Stan Sheriff
UNI 150: People you should know
The Man Behind the Dome
Every time the crowd roars inside the UNI Dome, it reverberates through a vision that Stan Sheriff turned into a reality. Long before the structure became a symbol of Panther pride, it began as his bold idea — a dream to give the University of Northern Iowa a home that would elevate its athletic programs and unite the campus community.
As UNI’s athletic director in the 1970s, Sheriff led the charge to build the UNI-Dome, a 16,000-seat indoor stadium that opened in 1976 and forever changed the landscape of UNI. The Dome provided not only a premier venue for football but also a gathering place for countless university and community events, becoming a cornerstone of campus life.
“He was the driving force behind the UNI-Dome, it was his vision to build a dome stadium on campus,” said Chris Retrievi, former UNI athletic director in a 1993 edition of “The Northern Iowan.”
The UNI-Dome under construction.
The first event is a wrestling match between UNI and the Univeristy of Iowa, drawing an attendance of 10,214.
At a time when many questioned the need for such an ambitious facility, Sheriff championed the Dome as an investment in the university’s future. He believed it would help UNI compete at a higher level, attract new opportunities and strengthen Panther spirit. His persistence paid off — the Dome quickly became a defining symbol of UNI’s growth and ambition, now accounting for an estimated $17 million in economic impact to the Cedar Valley every year.
But Sheriff’s legacy extends beyond the Dome’s walls. Before taking on the role of athletic director, he had already made his mark as one of UNI’s most successful football coaches. During a remarkable 22-season tenure, UNI football achieved more wins than any other coach in school history, claiming six conference titles, 15 winning seasons and four bowl appearances.
In recognition of his vision and leadership, the football field inside the UNI-Dome proudly bears his name — Sheriff Field — a lasting reminder of the man whose determination and foresight helped shape UNI Athletics into what it is today.
Celebrate 150 years of the University of Northern Iowa by nominating individuals who have made a significant impact on our campus, community and beyond.
