The JMA Wireless Dome (originally the Carrier Dome) is the 50,000-seat home to Syracuse University’s football, basketball and lacrosse teams. It’s also the largest collegiate domed stadium in the United States. In 2020, the original 220-ton air-inflated roof and mechanical systems were replaced with a metal-fabric hybrid. The new system’s center is made of a semi-translucent PTFE membrane supported by a complex cable net with protruding arching steel tubes.  The membrane rests on the arches, creating a “bubbly” visual from both outside and inside the dome.

Installation of the new roof began when the old roof was removed in March 2020. The new roof was completed before the Syracuse football season-opening win over Georgia Tech on September 26, 2020.

The PTFE membrane roof will save the university thousands in operating costs over the life of the project. The old roof had to maintain a consistent air pressure to prevent it from collapsing. Now, the roof is supported by a cable net system and the steel crown truss surrounding the roof. The PTFE material is semi-translucent, bringing daylight to game days. Between the reduced electricity for lights and not having to keep the building at a high air pressure, the University of Syracuse will see a return on investment for the new roof in the long run.