TROTSWOOD — Chris Wright knows what it takes to make dreams come true.
As a former basketball player at the University of Dayton and the NBA, he knows how much status hard work and determination can earn you.
His most recent endeavor is the creation of the Universal 1 Flight Dome. He said it’s an athletic space where chasing dreams and dedication can meet, and a place he hopes will serve as a pillar for Trotwood and the surrounding community.
“It feels like going back to the NBA all over again to get to the next finish line,” Wright said of the project, which includes construction of a 50,000-square-foot dome on 32 acres of land. “This is something I want to live by alongside community leaders who are paving the way for success for the next generation.”
Located at 4533 Covenant House Drive, just west of the intersection of Salem and Denlinger and the United Theological Seminary, the U1 Flight Dome is truly a “sports bubble.” An air support structure with an inflated roof serves as a base for sports. There will be 70-by-70-yard grass for sports such as soccer and lacrosse, and 30,000 square feet of hardwood flooring for sports such as basketball, volleyball, pickleball and weightlifting.
But why a dome instead of a gym inside a traditional building structure?
“It’s for surprise,” Wright said. “I remember playing in the NCAA Tournament at the Metrodome and thinking, ‘Man, I want to build one of these.’ It’s that environment, it’s that atmosphere.”
With 75-foot ceilings, bright lighting, and an air pressurization system, the dome offers a unique environment.
Construction of the U1 Flight Dome is expected to be fully completed in spring 2024. This completes the first phase of the project.
The second phase will include construction of a 10,000-square-foot addition that will house the Flight Academic Center with a larger weight room, classrooms and meeting rooms, Wright said.
This project serves as an extension of Wright’s Flight Academy organization. We partner with the Wrightway Foundation and work with schools to provide sports programs for middle school and graduate student athletes.
“We have year-round programs that provide resources to our student-athletes, so we can provide the comprehensive services they need, such as homework help and assistance with the recruiting process.”
The second phase of the project will also include an outdoor area called “The Landing,” offering amenities such as an aquatic center, food truck park, and outdoor recreation area.
Wright added that he expects construction of the dome to officially begin in March 2022, with the majority of the entire project completed by the end of 2025.
“It definitely taught me patience,” he said. “When you see a vision, you see the end goal, but as you go through it, God shapes and molds you for your future.”
“I am deeply grateful to him and accept the challenge of leading our community in this way.”