The UNI-Dome to remain home for Iowa high school football playoffs

CEDAR RAPIDS — Home, home in the Dome.

The Iowa High School Athletic Association and University of Northern Iowa announced Tuesday that an agreement has been reached to keep the IHSAA prep football playoff semifinal and championship games at the UNI-Dome through the 2027 season.

The indoor facility has been home to playoff games since it opened in 1976.

“The IHSAA is excited to continue its partnership with the University of Northern Iowa to host our football semifinal and championship games at the UNI-Dome,” said IHSAA Executive Director Tom Keating in a press release. “This agreement extension ensures that high school football players and teams can continue to pursue the ‘Road to the Dome’ and fans may continue to enjoy attending those games out of the elements and in the comfort of the UNI-Dome.”

“For decades, countless young men in Iowa have pursued the goal of reaching the UNI-Dome and hoisting a state football championship trophy,” said UNI Director of Athletics David Harris in a statement. "We are proud to continue our long-standing partnership with the IHSAA in bringing the final two weeks of the Iowa high school football season to the UNI-Dome, our campus and our community. The unmatched atmosphere of the UNI-Dome has helped create countless memories for young student-athletes around our state, and we are excited to help continue that tradition in making more memorable moments come to life.“

UNI said in a release that the IHSAA “recently invested” in a campaign to renovate the Dome. The school is trying to raise $50 million for the renovation, which will be done in three phases.

Comments: (319)-398-8258, jeff.johnson@thegazette.com