FRANKLYWNOW - Deflated Dome means long wait for refunds, uncertain future

UAA Athletics Director Keith Hackett showed KTVA what his track students use to train.

“This straightaway is wide enough for one hurdler to work on their hurdles. You can’t put more than three hurdles here, it’s not enough room,” said Hackett.

The Raven’s Nest Track atop the Alaska Airlines Center is what the Seawolves have to use, they have no other choice.

Repairs have not started on The Dome, after heavy snow forced the inflatable roof to deflate back in January. The Seawolves are among those who paid to used the building, and are likely due refunds.

“There’s probably money they’ll refund to us, but, we haven’t even broached the subject to them, because we wanted them to be working on a solution to getting The dome back up,” Hackett said.

Dome operators said those who want a refund now, will have to wait. A statement on The Dome’s website says any available money must first go to pay creditors.

Plus, they hope to have more information about a possible reopening date by the middle of the month.

There’s now growing concern around Anchorage The Dome may not reopen for business. That includes Matt Froehle, head coach of the Bartlett High School boys soccer team, and a regular user of the building.

“When some of the initial dates they gave us came and went, I think we heard mid-April was an initial target, that’s a month gone by now,” said Froehle.

For Froehle and others, it’s now become a game of wait to see if The Dome reopens.

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