Facilities & Directions
McLeod Center
The west campus complex is a perfect complement to other community venues on campus, including the UNI-Dome and the Gallagher-Bluedorn Performing Arts Center. By becoming a focal point for athletic support and education, the new facility deepens UNI’s strong sense of community. The McLeod Center enhances the image of the UNI-Dome and has created new usage opportunities.
The addition of McLeod Center to the west campus complex also continues UNI’s dedication to student needs. It is the home for men’s and women’s basketball and volleyball. The McLeod Center has also significantly increased available event space in the community.
UNI-Dome
The groundbreaking ceremony for Iowa's only domed stadium occurred on July 26, 1974, after several years of fundraising. Most of the money used for construction came from student fees and from private donations from alumni and community members. This $7.5 million structure was completed in 1976. The UNI-Dome, as it is commonly known, is a multi-purpose coliseum designed by Thorson-Brom-Broshar-Snyder Architects of Waterloo.
In 2009, the University of Northern Iowa installed Mondoturf Ecofill Star artificial turf in the UNI-Dome, replacing the previous artificial surface which had been in use since 1992. Construction began July 13, 2009, and the final touches were put in place August 15, 2009. The surface came in 32 rollable panels and is secured by a Velcro system. The mid-field and endzone logos are in-laid and do not require annual painting of the turf. The new field features a different look than the old turf, as well as a new look to the end zones. The end zones are now purple and have Panthers in gold letters. Under the turf is an all-purpose floor marked as a running track.
The Dome is used for concerts, community events such as recreational and craft shows, and commencement ceremonies. When the Dome is not in use by the University, it can be rented for various purposes. The main seating area accommodates over 16,000 people for football games. The building has four main concourse level entrances: two on the east and two on the west. Each is named after a major contributor to the Dome project. There are also two other entrances: one on the north and one on the south side. The north entrance opens into a hallway which leads to the Physical Education Center.
Wellness/Recreation Center
In the spring of 1998, the University of Northern Iowa completed construction of its new multipurpose student and athletic facility--the Wellness/Recreation Center. The $14 million center is the home of the UNI swimming and diving teams.
The Wellness/Recreation Center pool consists of eight 25-yard lanes. All lanes are equipped with the Colorado Times Electronic Timing System. This system is connected to the large electronic scoreboard that allows spectators to follow the event's action in real time. The pool also is surrounded by a closed gutter filtration system, which drastically reduces water turbulence, helping to increase the swimmer's speed.
The pool has two one-meter diving boards located poolside and two three-meter boards fitted on a diving platform located on the north end of the pool. The diving well has a depth of 13 feet.
Seating for meets includes elevated permanent seating for 300 spectators. The overlooking seating gives fans a spectacular, up-close perspective to watch the competition. Fans and parents also can take advantage of the pool's hospitality room during swimming meets.
In addition to the use by the Panther swimming and diving teams, the pool is open to the University of Northern Iowa community for recreational events, such as intramurals, swimming lessons, open swim, water aerobics and lifeguard certification classes.
Open daily to the UNI community, the rest of the Wellness/Recreation Center houses basketball, volleyball and racquetball courts, dance and exercise rooms, two weight rooms, and an indoor track.
The easiest way to travel to UNI is via:
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Interstate 380 or US 63 from the south
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US 63 or 218 from the north
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US 20 or Iowa 57 from the west
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US 20 from the east
Getting to Cedar Falls by Air: The Waterloo airport is only 10 minutes from campus. Rental cars and taxi service are available. When checking for availability of flights online using sites like Travelocity or Expedia, the Waterloo airport code is ALO.
The Eastern Iowa Airport in Cedar Rapids is approximately 75 minutes away. Interstate 380/20 is close to both the Eastern Iowa Airport and campus, making the trip an easy one. Rental cars are available. When checking for availability of flights online using sites like Travelocity or Expedia, the Eastern Iowa airport code is CID.
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