This story was written by NMU Sports Information

MARQUETTE---When the Superior Dome opened its doors on September 14, 1991, it was hailed as the world's largest wooden dome.

The Dome is far from just an engineering marvel. Over the past 25 years, it has become a pillar of the Northern Michigan, Marquette and Upper Peninsula communities, hosting everything from Wildcat football games to trade shows to fundraising events.

"The Superior Dome brings people together in so many ways," said Northern Michigan athletics director Forrest Karr. "Events receive the most attention, but, on any given day, numerous students participate in classes and intramural sports and countless members of the community can be seen running and walking together, discussing and enjoying the various displays or simply sitting and talking. It truly is a special place."

The Superior Dome, which is still the largest wooden dome in the world, was built in two stages with 781 Douglas Fir beams and 108.5 miles of fir decking. It stands 14.1 stories and spans 5.1 acres. The dome for which it's named is 536 feet across.

"It's a tourist destination," said Northern Michigan associate athletic director-facilities Carl Bammert. "We get people from all over the U.S. who come to see the Dome. This is a stop that many people who visit the Upper Peninsula make."

Some of the Dome's marquee events include the Noquemanon Ski Marathon, the Michigan Special Olympics and Northern Michigan's commencement ceremonies.

"Over the years, the Superior Dome has provided many opportunities for athletic and trade show events," Bammert said. "It has impacted Marquette County and the entire Upper Peninsula economically by drawing events. At the same time, it has exposed NMU and Marquette to the rest of Michigan and the Midwest."

The home of the Wildcat football, lacrosse, cross country and track & field teams, it has permanent seating for 8,000 and is outfitted with retractable turf. It also houses the U.S. Olympic Training Site weightlifting and Greco-Roman wrestling programs.

Over the years, the Superior Dome has hosted many MHSAA football playoff games, regular season high school football games, high school track & field meets, youth soccer tournament and adult softball tournaments. Another event that the Superior Dome hosts annually is the U.P. All-Star football game.

"The Superior Dome is a great atmosphere for high school football," Bammert said. "When the high school athletes and fans come into the Dome for the first time, it truly is a big deal for them. It's their Ford Field."

This year, Marquette High School has played its home football games at the Superior Dome as its game field undergoes extensive renovations.  

When the turf is retracted, there is space for three basketball or volleyball courts and a 200-meter track. That expansive space also provides regional business a venue for various trade shows and conferences throughout the year.

The U.P. Builders Show, the Boat, Sport and R.V. Show and the TV6 Craft Show are some of the many trade shows and conferences hosted in the Superior Dome each year.

"The Superior Dome is an incredibly valuable resource for our community," said Jennifer Lammi, the executive director of the Marquette Builders Exchange. "Since it opened 25 years ago, we have held the U.P. Builders Show there every year. Not only is it spacious enough for a construction expo, the beauty of the building, along with the helpful staff and convenient location, make it ideal for such an event. It is a one-of-a-kind venue."

"As our show has grown, the Superior Dome has been able to accommodate every need. We look forward to holding our event there for many years to come."

The Superior Dome also hosts various non-profit events, such as Pump Up the Dome, and K-8 school field day programs. It is open for community members to jog and walk for free, sponsored by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Marquette and Marquette General Health System.

"I walk at the Superior Dome a few times a week during the winter and am so grateful it is open to the public," Lammi said. "In an area where winters are harsh, to have an indoor space to exercise has a very positive impact on the health of the community. It is always a hub of activity, a place where people can connect and be active even when it is below zero degrees."

The first event held in the Dome was a football game between Northern Michigan and the University of Indianapolis. The Wildcats christened the Dome with a 31-20 victory.

The Superior Dome has undergone numerous renovations over the years and is in the process of being re-branded with Northern Michigan's new logo. But one thing will never change: the tremendous impact that it has on its community.