Indoor sports are increasingly popular in the U.S., offering year-round play regardless of weather. Here are the top five indoor sports, with tennis air domes by Herox enhancing the experience.
Indoor Tennis: Growing in U.S. popularity, tennis is ideal for indoor play with Herox’s tennis bubbles. These air domes make tennis accessible in all seasons, especially in areas with long winters.
Indoor Basketball: The most popular indoor sport in the U.S., basketball thrives indoors. Air-supported structures by Herox transform outdoor courts to indoor, ensuring basketball is always in season.
Indoor Soccer: Boosted by the FIFA World Cup’s popularity, indoor soccer is on the rise, especially in colder regions. Herox’s air domes cater to this growing demand, supporting year-round play.
Track and Field: Traditionally outdoor, track and field activities like running and jumping are moving indoors. Multisport air domes by Herox provide the necessary space for these diverse activities.
Hockey: Mainly played indoors in the U.S., hockey requires specific conditions, often seen in northern states. While not typical for air domes, Herox could potentially accommodate hockey’s unique needs.
Moving these sports indoors with Herox’s domes ensures they can continue throughout the year, regardless of external weather conditions.
Baseball domes, also known as domed stadiums, have revolutionized the world of sports architecture, offering a unique blend of functionality, fan experience, and technological innovation. These structures have transformed the way baseball is played and experienced, ensuring the game thrives regardless of external weather conditions and setting new standards in spectator comfort and engagement.
At the heart of the value of baseball domes is their ability to provide a controlled environment for playing baseball. Traditional outdoor stadiums are at the mercy of the elements, with games often delayed or canceled due to rain, snow, or extreme temperatures. Baseball domes eliminate these interruptions, ensuring games can be scheduled and played with greater certainty and consistency. This reliability is not only beneficial for players and teams who can maintain regular training and playing routines but also for fans who can plan their attendance without the risk of weather-related cancellations.
From a fan’s perspective, baseball domes offer an enhanced experience. These modern structures are designed with spectator comfort in mind, featuring climate control for a pleasant viewing environment regardless of the season. They often incorporate state-of-the-art amenities, such as high-quality seating, expansive concession areas, and advanced audio-visual systems, making the game-watching experience more enjoyable and immersive. The controlled environment also allows for a more predictable and consistent playing field, potentially leading to a higher quality of play.
Technologically, baseball domes represent a significant architectural and engineering achievement. The design and construction of a large-scale, enclosed stadium require innovative solutions to challenges such as climate control, lighting, and acoustics. The retractable roof feature, found in some domes, is a marvel of engineering, allowing the stadium to switch between an open-air and an enclosed environment. This flexibility enhances the utility of the venue, making it suitable for a variety of events beyond baseball, such as concerts, conventions, and other sports.
Baseball domes also contribute to the economic vitality of their communities. By hosting games and events year-round, they attract consistent crowds, boosting local businesses and tourism. Their architectural presence often becomes a landmark, adding to the city’s identity and pride.
In conclusion, baseball domes are much more than mere sporting venues. They are hubs of community activity, architectural wonders, and catalysts for economic growth. By providing reliable, comfortable, and technologically advanced environments for enjoying America’s pastime, these domes have not only changed the game of baseball but have also become integral parts of the communities they serve, enhancing the cultural and economic landscape.
Air domes provide excellent protection against the elements, allowing baseball and softball activities to continue year-round. They are cost-effective, quick to install, and offer flexibility for various uses.
Benefits of Air Domes
Quick Installation: Air domes can be set up in days or weeks, unlike permanent structures.
Cost-Effective: Lower initial and maintenance costs compared to permanent facilities.
Weather Protection: Shields against rain, snow, wind, dust, and extreme heat, making it suitable for all climates.
Key Design Considerations
Size
Field Size: Determine the dome’s width, length, and height based on the level of competition.
Professional/College: 90 ft base paths, 325 ft foul lines, 400 ft home run fence, 120,000 sq ft area.
High School: 90 ft base paths, 300 ft foul lines, 350 ft home run fence, 105,000 sq ft area.
