It turns out that inflation is not just a problem for the economy.
The University of Montana's Indoor Practice Facility, known by locals as "The Bubble," is currently completely deflated and out of use.
The 105,000-square-foot dome was opened in 2024 using $10.2 million in private funds. No tuition or taxpayer dollars were used for the structure.
Dave Kuntz, the director of strategic communications at UM, said a facilities employee who was making the rounds on Thursday night noticed that there was air leaking from the facility.
It turns out that the big lightning, rain and windstorm that hit Missoula on Thursday was probably not the culprit.
UM's practice bubble, shown here on July 24, 2026 after it was deflated.
DAVID ERICKSON, Missoulian
"The University's initial assessment is that the problem was not caused by the storm," Kuntz said. "We do not believe there's a correlation between the storm and damage to the facility."
After the leak was detected, Kuntz said that officials made a "proactive decision" to completely deflate the structure so that the damage could be fully assessed.
Kuntz said they'll determine whether it was a preexisting issue, and they'll work with the manufacturer to solve the problem.
"The company that manufactured it is sending representatives today," he said.
Many student athletes will be arriving on campus in the next 7-10 days, and Kuntz said they'll be practicing outdoors at Dornblaser for the time being. It's not clear how long The Bubble will be down.
David Erickson is the business reporter for the Missoulian.Â
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