The 94,000 square-foot Bo Jackson’s Elite Sports dome stands out in an area near 167th Street and Interstate 355 in Lockport in the same way its two-sport namesake towered over the sports world.
Since its grand opening in late December, the massive inflatable roof facility (similar to the Metrodome in Minneapolis or the former RCA Dome of Indianapolis) has offered access regardless of the weather for every type of athlete.
At the center is a 33 x 60-yard field near the dome entrance, which is currently set up for indoor soccer games but is designed for multi-purpose use.
Baseball is crucial to many other aspects of the dome.
Ex-major leaguer John Cangelosi started a baseball academy in 1999 (shortly after his retirement from the major leagues), and has moved his operations into the state-of-the-art Elite Sports Dome.
With Cangelosi, fellow ex-White Sox outfielder Dan Pasqua and former Phillie Kevin Sefcik among the staff, the dome features a 124 x 124 foot “Cangelosi Baseball Field” to offer baseball instruction for youngsters.
Among the features are state-of-the-art field turf, a portable mound, video analysis of players and batting practice, plus hitting and fielding capability on a regulation-size infield with 90-foot bases.
Instruction also is available through 18 batting cages stationed throughout the dome, which include several bullpen areas with clay mounds for young pitchers to work on their craft. The Illinois Sparks traveling baseball team also has a portion of the dome for its use.
An open-air weight room is centrally located. There’s also a classroom/video analysis room and a players’ lounge with a locker room design. Jackson’s impact is also evident with an apparel store and displays of memorabilia at the dome entrance.
