Part 1: ‘Panther Dome’
Lo-Ma’s Panther Dome set to open next week
By Matt Gengler, Sports Editor
sports@missourivalleytimes.com
Drivers along Highway 127 can’t help but notice the large addition to the Logan-Magnolia School District the past two years. It has been a slow process, but the reality of the finished product is nearing, and the public, like the entire school district, is eagerly awaiting the anticipated opening of the ‘Panther Dome’.
PANTHER DOME OPENING
Logan-Magnolia will be celebrating Homecoming Week (Sept. 29 – Oct. 4) with a variety of activities already planned. Lo-Ma hosts two home volleyball matches (Sept. 29; Oct. 2), where the fans can get their first view of the finished product.
The Lo-Ma Panther Dome Grand Opening / Ribbon Cutting has been set for Saturday, Oct. 4, at 9 a.m. Tours of the new facility will be open after the ceremony.
“This is a huge, historic move for both our school district and community,” stated Superintendent Jacob Hedger. “It shows we not only care for present day students, but we are investing in our future generations as we continually strive for overall district improvements.”
The week concludes with the induction of the second annual Lo-Ma Hall of Fame Class to be held on Saturday evening, Oct. 4, at the Calvary Falls Event Center.
PANTHER DOME – The Beginning
The idea of adding usable space at the school has been around for approximately the last decade. The plans and design have changed multiple times during the planning stages. When the work first started, the idea was to help create new and improved spaces to provide the students with a great experience and top notch facilities. Along the way, the school improvement committee sought imput from various stakeholders to inform the direction of the plan.
“The dome concept came about through research on cost effective facilities that could be used for severe weather conditions. There were two other domes that the leadership committee looked at for ideas and guidance,” Hedger added. “The dome is constructed to be a storm shelter, but was also less expensive than a traditional structure of the same size.”
The construction process, with a few challenges, has gone on as planned.
“There were a few setbacks which caused them to run behind,” Hedger stated on the 18-19 month project. “Some delays on some shipment of steel we encountered, but all the contractors have done an outstanding job of communicating the progress with the district, so that has been welcomed. Overall, the project appears to be a success, and should be completed soon. Our community and district are very proud of the outcome.”
PANTHER FACILITY IMPROVEMENTS
The current high school gymnasium, first used in 1979-80 school year, has a maximum capacity of roughly 800 seating capacity. With the new addition, the ‘Panther Dome’ will seat 1,150 comfortably, not including the people using the walking track above the facility. The Lo-Ma elementary addition was put on in 1996-97 school year.
“There is a lot of excitement from the school and community. We are looking forward to showcasing our new facilities and hosting a plethora of events,” Hedger added. “Students keep asking to get in the dome and the pictures that have been shared so far tend to build some further excitement.”
The facilities benefit the community in a variety of ways. First, the school is a vital part of the community and having premier facilities helps attract families, but also provides students with great experiences. Additionally, the space will allow the district to host more events, which brings more people to the communities. Lastly, the walking track will allow community members to have access to indoor space for walking when necessary.
Hedger continued, “The dome includes a collegiate size gym, four locker rooms, multiple storage spaces, a modern training room, offices, restrooms, as well as new concessions and commons space. One of the major community attractions is the walking track that many people will benefit from.”
Hedger concluded, “The community has provided a tremendous amount of support through the entirety of the project; all they way back to when we first started having discussions about the possibility of projects over a decade ago. We are blessed to have so many supportive businesses, parents, community members, and alumni. Not to mention our amazing staff.”
HOMECOMING ACTIVITIES
A majority of the 2025 Homecoming Activities are listed on the school’s website, but here are a few highlights.
Sept. 28 – Homecoming Jersey Auction, 5 p.m., football field
Sept. 29 – Elementary Color Run 2:30 p.m., JV Football game, 4:30 p.m.,; Homecoming Fun Night, 6:30 p.m.
Sept. 30 – Jr. High Football (4:15 p.m.), football field; Volleyball, Jr. High (4:15 p.m.) and Jr. Varsity (6 p.m.), Old gym; Doors open to Dome at 6:45 p.m., First Varsity HS Event played
Oct. 2 – Home Varsity Volleyball Game (6 p.m.)
Oct. 3 – 1:30 p.m., doors to Dome Open – Homecoming Community Pep Rally / Homecoming Coronation
7 p.m., HS Homecoming Football game
Oct. 4 – 9 a.m., Official Ribbon Cutting, Open to public / Tours of Dome, New Class Rooms available all day
5 p.m., Alumni Banquet, 2nd Annual Hall of Fame Induction, Calvary Falls Event Center;
Hedger concluded, “We’re a very proud community – Lets make this a memorable week. It’s time to Honor the Past; Celebrate the Present; Look Toward the Future.”
