How a failed outdoor stadium became an iconic, barrel-arched engineering marvel in Idaho
In short: The Kibbie Dome was never meant to be a dome. Originally a simple concrete football stadium, it transformed into an all-weather landmark through a bold, timber-based engineering experiment. Today, this massive structure stands as a testament to innovative wood construction and the enduring legacy of a generous university alumnus.
The facility’s origins trace back to the early 1970s, following the condemnation and destruction of the university's previous wooden stadium. Construction began in 1971 as an open-air concrete venue. However, the project evolved significantly over three phases: the initial 1971 concrete structure, the 1972 installation of artificial turf, and the 1975 addition of the roof and end walls. This final phase enclosed the space, creating the first indoor football stadium on the West Coast.
The dome’s distinctive barrel-arched roof is an engineering feat, spanning over 400 feet with 150 feet of interior clearance. Rather than relying on traditional steel, the structure utilizes patented timber and steel trusses. In the summer of 1975, crews erected 32 of these massive wooden trusses in less than a month, using over one million board feet of lumber. This innovative application of engineered wood earned the building a structural engineering award from the American Society of Civil Engineers in 1976.
The venue is named after William H. Kibbie, an alumnus who pledged over $300,000 to help fund the enclosure. Kibbie, a successful contractor who briefly attended the university in the 1930s, remained deeply loyal to the institution throughout his life. His contribution was pivotal in transforming the outdoor stadium into the versatile, multi-purpose facility it is today. Now known as the P1FCU-Kibbie Activity Center, the building continues to serve as a hub for athletics, concerts, and community events, maintaining its status as a landmark in Northern Idaho.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: P1FCU Kibbie Dome | University of Idaho
- Also: Kibbie Dome | Campus Photographs Collection
- Also: Kibbie Dome
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