The Alamodome is in the final stages of renovations that will help the venue better serve San Antonio students and families—as well as continue to attract big sporting events. I recently attended a sneak preview to learn more about the changes.
The Alamodome is a large, multi-use event space located on the eastern edge of downtown San Antonio. It’s owned by the city of San Antonio, part of the Convention and Sports Facilities Department. It opened in 1993 and now, 24 years later, is getting its first major renovation—a $60 million project—managed by the city’s Transportation and Capital Improvements Department.
All of these renovations took place while the Alamodome was still operating with a full schedule. Many local students are well acquainted with the Alamodome because it’s the go-to place for high school graduations (e.g., Northside ISD), band competitions (e.g., Bands of America super regionals in November 2017), and basketball tournaments (e.g., UIL girls’ and boys’ basketball tournaments in March 2018).
The Alamodome also hosts events that appeal to families, such as Marvel Universe Live!, a show that my kids reviewed in 2015. (Looks like it’s coming back to San Antonio in 2018.) UTSA football plays home games at the Alamodome.
Let’s take a closer look at the renovations at the Alamodome that will improve the experience for students and families.
H-E-B Plaza on the north side of the Alamodome is a big public space that welcomes visitors.
On preview day, I got to say hello to Rowdy the Roadrunner, UTSA’s mascot.
The east and west concourses now have more room to move around. Widescreen TVs are mounted along the walls.
The concourses have new concessions, focusing on local brands like Los Barrios, Earl Abel’s, Big Bib BBQ, and Freetail Brewing Co., plus family favorites like Chick-fil-A. Outside the concourse, outdoor beer gardens will have more seating and room to relax.
In the arena, visitors will enjoy better wifi coverage, a more powerful sound system, and bright LED lighting. Each corner will have a giant video wall, 34 feet high by 60 feet wide. Two screens are up now, and two more will be installed in time for the Valero Alamo Bowl in December. For even more screen space, a ribbon board wraps around the entire arena.
Behind the scenes, the Alamodome has more technology upgrades. There are new production facilities to fill those big screens. A multipurpose room will have space for media at big events like the NCAA Men’s Basketball Final Four, which is returning to the Alamodome in 2018. Tournament players will also enjoy upgraded locker rooms.
As you plan your next visit to the Alamodome, get acquainted with their clear bag policy.
The preview event was a demonstration of city pride and unity. Leaders who came to the preview event include Mayor Ron Nirenberg; city council members William “Cruz” Shaw, Rebecca Viagran, Shirley Gonzales, and John Courage; and City Manager Sheryl Sculley. A group of San Antonio bloggers took a selfie with Mayor Nirenberg and Councilman Shaw; photo by April Monterrosa.
With this recent set of renovations, a refreshed Alamodome will continue to serve San Antonio as a place for families to make memories at fun events and to host milestone moments like graduation ceremonies.
