RCA Dome

{{Short description|Former NFL stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana}}

{{Infobox venue

|stadium_name = RCA Dome

|nickname =

|logo_image = rcadomelogo.jpg

|logo_size = 200px

|image = Indianapolis-indiana-rca-dome.jpg

|caption = The Dome in 2005

|address = 100 South Capitol Avenue

|location = Indianapolis, Indiana

|coordinates = {{Coord|39|45|49|N|86|9|48|W|type:landmark}}

|broke_ground = {{Start date and age|1982|5|27}}

|opened = {{Start date and age|1984|8|5}}

|closed = {{Start date and age|2008|2|26}}

|demolished = {{Start date and age|2008|12|20}}

|owner = Capital Improvement Board

|operator = Capital Improvement Board

|surface = AstroTurf (1984–2004)
FieldTurf (2005–2008)

|construction_cost = US$77.5 million
(${{formatprice|{{Inflation|US|77500000|1984}}}} in {{Inflation-year|US}} dollars{{inflation-fn|US}})

|architect = HNTB
Browning Day Pollack Mullins Inc.

|structural engineer = Geiger Engineers

|services engineer = M&E Engineering Service, Inc.{{cite journal |year=1985|title=Specifying Engineer|journal=Specifying Engineer|publisher=Cahners Publishing Company|volume=53|pages=96}}

|general_contractor = Huber, Hunt & Nichols{{cite web |title=RCA Dome|url=http://football.ballparks.com/NFL/IndianapolisColts/index.htm|website=Ballparks.com|access-date=February 4, 2019}}

|former_names = Hoosier Dome (1983–1994)

|tenants = Indianapolis Colts (1984–2007)

|suites = 104

|seating_capacity = 60,127 (1984–1991)
60,129 (1992–1995)
60,272 (1996–1997)
60,567 (1998)
56,127 (1999–2002)
55,506 (2003–2005)
55,531 (2006–2008)

|record_attendance = WrestleMania VIII: 62,167 (April 5, 1992)

}}

The RCA Dome (originally Hoosier Dome) was a domed stadium in Indianapolis. It was the home of the Indianapolis Colts NFL franchise for 24 seasons (1984–2007).

It was completed at a cost of $77.5 million, as part of the Indiana Convention Center, with the costs split between private and public money. The largest crowd to attend an event at the Dome was 62,167 for WrestleMania VIII in 1992. It was demolished on December 20, 2008, as part of a project to expand the attached convention center.

Description

The Birdair-designed dome was made up of teflon-coated fiberglass and weighed {{convert|257|ST|LT t|lk=on}}, which was held up by the air pressure inside the building. The ceiling was {{convert|193|ft|m}} high, though the height varied up to {{convert|5|ft}} as the materials expanded and contracted with the weather.{{Citation needed|date=July 2024}}

Like other domes of this style (the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, BC Place, the JMA Wireless Dome, and the Pontiac Silverdome) there were warning signs posted cautioning patrons of the high winds at the doors when exiting the facility.{{Citation needed|date=July 2024}}

History

File:InsideRCADome.jpg

File:HoosierRCADome.jpg

File:Final 4 Semis 2.jpg]]

Construction for the Hoosier Dome began in May 1982.{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=6 January 2008 |title=Hoosier/RCA Dome timeline |url=https://www.heraldtimesonline.com/story/news/2008/01/06/hoosierrca-dome-timeline/117923372/ |access-date=2024-08-15 |website=The Herald-Times |language=en-US}}

The domed stadium was similar in design and appearance to the Metrodome and the previous BC Place roof, owing in great part to the involvement of engineers David Geiger and Walter Bird, pioneers in air-supported roofs.{{cite web |title=A Stadium with a "Lid"|first=Claude|last=Charlier|url=http://www.columbia.edu/cu/gsapp/BT/PAPERS/smthsnian.html|work=Smithsonian|publisher=Columbia University|date=January 1988|access-date=February 4, 2019}}

