Austin’s new dome is up, but it’s still in its infancy stages in terms of general use.

Though plans are in the works for walking, some open dome days, leagues, and Austin High School practices, Austin is really only scratching the surface for how to use the site.

After seeing the dome, I came away with some ideas for future dome uses. Now, a disclaimer: These are just random ideas that aren’t even —as far as I know — really in discussion now. I pitch them here for fun and to spur discussion.

So here are a few ideas I have for the dome:

 

Pickup games could be the perfect way to wet the appetite of the general public. While Austin Park and Rec is working to form dome leagues, it’s conceivable that many members of the public may hesitate to sign up without knowing more about the dome or without trying it first.

Personally, I’d much rather have the chance to simply try something out before committing to the money and time required to join a club/league team.

It could be great for adults or for high schoolers who aren’t brimming with disposable income.

In high school, I played soccer and a group of players started a weekly pick-up scrimmage in a YMCA gym. Eventually, some of the players who came out just to try it and have fun with friends at those pick-up games ended up going out for the team.

Camps

Continuing with the high school soccer trend, I remember a group of players who’d travel to Faribault to utilize the dome there for winter dome leagues and camps.

They were always way ahead of the rest of us when the season started.

While a soccer league is in the works, weekend camps could be another way to utilize the site.

 Unique fitness classes

Now most of these ideas have been targeted toward student athletes, but let’s not forget about the public.

Now there are many gyms in Austin offering a variety of workout machines, classes and more. However, the dome could offer unique opportunities and be a way to break the winter monotony. Perhaps some of Austin’s personal trainers, gym owners and general fitness gurus could partner to offer free community workouts for things like Zumba or other fitness activities.


Lunch league

Many people like to utilize the YMCA or other gyms over lunch, but perhaps the dome could serve as an alternative for those who want to burn some calories and move a bit over the lunch hour. A lunch walking league could be a great way to draw people out.