An upstart group of local sports enthusiasts in Rocky Mountain House is exploring the possibility of building a sports dome in the area to serve a variety of athletic needs. Megan Armet, co-coordinator of the initiative, shared that the idea sprang from a growing need identified by community members involved in various sports, including baseball, soccer, and football.
“We’ve been using the Red Deer Dome for tryouts and training, and it’s been great,” Armet said. “But it’s a bit of a drive for people in our community. We thought, why not bring something like that here to Rocky Mountain House?”
The sports dome would provide a year-round, indoor facility that could accommodate baseball, soccer, football, and potentially other sports. The idea has already garnered support from multiple local sports boards. The walking track at the Red Deer Dome, which opened in 2019, inspired a Clearwater County councillor to push for a similar facility in Rocky.
While the project is still in its early stages, the group has already seen substantial interest. Armet noted its Facebook page has over 500 followers, with word-of-mouth spreading within local sports circles. “We’re involved with local sports families and have been talking to people in the community,” Armet noted. “The response has been positive so far.”
Inside The Dome on Gasoline Alley Red Deer. (rdnewsNOW/Josh Hall)
The estimated cost for such a project is between $12 million and $15 million, says Armet, with future fundraising efforts on the horizon. Additionally, the group plans to approach both the Town of Rocky Mountain House and Clearwater County for support, as well as seek government grants.
Though the location for the dome hasn’t been finalized, Armet mentioned potential “wish list” spots near the airport, close to the arena, or near the rodeo grounds.
She adds, the dome would likely be smaller than the mammoth 107,000-square-foot facility in Red Deer, but it could still serve multiple sports. “We’d scale it down, but it could host football, soccer, and baseball, all in one multipurpose space,” Armet said.
Beyond just the core sports, the group has considered adding other features, such as a walking track, driving range, and accommodating more sports like field hockey or lacrosse. The facility could serve all age groups, from children to seniors, offering recreational programs and events for the entire community.
The group plans to continue gauging public support through their Facebook page, with hopes of eventually presenting the idea to local authorities for inclusion in upcoming recreation reports.
This vision for a sports dome mirrors the success seen in Red Deer, where Dome Sports has become a hub for athletes and recreational activities. The Red Deer facility boasts an 80-foot high, 107,000-square-foot structure, offering a range of programs from youth to senior activities.
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