sin tax for CC expires in 2015. Build a new Stadium. Haslem chips in as well.
No not this tear down and rebuild, build it elsewhere. West of Progressive Field by the river, South of Progressive Field by the River. I don't know if those locations are available but I'm sure it can be for the right price. All three sport complexes in the same area. Take a few years of planing and getting the land ready. Spend the next seven years, go to the voters and extend the sin tax. Yes it sucks continuing going to the Smokers and Drinkers and making them pay. Especially since smokers can't smoke. But that is the nature of the beast.
While it is being built the Browns continue to play in CBS or what ever it will be named when Haslem sells the rights. The city doesn't lose out on that revenue. Open the new stadium in 2019. That means CBS will of had 20 years of use and I'm not a bean counter but I'm sure it had made if not all but a huge portion of the cost back.
A new state of the art facility that can house a Superbowl, NCAA Final Four, Wrestlemania. Heck, if I was the city I would look at seeing how the University of Cleveland can start a Football team and let them play there as well. Maybe even get a new NCAA Bowl game there. The Big Ten Title game rotated every few years there.
JMHO
I love this idea so much, that I hate that you brought it up. Because I know it'll never happen. Even though it makes the most sense.
Am I the only one that pronounces hyperbole "Hyper-bowl" instead of "hy-per-bo-le"?
Quote: you can connect buildings with a series of overhead walkways that connect buildings across streets.
Isn't Minneapolis like this?
Don't know, never been there.
I know Governor 'I Ain't Got Time to Bleed' Ventura was all about that idea. Not sure if it happened or not. One of the only ideas he had that wasn't Bat-Crap Insane.
Quote: You don't have to cover the entire downtown... you can connect buildings with a series of overhead walkways that connect buildings across streets. Heck you can go for multiple blocks in Charlotte without going outside (always confused me since Charlotte has a pretty decent climate much of the year) but for a city like Cleveland it would be ideal.
Imagine something big where the metro system comes up inside it. You could get from outside the city to inside the stadium without ever going outside.
Oh, I know. Many towns have connections with underground walkways, etc.
Oklahoma City is one that impressed me.You can walk for blocks in any direction in the subterranean tunnels.
If everybody had like minds, we would never learn.
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