News updates are sent daily. You can unsubscribe at any time.
Storm takes down ASU sports practice bubble
Digg|
Save|
License|
Print|
E-mail|
Workers and ASU officials examine the downed athletics practice bubble in Tempe Friday morning.
Tony D'Astoli, Tribune
The fabric cover of Arizona State's new indoor football practice facility was destroyed in a storm Thursday night, sending the "bubble" structure to the ground and leaving it unusable for the rest of the season.
Hurricane-force winds pound East Valley
SLIDESHOW: Powerful storm hits Valley, damages ASU practice bubble
 |
ASU is still in the process of assessing the damage, school spokesman Mark Brand said, but initial estimates to repair the roof are $900,000 to $1 million. The concrete foundation and FieldTurf surface remain intact.
No one was injured.
The Sun Devils practiced eight times, including on Thursday afternoon, in the $8.4 million facility that opened earlier this month. The roof of the 103,000-square-foot facility is supported by air pressure.
“We’re not sure how it happened,” Brand said.
“The fabric could have been torn by lightning, the dome could have deflated because of an extreme power outage, or something else. We’ll spend the next few days assessing things.”
ASU begins its season at home against Northern Arizona today.
Please add your comments, but follow these guidelines to keep this a safe, credible place for discussing the news: