University of Jamestown Inflates New Nelson Family Bubble, Begins Dining Center
The University of Jamestown has inflated a new Nelson Family Bubble that officials expect to be ready for student athletes by January, and has started construction on a new dining center while meals continue to be prepared in trailers outside the Hansen Center. The moves follow severe weather in June that destroyed the old bubble, and they matter to Stutsman County residents because they affect campus athletics, student nutrition, and local construction jobs.
University of Jamestown officials announced this week that the new Nelson Family Bubble has been inflated and is expected to be available for use as soon as baseball and softball teams are permitted to resume practice and competition. Vice President of Student Affairs Dustin Jensen said the football and track and field teams will also be able to use the facility. Jensen described the project as a recovery effort, saying, "So we got dealt a blow, and we do what UJ does best and that's persevere, and now we get to build this beautiful new facility."
The new bubble replaces the structure that deflated during severe weather on June 20 and 21. A 30 by 30 yard panel of the old bubble ripped completely open, forcing the structure to deflate and interrupt indoor practice availability for athletes. Hillerud Construction Inc served as construction manager for the new bubble, and about 50 to 70 UJ student athletes took part in unrolling the fabric before inflation. The replacement is 15 feet taller than the previous bubble, designed to shed snow more effectively, and the interior now features an orange stripe. University officials are discussing adding the UJ logo to the exterior.
Work on campus dining is moving forward as the second phase of the Badal Nafus Student Union restoration. Construction has begun on a new dining center while the university continues to provide meals in the Hansen Center. Large trailers parked outside the Hansen Center are being used to cook meals for students during the transition.
For local residents, the projects carry practical and public health implications. Restoring indoor athletic space will support student physical activity and team competition through harsh winter months. Stabilizing food service operations matters for food safety and daily nutrition for students who rely on campus meals. The construction effort also brings short term employment and contracting opportunities for local firms.
As the university completes the bubble and advances dining center construction, campus leaders say they are focused on resilience and continuity of services. The phased approach to the student union restoration aims to minimize disruptions even as officials weigh finishing touches such as exterior branding on the new bubble.
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