Little League: 60 ft base paths, 205 ft foul lines, 215 ft home run fence, 40,000 sq ft area.
Softball: 60 ft base paths, 190 ft foul lines, 220 ft home run fence, 32,000 sq ft area.
Height: Typically 30% of the dome’s width (e.g., a 320 ft wide dome will be 96 ft high).
Competition Level
Professional & College: Requires high-quality materials, TV-quality lighting, robust sound systems, and professional-grade playing surfaces.
High School: Quality playing surface and lighting, but fewer seats and a less extensive sound system.
Training & Recreational Play: Basic dome with good lighting and playing surfaces, minimal spectator space.
Batting Cages
Consider including space for batting cages:
Single Cage: 70 ft x 14 ft x 12 ft (980 sq ft).
Multiple Cages: Adjust total area accordingly (e.g., 4 cages = 3,920 sq ft).
Amenities
Essential: Concessions, restrooms, locker rooms, storage, offices, and first aid rooms.
Optional: Advanced lighting, sound systems, and customized branding.
Customization
Design: Choose the size, shape, and color. Add features like windows, doors, and insulation.
Branding: Print logos and customize colors to match your branding for a professional look.
Profitability
Increased Revenue: More games, fewer rainouts, and high-quality amenities attract more users.
Diverse Uses: Rent the facility for events like expos, car shows, trade fairs, and festivals.
Year-Round Use: Generate revenue beyond the traditional sports season.
Getting Started
Choosing an air dome for your baseball or softball facility offers numerous benefits, from weather protection to increased revenue potential. For help with your project, visit our air dome configurator for an instant estimate.
Air domes are transforming the way we think about indoor spaces. Whether you’re a sports club, an event organizer, a business, or a municipality, air domes offer an efficient, cost-effective, and versatile alternative to traditional buildings. But what exactly are air domes, and why are they becoming so popular?
Let’s dive into the top benefits of air domes and why they might be the perfect solution for your needs.
️ What Is an Air Dome?
An air dome (also called an inflatable dome or air-supported structure) is a lightweight, pressurized structure made of durable fabric, kept upright by a controlled airflow system. Unlike traditional buildings, air domes don’t require columns or beams, creating huge open spaces perfect for sports, events, storage, and more.
✅ Key Benefits of Air Domes
1️⃣ Cost-Effective Compared to Traditional Buildings
Lower Construction Costs – A fraction of the price of steel or concrete buildings
Quick Installation – Can be set up in weeks instead of months
Minimal Foundation Requirements – Saves money on groundwork
Lower Maintenance Costs – Durable materials require little upkeep
2️⃣ Flexible & Multi-Purpose Use
Sports & Recreation – Perfect for tennis, soccer, swimming pools, basketball, and more
Events & Exhibitions – Temporary or permanent event spaces
Industrial & Storage – Warehouses, logistics centers, and emergency shelters
Agriculture – Protect crops and livestock from harsh weather
Disaster Relief & Military – Quick-deploy structures for emergencies
3️⃣ Year-Round Weather Protection
Resistant to Snow, Rain, and Wind – Engineered to handle extreme weather
Temperature Control – Can be heated in winter and cooled in summer
UV Protection – Shields users from harmful sun exposure
Solar Panel Compatibility – Can be equipped with solar energy solutions
LED Lighting – Maximizes efficiency and minimizes power usage
Sustainable Materials – Made from recyclable, long-lasting fabrics
5️⃣ Fast Installation & Easy Relocation
Installation in Weeks – No long construction delays
Temporary or Permanent – Can be set up for a season or stay for decades
Portable – Can be dismantled and moved to a new location
6️⃣ Low Maintenance & High Durability
Tear-Resistant & Weatherproof Fabrics – Built to last
Automatic Backup Systems – Ensures stability during power outages
Minimal Repairs Required – Unlike steel or brick buildings that require constant upkeep
7️⃣ Better Playing Experience for Athletes
Consistent Conditions – No wind, rain, or temperature fluctuations
Even Lighting – No harsh shadows or blinding sun
High Ceilings & Open Space – Ideal for all types of sports
8️⃣ Customizable to Fit Any Needs
Different Sizes & Shapes – From small domes to massive multi-sport complexes
Branding & Advertising – Logos, sponsorships, and colors can be added
Custom Entrances & Amenities – Doors, HVAC, seating, and more can be tailored
Why Air Domes Are the Future
Air domes are revolutionizing sports, business, and events by providing a cost-effective, flexible, and energy-efficient solution. With their ability to adapt to different industries, withstand extreme weather, and offer an incredible user experience, air domes are an investment that pays off in the long run.
