With all of the constant talk about the relative merit of various FCS domes on here lately, I figured it was high time to release the Official Top 10 FCS Dome Rankings. Many have been debating whether these domes have the chops to someday become big league FBS domes. Here goes:
10. ICCU Dome (Holt Arena) - Idaho State Bengals (capacity: 12,000)
Built by the ASISU in 1970, Holt Arena, or "The Big Holtie" as fans call it, is home to the ISU Bengals. Most say the most interesting fact about this FCS dome is that it is an FCS dome. I think the most interesting thing about it is it's the oldest enclosed stadium still in use, probably in the world.
9. The ASUI Kibbie Dome - Idaho Vandals (capacity: 15,250)
Not to be outdone by their Pokeys to the south, the ASUI built the Kibbie Dome in 1974-ish. Originally planned to be constructed using traditional "wattle and daub" methods, this gem was ultimately built in concrete, becoming the first semi-permanent concrete structure in Moscow, Idaho.
8. UNI Dome - Northern Iowa Panthers (capacity: 16,324)
Completed by O.J. Simpson in 1974, the UNI Dome is the pride of Southwestern Cedar Falls, Iowa. Its innovative roof design paved the way for the more well known Texas Stadium in Irving, Texas (demolished 2010). The Panther faithful note the clear sightlines make watching their 6-5 team host annual playoff games very enjoyable.
7. DakotaDome - USD Coyotes (capacity: 9,100)
We're onto the dome hotbed--the Dakotas! Designed by famed Eastern Bloc brutalist architect Yevgeni Alekseyev, the DakotaDome (one word) was completed in 1979. The funding for the project remains unknown. In fact not much of anything is really known about the DakotaDome. Visitors report having watched football in there, but have yet to elaborate. Feel free to comment if you've heard anything.
6. Fargodome - UNDSU Bizons (capacity: 15,532)
Continuing our scenic tour of the Dakotas, the Fargodome (one word) clocks in at #6. Now, I know what you're thinking: "CDA, didn't the Bizons move up to the FBS? What on Earth are you thinking putting the Fargodome on the FCS dome list, you big goof?" Well, fuck you. Built and owned by the Township of Fargo, the Fargodome was originally designed to have an inflatable roof. That plan was scrapped as the Township drew its inspiration from a Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses--and nailed it! Known for its iconic blue plastic seating, Bizon supporters (who colloquially call themselves "T-Buffs") jellyroll and jam this building every fall to watch their favorite team battle it out. The Bizons have had great success of late, winning 7 FCS Championships since moving up from the DIII ranks. Other events include: the Greater Grand Forks Camper Show and the International Crop Expo.
5. Honda Center - Anaheim Ducks (capacity: 18,336)
The Honda Center was built in 1993 and is the home of the NHL's Anaheim Ducks. It's not a very nice building. It's really dated on the inside, like if a billionaire spent a ton of money on a house in 1993 and then just left it that way forever. I'd be surprised if there wasn't a bunch of those giant JVC tube TVs that were like 4 grand in 1993 in a storage room somewhere in there. It reminds me of the Fargodome if the Fargodome was way, way nicer. Way nicer.
4. Alerus Center - UND Fighting Hawks (capacity: 12,283)
The "Jewel of the Dakota Domes" is indeed the Alerus Center. Completed in 2001 by town crier, "Grand Forks Harold", this dome is the consensus best FCS dome in all of the Middle East region of the Dakotas. The Fighting Hawks play both football and ice hockey in this multipurpose dome. Known for its sensible parking procedures and modern corrugated metal exterior reminiscent of Oscar the Grouch's primary residence, the Alerus Center provides an unforgettable assault on your senses.
3. Superior Dome - Northern Michigan Wildcats (capacity: 8,000)
The only DII venue to crack the Top 10 Best FCS Domes List is a dandy. The Superior Dome was probably built by Paul Bunyan's grandson in 1991 out of 781 Douglas Fir beams and 108.5 miles of fir decking. Nestled on the banks of Lake F'in Superior on Michigan's Upper Peninsula, NMU naturally wanted no part of any view, so the Wildcats play their games (poorly) inside this dome. The football team recently snapped a 28-game losing streak in 2025, so things are looking up in Marquette. Maybe one can see the lake through one of those gable window things?
2. Reno H. Sales Stadium - Bozeman State Bobcats (capacity: 17,777; reported attendance: 27,777-77,777)
Designed by Bozeman State engineering students, this dome opened in 1973 at cost of roughly $500,000. Before that, the Bobcats didn't field a football team. That same year (1973), two indoor gymnasiums were also built on campus at the the Marga Hosaeus Fitness Center. At present, none of the roofs remain in tact. Local lore suggests that the roof on RHS was never actually built as designed, but many Bobcat fans, or "Bobfans" as they call themselves, insist that it was there at some point but kind of just "went away like the other ones." They don't like to talk about it. Whatever the truth may be, the consensus around the Treasure State is that RHS is "dumb enough to be a dome," so the dome moniker remains. Mired in scandal over the last 5-7 years, the Bobcats have stuck to their mantra of "Win at All Costs," climbing to the top of the FCS ranks for the first time in 2025.
1. J. Lawrence Walkup Skydome - Northern Arizona Lumberjacks (capacity: 11,230)
We've reached the Granddaddy of them All! Just look at this thing! It's tough. Much like NMU's Superior Dome in Marquette, Michigan, the Walkup Skydome in Flagstaff, Arizona is made of a metric shit ton of wood. Built by Fisty the Lumberjack over Memorial Day weekend in 1977, the Walkup Skydome has seen it all--it's even rumored to be haunted! In recent times, Jack fans swear they can hear the cries of quarterback Case "Bitch Boy" Cookus whining like a BYU basketball fan. At any rate, there's no doubt that this dome is the best dome of all the FCS domes on this dome list, because it has the number 1 next to its name. It's right above the picture.
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Holy hell MN, I hadn't thought of that. Maybe!!
