(Radio Iowa) – One of the key structures on the University of Northern Iowa campus in Cedar Falls is going to get an update to its roof. U-N-I vice president Michael Hager says the fabric portion of the UNI-dome roof is going to be replaced.

The UNI-dome was built in 1976 and the original roof was all fabric and held up by air. The building hosts the high school football playoffs, U-N-I football games, and many other events. Hager spoke to the Board of Regents during their meeting last week and says they are looking at two types of fabric that have the benefit of making things brighter inside.

He says the new fabric will have a brown color when it is installed.

UNI photo

This new product is projected to last 20 to 25 years.

Hager says the fabric does not require a lot of ongoing maintenance.

The Board of Regents approved the eight-million dollar budget for the replacement, which also includes some other related work on the building. Hager says the project will be paid for mostly with gift funds — but some university funds will also be included as well as athletic department funds.