Considering an air dome? Whether you need a permanent sports facility, a temporary event space, or a weather-proof industrial solution, air domes deliver unmatched benefits at a fraction of the cost of traditional buildings.
If you’re interested in learning more or getting a quote for your own air dome, contact us today!
Building an air dome with Herox is a streamlined and cost-effective alternative to traditional construction, though it requires specific expertise. Herox collaborates with clients, ensuring they understand each stage of the process, from planning to long-term maintenance.
The development of a dome involves 13 key steps:
(1) Project Site Visits:
We invite potential clients to visit our previous projects to observe the exceptional quality of our installations. Recognizing the value of experiencing our product in real-world settings, these visits demonstrate the seamless operation and superior setup of our air domes in various clubs and will help the beneficiary in the project design phase.
(2) Project Design:
This initial phase involves understanding client needs, dome usage, and financial goals. Herox customizes each dome’s design, clarifying project requirements and working with a team of professionals, including general contractors and architects, for related projects like adjacent buildings and landscaping. This phase typically takes several months, followed by a permitting process that can last up to a year. During this process we create a detailed design of your prospective air dome. This design includes all critical aspects: dimensions, door placements, inflation units, lighting, membrane features, energy efficiency of both the membrane and inflation units. Following the design finalization, our structural engineers complete the drawings and ensure the dome is compliant with the local wind and snow load, paving the way for production and can provide stamped drawings if needed.
(3) Air Dome Manufacturing: Upon approval of the final design, we commence the manufacturing of the air dome, incorporating all agreed specifications, including accessories, doors, and inflation units.
(4) Site Construction:
After obtaining permits, the general contractor prepares the site, including building a concrete foundation to anchor the dome. There are 4 major ways of anchoring a dome, Grade Beam, L-profiles, Tubes or Earth Anchors. This phase also involves setting up utilities for inflation, HVAC, and lighting systems, along with site improvements like parking and stormwater management.
(5) Production and Delivery:
Production timelines range from 1 to 6 months, based on dome size and manufacturing capacity. When production finalises, we arrange transportation to your location.
(6) Unloading and Safety:
Upon arrival, immediate unloading and correct placement of components are crucial. Strategic positioning of the Inflation-Heating System is vital for noise reduction and maintaining distance from residential areas. The journey begins with the delivery of the air dome components. These include the fabric membrane, anchorage system, lighting, HVAC units, and all necessary hardware.
(7) Preparing the Surface:
Prior to installation, removal of nets and other obstructions is required. A protective plastic layer is typically placed to safeguard the membrane and protect it from dirt.
(8) Dome Installation:
Herox’s team can provide a tehnician to supervise the installation of the dome or can install turnkey.
(9) Spreading the Membrane:
The fabric membrane, the heart of the air dome, is then carefully unrolled and positioned.
(10) Connecting the Membrane to the Anchorage System:
Accurate alignment and connection of the membrane to the anchorage system is crucial for dome stability. In this step the membrane parts are connected to one another and the membrane is connected to the anchorage system and doors.
(11) Inflating the Dome:
Post-anchoring, the inflation process begins. It is imperative to ensure the availability of triphase power and gas connections for the inflation and heating unit.
(12) Installing Lights:
Concurrent with inflation or after the inflation has finalised, the lighting system is integrated into the dome.
(13) Enjoying Your State-of-the-Art Facility:
The final step is the most rewarding – enjoying your new, state-of-the-art air dome facility. Whether it’s for sports, events, or any other purpose, the air dome offers a weather-resistant, versatile space. Its installation marks the beginning of a new range of possibilities, from hosting year-round sporting events to providing a unique venue for community gatherings.
Conclusion:
The installation of an air dome is a seamless process that leads to the creation of a dynamic and adaptable space. By following these steps – from receiving the delivery to the final enjoyment of the facility – owners can ensure a successful and efficient installation, paving the way for endless opportunities in their new, innovative space.
At HeroX, we believe in providing more than just an air dome—we offer a complete community experience to help you operate, maintain, and maximize the value of your investment. From exclusive perks to expert guidance, we ensure your air dome project runs smoothly every step of the way.
Perks Before You Buy (All Free with Your Dome Purchase!)
We offer these complimentary services to help you plan and visualize your dome project before making a purchase:
Book a Virtual Meeting – Complimentary Schedule a one-on-one consultation with our experts to discuss your dome, ask questions, and explore customization options.
Visit One of Our Domes – Complimentary ️ Attend a monthly site visit to experience a HeroX dome in action and gain firsthand insights into its functionality and quality.
Get a Custom Dome Sketch ✏️ Receive a concept sketch based on your project specifications to help visualize the setup.
Receive 3D Renders of Your Future Dome See high-quality 3D renders of your dome to help with planning and presentation.
Experience a Virtual Tour of Your Dome Step inside your dome before it’s built with a fully interactive virtual tour.
On-Site Technician Visit Have an expert assess your site, discuss foundation options, and ensure seamless installation.
Introduction to Dome Consultants Need professional project management? We connect you with TheDomeConsultant.com, experts in air dome planning and execution.
Introduction to 3rd-Party Suppliers Save on project costs by gaining access to trusted suppliers for turf, flooring, lighting, and other essential accessories.
Community Perks After You Buy
When you purchase an air dome from us, you gain access to exclusive benefits designed to assist with operation, maintenance, and business growth:
Priority Customer Support: Direct access to priority support for urgent inquiries and troubleshooting.
Dome Maintenance Package: Seasonal maintenance checklist and discounted technician visits to keep your dome in top shape.
Energy Efficiency Consultation: Expert advice on reducing operational costs and optimizing HVAC efficiency.
Discounts on Upgrades & Accessories: 10-20% off on lighting, flooring, turf, and other dome enhancements.
Marketing Assistance for Dome Operators: Free promotional listing on our website and a feature on HeroX social media.
Referral Bonus Program: Earn cash incentives or future purchase discounts for referring new clients.
Exclusive Industry Networking Events: Invitations to private events connecting you with sports clubs, investors, and suppliers.
We’re Here to Support You
At HeroX, we are committed to being flexible, responsive, and involved in your dome project. Whether you need assistance with design, project management, or cost-saving solutions, we’re here to help.
Let’s bring your air dome project to life! Get started today!
United States between 10 to 50 dollars per square feet.
Europe between 50 to 250 euros per square meter.
The prices are significantly different between markets due to the different standards for fire safety, energy source, inflation systems and HVAC.
Dome Installation Cost and Timeline:
Installation: Requires a supervisory team, laborers, heavy equipment, electrician, and HVAC technician. Small domes can be installed in 1-2 days, larger ones may take weeks. Installation cost depends on time and resources used.
Design and Engineering: Structural and mechanical engineering typically costs around $20,000, depending on local codes and requirements.
Foundation: Cost varies based on soil conditions and local codes. Example: Hybrid foundation for a 100,000 sq.ft. dome in Michigan may cost $350,000.
Ongoing Expenses: Utility costs range from $0.50 – $1.50 per sq.ft. annually. Minimal maintenance required.
Safety: HeroX domes prioritize safety with strong materials and engineering. We typically use Ferarri or Sattler fabrics.
Project Roles:
HeroX: Provides dome components and consultation.
Engineers: Structural and mechanical engineers procured by our consultants, others by the buyer.
Installation Team: Installs dome components; manual labor required.
Architect, Contractor, Electrician, HVAC Technician: Procured by the buyer for site work, permits, and installation.
