District provides update regarding Hodag Dome

The School District of Rhinelander issued the following press release Monday morning, providing a update regarding damage that has led to the temporary closure and deflation of the Hodag Dome: 

Rhinelander, WI – Early Sunday morning, the Hodag Dome experienced a power outage due to extreme weather conditions. Unfortunately, the Dome’s generator failed to provide backup power, leading to a partial deflation and structural tears. To prevent further damage, the Dome has been completely deflated for now.

The Dome manufacturer, Arizon, will be onsite as soon as possible to assess the situation and develop a timeline for repairs. The School District will provide updates as more information becomes available. Additionally, the District is actively investigating the generator’s failure despite regular maintenance and is working closely with its insurance provider regarding the incident.

Due to the Dome's temporary closure, the City Election site has been relocated to the Middle School gym for Tuesday, April 1st.

Student/Student Athlete Impact:

·  Students use the Dome daily for physical education classes, learning enrichment activities, and field trips.

·  Student athletes benefit from year-round training without weather disruptions, hosting clinics, tournaments, fundraisers, and games within the Dome.

Community Impact:

·  Nearly 250 community members rely on the Dome daily during winter months for activities such as walking, pickleball, tennis, and turf play with their families. With a membership fee of only $15 per year, the Dome offers an inclusive space for people of all ages and abilities.

·  The Dome provides social connections for many residents, fostering friendships and a sense of belonging.

·  The facility serves as a hub for key community events, including elections, graduations, family nights, expos, and local celebrations. The dedication of Janet Jamison, Janice Halverson, and the Hodag Dome staff has made the Dome a truly special resource.

·  Hosting over 18 large weekend tournaments annually, the Dome attracts thousands of visitors to Rhinelander. These events generate millions of dollars for the local economy, supporting hotels, restaurants, and businesses, especially in years where other tourism revenue sources, such as winter recreation, may be impacted.

The Hodag Dome has exceeded its original vision set forth by the Hodag Schools Foundation, Lee Swank, and the School District, becoming an invaluable resource for both students and the broader community.

Superintendent Eric Burke emphasized the importance of the Dome to Rhinelander, stating, “The vision for the Dome has been fully realized and beyond, as it has become such an important resource for our school and community. Together, we will get answers to our questions, have the Dome repaired, and get it up and running better than ever. The District is very thankful for the tremendous support as we work through this challenge.”

The District remains fully committed to assessing and repairing the damages as quickly as possible to restore this essential facility. We appreciate the patience and support of the community as we work to get the Hodag Dome operational again.