A Super Gymnasium: Gladiator Coliseum
Gladiator Coliseum at Italy, Texas High School — This Monolithic Dome has a diameter of 148 feet, two stories with seating for 1500, a gym with a walking track, an auditorium, classrooms for special activities, concession stands, ticket booths, locker rooms and bathrooms, and concrete parking areas. Its 2002 construction cost: $85 per square foot. (David South, Jr)
Stadium with many uses — Italy High’s 650 students use their Multipurpose Center for basketball, physical education, volleyball, theatrical performances and special events. (David South, Jr)
Premier Facility for Basketball Playoffs — With its many professional features and easy access from I35E, the Gladiator Coliseum is a perfect facility to rent for special competitions. (David South, Jr)
Air-Channel Star System Floor — Gladiator Coliseum has a maple, parquet floor laid in the famous Boston Gardens pattern. (David South, Jr)
Comfortable seating — Upper level seating features black Grosfillex Sport Seats — comfortable, polypropylene seats mounted directly onto concrete risers. (David South, Jr)
Great floor — This floor works with athletes, not against them and is particularly suited for competition because it minimizes impact forces and helps players stay fresh. (David South, Jr)
Retractable bleachers — When retractable, gold bleachers are in their storage position, there is sufficient space for two, full-size practice courts. (David South, Jr)
Visitors welcome — Since its opening in 2002, school administrators and athletic coaches from school districts in Texas and other states have visited this Monolithic Dome facility. (David South, Jr)
Interior — The black interior dome shell, accented with ivory and gold, creates contrast and enhanced aesthetics. (David South, Jr)
A super gym — Designed by Monolithic Consulting Architect Rick Crandall, the dome shell was constructed by Dome Technology, Inc., with finishing construction by J. Daughtery, and Construction Management by Monolithic. (David South, Jr)
Scoreboard — The gymnasium is equipped with a state-of-the-art scoreboard and collapsible hoops with shotclocks. (David South, Jr)
Designated Community Disaster Center — Italy’s 2000 residents passed a $2 million bond for a Multipurpose Center and selected a Monolithic Dome because of its affordable construction cost, low ongoing maintenance costs, superior insulation and low energy use, and its ability to survive tornadoes – familiar but unwelcome visitors to Texas. (David South, Jr)