The stadium was originally named the Hoosier Dome until 1994 when RCA paid $10 million for the naming rights for 10 years, with two 5-year options to RCA at a cost of $3.5 million if invoked.{{Cite web |title=Hoosier, er, RCA Dome |url=https://www.tampabay.com/archive/1994/08/04/hoosier-er-rca-dome/ |access-date=2024-06-14 |website=Tampa Bay Times |language=en}}{{Cite web |date=2019-08-15 |title=Throwback: Hoosier Dome becomes RCA Dome |url=https://www.wrtv.com/news/throwback/throwback-hoosier-dome-becomes-rca-dome |access-date=2024-08-15 |website=WRTV Indianapolis |language=en}} The stadium seated 56,127 for football, the smallest in the NFL. Modifications were made to the stadium in 1999 to expand the suites and add club seating. Before that, the maximum seating for a football crowd was 60,272. The stadium was built to lure a National Football League team to Indianapolis, and as the stadium was being completed, the Baltimore Colts relocated to Indianapolis on March 29, 1984.{{Cite web |last=Scheibe |first=John |date=2020-03-29 |title=This day in sports: Robert Irsay moves the Colts from Baltimore to Indianapolis in 1984 |url=https://www.latimes.com/sports/story/2020-03-29/this-day-in-sports-robert-irsay-moves-colts-from-baltimore-to-indianapolis |access-date=2024-06-18 |website=Los Angeles Times |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last=Thompson |first=Adam |date=2023-03-28 |title='It degrades a great tradition': 39 years ago, football was ripped away from Baltimore - CBS Baltimore |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/baltimore/news/it-degrades-a-great-tradition-39-years-ago-football-was-ripped-away-from-baltimore/ |access-date=2024-06-18 |website=www.cbsnews.com |language=en-US}}

The Dome was officially dedicated on August 11, 1984, as a sellout crowd watched the Indianapolis Colts defeat the New York Giants in an NFL preseason game. The Buffalo Bills and Chicago Bears played a preseason game at the Hoosier Dome on August 26, 1984,{{Cite news |date=1984-08-26 |title=SUNDAY SPORTS Baseball |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1984/08/26/sports/sunday-sports-baseball.html |access-date=2024-06-18 |work=The New York Times |pages=8 |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}} which had been scheduled prior to the Colts moving in.

The football playing surface was originally AstroTurf, and replaced with FieldTurf in 2005.{{Cite web |title=Colts to put FieldTurf down in RCA Dome |url=https://www.patriots.com/news/colts-to-put-fieldturf-down-in-rca-dome-90196 |access-date=2024-05-02 |website=www.patriots.com |language=en-US}}

The Colts moved into the new, retractable-roof, Lucas Oil Stadium for the 2008 NFL season.{{Cite web |last=Marot |first=Michael |date=2008-09-07 |title=Colts hit jackpot with Lucas Oil Stadium |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2008-sep-07-sp-dogstadium7-story.html |access-date=2024-05-02 |website=Los Angeles Times |language=en-US}} The RCA Dome was replaced by additional space for the adjacent Indiana Convention Center.{{Cite web |date=2009-03-16 |title=RCA Dome demolition continues |url=https://www.wthr.com/article/news/local/rca-dome-demolition-continues/531-b886b829-22b7-4932-8147-44c832ff202c |access-date=2024-07-25 |website=wthr.com |language=en-US}} The new convention space connects to Lucas Oil Stadium in much the same way that the existing Indiana Convention Center had been connected to the RCA Dome (although the new connecting walkway now passes under a railroad track).

=Demolition=

On September 24, 2008, the roof of the Dome was deflated, which took about 35 minutes.{{Cite web |date=2008-09-24 |title=RCA Dome roof deflated to prepare for demolition |url=https://www.espn.com/espn/wire?section=nfl&id=3606703 |access-date=2024-05-02 |website=ESPN.com |language=en}} The building itself was imploded on December 20, 2008, by Controlled Demolition, Inc.,{{Cite web |author=Staff Writer |title=RCA Dome implodes in pile of dust, rubble |url=https://www.pjstar.com/story/sports/2008/12/21/rca-dome-implodes-in-pile/42514325007/ |access-date=2024-05-02 |website=Peoria Journal Star |language=en-US}} and was featured on the second series premiere of the National Geographic show Blowdown.

An Indianapolis nonprofit, People for Urban Progress, rescued {{convert|13|acre}} of the Dome roof.{{Cite web |last=Hester |first=Jessica |date=15 September 2016 |title=What Can You Build With a Dismantled Stadium? |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2016-09-15/people-for-urban-progress-turns-stadium-roofs-into-bags-wallets-and-shade-shelters |access-date=2024-06-25 |website=Bloomberg}} They work with local Indianapolis designers to recycle the material into community shade structures and art installations, as well as wallets, purses and bags.

