The Bubble in Tom's River, NJ

This is an indoor multi-purpose athletic facility in Tom's River, New Jersey. I will henceforth refer to this as "the Bubble." The Mercer County Indoor Track Championship was held inside the Bubble on Sunday, Feb. 12. As to why the Mercer County event was held in Tom's River is a complete mystery and not central to this article. This article is about a pretty amazing and adaptable structure - the Bubble.

Here is a view from inside the Bubble toward one end. The Bubble is entered through rotating doors which form air-locks for the air that holds the ceiling up. There didn't seem to be air movement inside the bubble and there was no blower noise so I think most of the structural support for the Bubble came from the sandwiched dome of the structure itself. The internal air must have moved to support normal air changes within the interior but not having to provide the inflative power from the inside alone. The engineer in me was impressed.

This is the view to the opposite end which was where a large U.S. flag was hung. Very nice to see this image of patriotism. This end of the Bubble was where the judges stand and start-finish line was positioned.

More to come about the event and it's reason for being here in the HomeFieldAdvantage blog. Anyone that knows me knows that most of my spare brain cycles is used for A25. What is A25, you ask? Ahhh, I have piqued your interest. Good, very good.
More to follow...