exteriors
PROJECT
Left. The dome-specific LED lighting at the Titans’ practice facility is bolstered by a skylight to provide natural lighting. Below. The Titans’ new air structure was successfully completed with 90 ft. of space from ground to ceiling, 20 ft. more than the previous structure. This offers greater versatility and enables the team to suspend the goal posts and other items from the ceiling.
Under The Dome With The Titans Nashville team bets on a proven winner for its practice facility.
A
ir-structure domes are popular for a wide
in well under 10 years, degrading the entire dome struc-
lar finish. The new air structure was successfully complet-
range of athletic applications, from tennis to
ture in the process.
ed with 90 ft. of space from ground to ceiling. The
football. Any activity that benefits from a
With architectural fabric, looks matter for more than
additional 20 ft. of space offers greater versatility and
climate-controlled space can cost-effectively get a long,
just aesthetics. Accumulated grime and mold break down
enables goal posts to be suspended from the ceiling. The
flexible life from an air-structure dome. Its benefits tend
coatings and destroy fabrics. Self-cleaning products re-
cable system reduces the fabric loads in all directions, and
to inspire repeat business, such as when the Tennessee
duce or eliminate this persistent threat and look great
the full-bias net allows increased structural rigidity
Titans football team made the decision to replace and
while doing it. Most fabrics self-clean well when new, but
during severe weather events, preventing swaying and
upgrade their practice facility at Saint Thomas Sports
the ability can fade quickly with time. A product that is
possible collapse. Thermal value was increased from R-4
Park in Nashville. The original 70-ft.-high air structure
truly self-cleaning throughout its lifetime protects the
to R-8. The addition of an energy-efficient HVAC system
had been in place for more than 17 years and was exhibit-
structure, better retains color, keeps looking great, and
enables the team to maintain a temperature-controlled
ing signs of failure. The existing dome used a Tedlar 8029
makes maintenance easy.
environment that features automated controls to increase
fabric and, although the fabric was holding up well, the
A fabric with very high tensile strength was important
biaxial-cable system was vulnerable to storm conditions,
to accommodate the cable system and deliver lasting, re-
and the lighting and HVAC system were not up to par for
liable service. The strength of the coating is vital to lon-
a National Football League (NFL) facility.
gevity as well. The Titans organization wanted a coating
There were several key factors to consider when planning for the new dome. The Titans’ management wanted something that would last at least as long as the Tedlar 8028 used on the prior structure. In fact, the Tedlar had
with an excellent adhesive compound that actually bonds to the fabric to further enhance strength. Supporting U.S. manufacturers whenever possible was also an important consideration.
outlived the original maker of the dome, which no longer
ASATI Air Structures, Rye Brook, NY, built the new
makes air structures. They wanted something with a long
air structure. They have a long history with the NFL,
warranty, but also a proven track record.
having built 13 previous domes. The fabric used for the
UV protection is vital to fabric longevity, so the fabric
new dome is the same as the prior dome: 8028 Opaque
needed to be able to handle the four seasons and the solar
White from Seaman Corp., Wooster, OH. The fabric in-
rays. UV light will break down coatings on many fabrics
cludes translucent white skylights and a bright-white Ted-
30
COMMERCI A L A RCHI T EC T URE
JANUARY 2018
commercialarchitecturemagazine.com
pressure during storm conditions. CA
Want more information? To download the information listed below, visit commercialarchitecturemagazine.com/ 1801seaman.
Circle 4 on the Reader Service Card. Peruse a fabric selection guide. Get information on football air-structure domes. Get information on air domes for tennis facilities.
