Fargodome searching for additional $22 million, risks losing seats

(KVRR) – Less than a week after Fargodome hosted NDSU’s FBS debut, authorities say they need money to upgrade the arena.

“The $22 million dollars represents the buildout on the West end of the facility, and if we cannot close that gap, we’d have to move forward with the projects that were listed,” Fargodome Authority Vice President David Suppes said.

The issues stem from developments on the west side of Fargodome. The Dome Authority says they’d like to focus on the parking lot, but if they do start on upgrades to the press box and restrooms inside, the cost begins to go up.

Two members of the authority met with Mayor Josh Boschee and NDSU President Marshall Stewart Tuesday to discuss the need for an additional $22 million to bring the arena into compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

“That is the trigger point. If concrete begins to be broken out of the Fargodome, then we have to start working towards ADA compliance,” Suppes said.

They say if they aren’t able to get the money, they may need to remove 1,000 seats.

“That would require conforming to ADA, which then reduces the amount of seating in the Fargodome as a whole,” Suppes said.

One potential option is to increase the rent that NDSU pays to host Bison Football at Fargodome, however, they say nothing is off the table.

“The rent that NDSU pays right now is $165,000 and it’s a one year renewal. So we’re looking at all options that are on the table on our end,” Suppes said.