Events

=Football=

Although the RCA Dome never hosted any Super Bowls, it played host to the 2006 AFC Championship Game,{{Cite web |date=2022-01-30 |title=15 years ago Colts defeat Patriots in historic comeback for AFC Championship |url=https://horseshoeheroes.com/2022/01/30/colts-defeat-patriots-historic-comeback-afc-championship/ |access-date=2024-06-28 |website=Horseshoe Heroes |language=en-US}} which saw the Colts erase a 21–3 deficit for a come-from-behind 38–34 win over the New England Patriots in what would ultimately be the only AFC Championship Game hosted at the RCA Dome.{{Cite web |title=Colts 38-34 Patriots (Jan 21, 2007) Final Score |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/game/_/gameId/270121011/patriots-colts |access-date=2024-06-28 |website=ESPN |language=en}}

The RCA Dome also hosted three AFC Divisional Round games in 1999, 2005,{{Cite web |last=Tierney |first=Hunter |date=2024-08-03 |title=Throwback to the Wild 2005 Steelers-Colts Playoff Battle |url=https://www.givemesport.com/nfl-playoffs-colts-steelers-2005-greatest-playoff-game-ever/ |access-date=2024-08-05 |website=GiveMeSport |language=en}} and 2007,{{Cite web |last=Matthes |first=Jonathan |title=There I Stood on the Cursed Snow: The 2007 AFC Title Game, Five Years Later |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/1033163-there-i-stood-on-the-cursed-snow-the-2007-afc-title-game-five-years-later |access-date=2024-08-05 |website=Bleacher Report |language=en}} with the Colts posting an 0–3 record in those games; the 2005 game, which saw the heavily favored Colts lose to the Pittsburgh Steelers 21–18 in one of the biggest upsets in NFL history (en route to the Steelers' victory in Super Bowl XL), is best remembered for Colts cornerback Nick Harper recovering a Jerome Bettis fumble only for Mike Vanderjagt to miss the game-tying field goal at the end of the game. The RCA Dome also hosted three AFC wild card games in 2003, 2004, and 2006, with the Colts winning all three games. The Colts' 28–24 loss to the San Diego Chargers in the 2007 Divisional Round proved to be the stadium's final game before the Colts moved on to Lucas Oil Stadium the following season.{{Cite web |title=Chargers 28-24 Colts (Jan 13, 2008) Final Score |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/game/_/gameId/280113011/chargers-colts |access-date=2024-06-28 |website=ESPN |language=en}}

=Basketball=

In addition to football, the RCA Dome hosted several basketball games. The first was an exhibition game in 1984 between an NBA All-Star team led by home-state hero Larry Bird and the United States Olympic Men's Basketball team, coached by Bob Knight, who was at the time the coach of Indiana University. The Dome hosted the 1985 NBA All-Star Game in February, where an NBA-record crowd of 43,146 saw the Western Conference beat the host Eastern Conference 140–129.{{cite web |title=NBA.com: 1985 All-Star Game: West 140, East 129|url=http://www.nba.com/history/allstar/recap_1985.html|publisher=National Basketball Association|access-date=February 4, 2019}} The Indiana High School Athletic Association's 1990 boys and girls basketball finals were held at the stadium; 41,046 attended the boys semifinals and finals, setting the record for the largest crowd at a high school basketball game.{{cite news |last1=Sokeland |first1=Justin |title=1990 state champions: There's no place like Dome |url=https://www.wbiw.com/2020/03/26/1990-state-champions-theres-no-place-like-dome/ |access-date=June 20, 2024 |work=WBIW |date=March 27, 2020}} Later, it hosted many NCAA Men's Division I Basketball Championship games, including four Final Fours (1991, 1997, 2000, 2006).{{Cite web |title=These basketball arenas have hosted the most March Madness men's games {{!}} NCAA.com |url=https://www.ncaa.com/news/basketball-men/article/2024-02-08/basketball-arenas-have-hosted-most-march-madness-games |access-date=2024-07-25 |website=www.ncaa.com |language=en}} The NCAA, whose headquarters are in Indianapolis, has committed to holding the Final Four in the city once every five years. The RCA Dome hosted its only Women's Final Four in 2005.{{Cite web |title=ESPN.com: NCW - RCA Dome will house 2005 Final Four in Indianapolis |url=https://www.espn.com/ncw/news/2002/0701/1401017.html |access-date=2024-07-18 |website=www.espn.com}}{{Cite web |title=NCAA Women's Final Four host cities for 2027-31 announced; Columbus, Dallas, Indianapolis, Portland and San Antonio selected |url=https://www.dallassports.org/press/press-releases/ncaa-wff-host-cities-27-31/ |access-date=2024-07-18 |website=Dallas Sports Commission |language=en-US}} It served as one of two sites for the FIBA Men's Basketball World Championship in 2002,{{Cite web |title=ESPN.com: NBA - World Championships scores and schedule |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/s/2002/0829/1424660.html |access-date=2024-07-18 |website=www.espn.com}} sharing the honors with Gainbridge Fieldhouse, the home of the Indiana Pacers.