Dome Operator/Maintenance Team: Procured by buyer for ongoing operation and maintenance.
Purchase Process:
Scope Discussion: Determine dome size, use, occupancy, timeline, and funding options.
Design and Engineering: Full engineering determines dome package scope and cost.
Production and Site Work: Dome production begins while site work commences.
Transportation: Dome and components transported to installation site.
Installation: Completed by expert installers, timeline varies based on dome size and complexity.
By understanding these aspects, you can plan and budget effectively for your dome project. Start by getting an instant estimate through our air dome configurator and get connected with our team.
Event domes are emerging as a revolutionary trend in the realm of event planning and architecture, redefining the way we experience gatherings and celebrations. These domes, with their unique designs, offer a blend of aesthetics, functionality, and environmental consciousness, making them highly valued in various sectors, from corporate events to private celebrations.
One of the primary values of event domes lies in their versatility. This open-plan space is ideal for a variety of events, including concerts, exhibitions, weddings, and corporate gatherings. The dome’s design allows for easy customization, enabling organizers to create a unique ambiance tailored to the specific theme or purpose of the event.
Another significant advantage of event domes is their sustainability. Many are constructed with eco-friendly materials and designed to minimize energy consumption. Their shape is inherently strong and wind-resistant, which means they require less material than traditional buildings to achieve the same level of structural integrity. Additionally, their design often incorporates elements that enhance energy efficiency, such as natural light and ventilation, reducing the event’s carbon footprint.
Moreover, event domes offer a unique, immersive experience that traditional venues cannot match. The dome’s curved interior creates a sense of inclusivity and intimacy, making attendees feel more connected to the event and each other. This is particularly beneficial for artistic performances, exhibitions, and immersive educational experiences, where the environment plays a crucial role in the audience’s engagement.
Furthermore, the portability of many event domes adds to their value. They can be easily transported and assembled in diverse locations, from urban centers to remote natural settings, broadening the possibilities for event locations. This flexibility enables event planners to choose unique and unconventional sites, enhancing the overall experience and appeal of the events.
Below you can see a large VIP party in Miami inside of an air dome with the projection being done by our partners at Lumen and Forge.
The event, lasting three days, attracted over 60,000 attendees. Our partners at Lumen and Forge were responsible for the entire design and planning of the dome, covering aspects like its interior arrangement. Moreover, the team developed more than an hour of original 4K Domemaster content and also managed the visual effects throughout the event.
The dome, measuring 225 by 175 feet, had a unique pill shape, presenting specific challenges. The team had to specially render the content to fit the projection liner’s distinct form. Ensuring precise camera calibration was essential. For this, they utilized two high-capacity Lumen & Forge servers: one for mixing content and the other for managing the playback system. This setup transmitted content to twenty-four 18K lumen HD laser projectors, allowing for smooth visual display over 40,000 square feet of screen space.
Financing Your Air Dome with HeroX: Flexible Options for Businesses and Individuals
Investing in an air dome is a significant step towards enhancing your sports facility, business, or community space. At HeroX Air Domes, we understand that financing such a project can be a challenge. That’s why we have partnered with three trusted financing providers to help businesses and individuals secure the funding they need.
For businesses looking to finance their air dome, we offer two reliable financing solutions:
1. Global Business Financing with Grenke Leasing
Grenke Leasing provides tailored leasing and financing solutions for businesses across the USA, ensuring you can acquire your air dome with flexible payment terms.
Grenke Leasing IL LLC – Chicago
Coverage Area: Central, North & South East USAAddress:1100 Lake Street, Oak Park, Illinois 60301 Contact Details:
For individuals seeking financing up to $100,000 for their air dome project in the U.S., we have partnered with Feeasy®.
Contact:S.A. MoskowitzChairmanFeeasy®
Address:
29 Valley Drive, Suite 4483, Greenwich, CT 06830
Phone: 646-770-1456
Email: samoskowitz@itsfeeasy.com
Why Finance Your Air Dome?
If you’re considering financing your air dome project, reach out to our trusted partners today or contact us at HeroX Air Domes for further assistance!
