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Fargo Dome Authority: downtown convention center pick leaves Dome ‘bridesmaid in waiting’; board discusses possible improvements
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Summary
After placing fourth in the city’s convention center selection, the Fargo Dome Authority discussed its next steps and prioritized smaller, fundable upgrades such as lighting, parking-lot work and signage while noting major renovation needs exceed available funds.
The Fargo Dome Authority reported on the city commission’s convention center selection at its Jan. 28 meeting and discussed what facility improvements it can pursue given funding constraints.
The chair said the authority’s proposal ranked fourth in the city’s stack-ranked recommendation and that the city commission is entering due diligence with the top-ranked proposers. “We came in fourth... we were bridesmaid in waiting, to see what happens with 1 or 2,” the chair said.
Why it matters: The city commission’s selection process will determine whether larger downtown convention plans proceed and how local venue funding may be affected. Authority members said their immediate focus will be lower-cost, high-impact improvements the Dome can fund or match while the larger convention center outcome remains uncertain.
Board discussion and priorities: Members and operations staff outlined near-term and mid-term priorities that could proceed at the FDA level, including full lighting conversions and signage updates, parking-lot repairs, East-side and press-box updates, and elevator access improvements. Rob said lighting, signage and wayfinding represent "low hanging fruit" that could improve the facility’s appearance and user experience, but that more extensive renovation will require additional outside funding or partnerships.
On funding limits, the chair referenced available funds and the gap to a full renovation, noting past project estimates. He said previous sales-tax-era project estimates were roughly $100 million to $110 million and that deploying roughly $30 million would cover about a quarter of that scope. The chair also quoted a figure for permanent-fund deployment during discussion, noting uncertainty in the precise number.
Tax and approval questions: Board members discussed whether an extension of a 1% infrastructure tax could be used to support Dome projects. Rob described the proposal discussed by the group as an extension of the existing 1% infrastructure tax (covering wastewater, water supply, streets and similar infrastructure) and noted the city commission will define what the tax can fund; the commission’s definition will determine whether Dome projects qualify.
Other items: Rob reported Moore Engineering is completing a parking-lot survey to determine whether repairs, overlays or reconstruction are required. Turf replacement was discussed as an aesthetic issue likely to be addressed in 2027 rather than an immediate safety concern.
What’s next: The authority will continue capital planning and expects a building finance committee budget presentation in May, when the board will consider more detailed lighting and signage proposals and funding options.
