Tom Trent knows ETSU’s Mini-Dome better then anyone.
Trent has been involved with the Mini-Dome for 30 years and has helped arrange everything from basketball games to concerts.
“I put a lot of hours in here,” Trent, director of athletic administration, said. “We have so many events in this building.”
A major part of Trent’s job is overseeing the conversion of the dome from one setup to another for events. Even though Trent works for the athletic department, he oversees conversions for many events that are not related to ETSU athletics.
“We actually have so many events that don’t have anything to do with athletics like the spring and fall concerts, spring lecture, NAIA track meet, Niswonger Invitational track meet, Northeast State’s graduation, Special Olympics and the National Aeronautics Model Show,” Trent said.
Trent, who also manages ETSU’s Brooks Gym, said that a conversion requires a six-page document that lists every step.
The steps, like removing the basketball floor to disconnecting wires, must be done in a certain order to ensure it is done properly.
A dedicated crew of 12 are assigned the task of converting the dome, but as many as 80 people — including workers from various facilities management shops and custodial crews – have worked on conversions.
Trent pointed to the Atlantic Sun Indoor Track Championship in March as an example of how long a conversion can take.
The crew, which is made up of physical plant employees, began working on removing the basketball setup on a Monday afternoon and finished setting up by Thursday afternoon. For Trent, the conversions have become easier over time.
“We have a dedicated crew,” Trent said. “We have people who know what they are doing.”
The Mini-Dome is home to ETSU athletic offices, physical fitness classes, the Department of Kinesiology, Leisure and Sports Sciences offices and classrooms.
It was also home of the Buccaneer football team before it was discontinued.
Buccaneer basketball played more than 30 games in the dome this year.
Of all the events Trent helps organize one stands out in his mind.
“I think the Special Olympics is one of the best things we do,” Trent said. “It’s not an athletic event or even a campus event; it is the community service we do.

Author