Bye-Bye Butterdome? Universiade Pavilion to undergo renovations 

Commonly known as the Butterdome, the University of Alberta’s Universiade Pavilion is set to receive renovations that may significantly change its exterior. The renewal of the building’s envelope is funded by a three-year $27 million grant the university received from the provincial government in 2024.

Originally built for the 1983 Universiade Games, the envelope of the Universiade Pavilion is “at the end of its life,” Anthony Hodge, director of infrastructure development, said.

“It’s definitely showing signs of its age. We’re experiencing a lot of leaking and rusting in the panels. It’s very inefficient by today’s standards.”

While the project is still in its early design stages, Hodge shared that a key design focus is sustainability.

“We want this renewal to result in a building that has reduced energy use, lower maintenance needs, and will support our goals as a university to have a climate resilient campus.”

The shape of the building is set to change, but the change “won’t be anything extreme.”

The new building profile will address the health and safety risks associated with the falling ice and snow from the current envelope, Hodge said.

“We want to make sure that we can keep this pavilion around for another 40 years or more,” Hodge says

When it comes to whether the building’s iconic yellow colour will remain, Hodge said “it’s too early right now” to say for sure.

“We understand the colour, the look, and the shape is something that people really care about. It’s tied to a lot of memories of pride, right? But we want to make sure that we can keep this pavilion around for another 40 years or more, and so we’re really focused on coming up with the best design that performs and fits with the campus.”

The project is also focused on making the building’s entrances “more intuitive and inviting.” Additionally, the renewal will aim to increase the amount of natural light in the building.

Construction is anticipated to begin in spring 2026 and be completed by fall 2027. Hodge said there’ll be some closures between spring 2026 to late 2026.

The sidewalk along 87th Street, right in front of the building, is expected to be closed later this fall. Foot traffic will be rerouted to the opposite side of the street, Hodge said.