The Mahaney Dome, an indoor practice facility at the University of Maine in Orono, collapsed Thursday under the weight of water and snow in the middle of the dome for at least the fourth time in its history.
The collapse happened at around 8:30 a.m. and no one was injured, according to Senior Associate Athletic Director Tyson McHatten.
“No injuries have been reported,” McHatten said in a statement to the Bangor Daily News. “The structure is being evaluated in preparation for repairs.”
The tear is approximately 160 feet in total length. UMaine staff will meet with the repair crew Friday to assess the damage and determine how quickly the damaged door can be fixed,McHatten added.
The tear damaged the base of the dome, as well.
A storm in March 2007 caused the dome to collapse for the first time after it was built in 2006.
On Dec. 29, 2016, the dome collapsed again.
On Jan. 28, 2019, the dome collapsed under snow and ice with six softball players and softball coach Mike Coutts inside. They were able to get out.
The Mahaney Dome is named after UMaine graduate Larry Mahaney, who donated approximately $1 million to construct the dome, according to the UMaine website.
There are plans for a new indoor practice facility within the new athletic facility plan, according to McHatten.
“The planning and details for this new indoor facility are still in the early planning stages,” McHatten said. “The enclosed structure will be a next-generation insulated structure, equipped with the latest features to protect from the elements.”
Football, soccer, baseball, softball and field hockey all use the facility.