The seasonal Packer Dome that sits at Art Hass Stadium is expected to open Thursday, said facilities coordinator Dan Ball.

“We hoped to have it open before now,” he said, but added the windy conditions of the past few days hampered the speed with which the dome was inflated.

“And, there were a few minor snafus along the way,” he added, although none of them were serious.

They have been lucky, he added with a chuckle, that those wishing to use the dome for walking during the winter months have not been banging down the door, since the weather has been so nice.

The dome is used for sports practices and recreation and its usage grows with each season, Ball said.

The dome covers the turf of the stadium and amenities include an indoor walking area, batting cages and fields for team sports.

The dome is open to the general public for walking from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.on Saturdays, and noon to 5 p.m. on Sundays. More information can be found by going to: https://www.austin.k12.mn.us/Pages/activities/activities-dome.aspx

The facility is also available for rental seven days a week. For more information on dome rental, contact Dan Ball at 507-460-1928 ext. 0555 or email at dan.ball@austin.