=Other sports=

During the 1987 Pan American Games, the RCA Dome hosted the Gymnastics and Handball competitions as well as the closing ceremonies.{{cite web|url=https://www.upi.com/Archives/1987/07/29/Pan-Am-Games-Schedule/6552554529600/|date=July 29, 1987|title=Pan Am Games Schedule|website=United Press International, Inc.|access-date=April 19, 2020}}

In 1991, the Dome hosted the 1991 World Artistic Gymnastics Championships.{{Cite magazine |last=Swift |first=E.M. |date=23 September 1991 |title=A WOW AT THE WORLDS |url=https://vault.si.com/vault/1991/09/23/a-wow-at-the-worlds-kim-zmeskal-of-the-us-made-history-in-indianapolis-by-winning-the-womens-all-around-at-a-stormy-world-gymnastics-championships |magazine=Sports Illustrated}} In 1992, the Dome hosted WrestleMania VIII for the World Wrestling Federation.{{Cite web |last=Appleton |first=Rory |date=21 July 2022 |title=In 1992, Wrestlemania brought wrestling, mullets and more to Indianapolis |url=https://www.indystar.com/story/entertainment/2022/07/21/wwe-wrestlemania-viii-in-indianapolis-rewatching-30-years-later/10046961002/ |access-date=25 July 2024 |website=Indianapolis Star}}

Monster Jam hosted events at the venue every year, with the last event being held in 2008 a few months before the venue was demolished.{{Cite web |title=Supercross Makes Lucas Oil Stadium Debut |url=https://racerxonline.com/2009/02/23/supercross-makes-lucas-oil-stadium-debut |access-date=2024-08-15 |website=Racer X |language=en}}

In addition, it hosted the NCAA Men's Division I Indoor Track and Field Championships from 1989 to 1999, and the 1990 General Conference Session of Seventh-day Adventists. Additionally, the RCA Dome served as the site of the Indiana State School Music Association State Marching Band Competition, the Bands of America Grand Nationals, and the Drum Corps International Midwestern Regional, along with the NFL Scouting Combine in February of each year. The 2004 U.S. Olympic Team Wrestling Trials were held in the Dome. It also hosted a PBR Built Ford Tough Series bull riding event in 2004.

File:Lucas Oil Stadium and the RCA Dome (2772381047).jpg (left) replaced the RCA Dome (right) in 2008.]]

The Thunder in the Dome was a midget car race held from 1985 to 2001.[http://www.usacracing.com/news/item/7780-special-events-are-a-special-occurrence-for-usac-midget-racers Special events are a special occurrence for USAC midget races] - United States Auto Club, 13 December 2018 The Dome also hosted an AMA Supercross Championship round from 1992 to 2008.{{cite web|title=2015 AMA Supercross media guide|url=http://www.amasupercross.com/MediaGuide/SXMediaGuide_15_lores.pdf|publisher=AMA Supercross|access-date=February 4, 2019|archive-date=October 13, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161013092314/http://www.amasupercross.com/MediaGuide/SXMediaGuide_15_lores.pdf|url-status=dead}}

=Concerts=

Many concerts took place in this venue, such as the 1987 Pink Floyd reunion,{{Cite web |last=Essex |first=Richard |date=2023-08-15 |title=Welcome to the machine: Scientists use brainwaves to recreate Pink Floyd songs |url=https://www.wishtv.com/news/entertainment-news/welcome-to-the-machine-scientists-use-brainwaves-to-recreate-pink-floyd-songs/ |access-date=2024-05-20 |website=Indianapolis News {{!}} Indiana Weather {{!}} Indiana Traffic {{!}} WISH-TV {{!}} |language=en-US}} the Rolling Stones, the Monsters of Rock Festival in 1988{{Cite news |date=1988-07-07 |title=Monsters of Rock - Hoosier Dome |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-indianapolis-news-monsters-of-rock/21201418/ |access-date=2024-05-20 |work=The Indianapolis News |pages=37}} (Van Halen, Metallica, Scorpions, Dokken, and Kingdom Come), and Farm Aid IV in 1990{{Cite web |last=Cohen |first=Jonathan |date=11 July 2023 |title=Farm Aid Returning To Indianapolis With Neil Young, Willie Nelson, John Mellencamp |url=https://www.spin.com/2023/07/farm-aid-indianapolis-2023/ |access-date=5 August 2024 |website=Spin}} (Elton John, Guns N' Roses, Lou Reed, John Mellencamp, Genesis, CSN&Y, Willie Nelson, Iggy Pop, Don Henley & Bonnie Raitt).{{Cite web |date=2023-09-21 |title=1990: Farm Aid IV links farming, environmental causes |url=https://www.wrtv.com/lifestyle/history/1990-farm-aid-iv-links-farming-environmental-causes |access-date=2024-05-20 |website=WRTV Indianapolis |language=en}}