The inflatable dome at the RATO arena in Riešė, Lithuania (24km north of Vilnius) collapsed on Friday during a training session of Toplyga side TransINVEST, forcing players to evacuate the facility after the structure reportedly tore under a heavy mass of sliding snow.
According to sportas.lt, the dome failed while training was ongoing. Players attempted to leave the pitch as quickly as possible, but exiting through a single doorway proved difficult. Those present later described the incident as highly stressful, noting that “it could have ended much worse.” No injuries were reported.
As a result of the incident, both TransINVEST and Riteriai, who had been preparing for the season at the Riešė-based facility, must now seek alternative training venues. TransINVEST confirmed that next week’s sessions will be moved to the Sportima indoor hall.
RATO arena opened doors last March.
With Vilnius, as well as the rest of the region, experiencing heavy snowfall the day prior, collapse of a brand new inflatable hall once again draws attention to the choice between temporary and permanent structures for winter football.
Air-supported domes are typically designed to withstand snow loads of approximately 20-40 kg per square metre under normal operating conditions. However, wet snow can weigh 100 kg per cubic metre or more, and rapid accumulation – particularly when combined with sliding snow from adjacent roof surfaces – can exceed structural tolerances within minutes. When loads surpass design limits or membrane damage occurs, the internal air pressure (usually maintained at 250-500 Pascals above atmospheric pressure) drops quickly, leading to progressive deflation.
Construction cost is the primary reason for their popularity. An air-supported football dome covering a full-size pitch (roughly 7,000-9,000 m²) typically costs between €1 million and €3 million, depending on insulation level and equipment. By comparison, a permanent steel-frame indoor football hall of similar size can cost €6 million to €12 million or more. Installation time also differs significantly: inflatable structures can be erected in a few months, whereas rigid halls often require a year or longer.
Operating costs vary. Air domes require continuous blower systems, backup generators and heating. Annual energy and maintenance costs are commonly estimated at €100,000-€250,000, depending on climate. Membrane lifespan is generally 10 to 15 years before major replacement is required. In contrast, rigid halls have higher upfront construction costs but lower weather-related vulnerability and no dependence on continuous air pressure.
Incidents similar to the Riešė collapse have occurred internationally. The Minneapolis Metrodome collapsed in 2010 after approximately 40 centimetres of snow accumulated. Comparable failures have been reported in Canada, Scandinavia and Ireland, most often linked to exceptional snow loads or power interruptions. While evacuation is often possible before full structural failure, repairs can require months and cost hundreds of thousands of euros.
For municipalities and clubs with limited budgets, inflatable halls significantly expand year-round football access. They are faster to build and financially attainable compared to permanent arenas. However, their reliability depends heavily on weather monitoring, active snow removal protocols, uninterrupted power supply and strict operational oversight.
In Lithuania, there are only two permanent halls – Sportima in Vilnius and Marijampolė hall in Marijampolė. Latvia also has two (Skonto and Rimi Olympic Centre – both in Riga) and Estonia also has two – EJL Hall in Tallinn and a new hall in Paide, although more are planned or are under construction in both countries.
