Leicester Tigers

Leicester Tigers Air Dome

Key Information

Install Date

01/2019

Type

Single Skin Covair

Dimensions

36.5m x 64.0m

Activity

Rugby

Leicester Tigers initially approached Covair with the idea of creating an indoor practice area at their training facilities in Oadby.

Over time there were various conversations regarding the type and size of dome before the club decided on a 60m long, single skin Covair dome. The plan was to resurface a disused 5-a-side area with a new synthetic grass pitch and cover it with an air dome to be used seasonally during the inclement winter months.

Staff from Leicester Tigers visited an existing Covair dome at David Lloyd Gloucester to see one in use and check that this would be the correct solution for them.

Covair then visited Oadby to take measurements and assess the site. The location of the doors and fans was agreed, and a proposal was issued. Covair were also able to put the client in touch with an experienced planning consultant.

Covair had previously installed single skin domes this size for tennis, but this would be the first for rugby and the first with a machinery access tunnel.

The 4m x 2m tunnel was required for a utility vehicle to gain access to service the new synthetic grass surface, without significant air loss from the dome.

Leicester Tigers confirmed the order and booked in work for the removal of the existing surface and installation of the new grass along with utilities and the concrete ring beam for the air dome. Whilst this work was underway, Covair started the manufacture of the air dome and required components.

Covair received deliveries on site, drilled the anchor system into the ring beam and installed the fans and control system. The air dome sections were then welded together to complete the full membrane. The supporting cable network was connected, and the dome inflated. The full dome installation took the team five days to complete.