In any season, Boston College student-athletes are able to take advantage of the best in practice facilities thanks to "The Bubble." The bubble can handle all facets of football training. It has been a crucial part of the Eagles' off-season workouts, including strength and conditioning and field goals. Erected in December of 1998, this facility cost approximately $2 million. The bubble measures 360' x 210'. It is 70 feet high. It covers the entire football field and extends a few feet beyond the endzones and sidelines.

It takes approximately four hours to inflate the bubble. The facility is heated and can reach 72 degrees farenheit. The bubble is usually kept at 55 degrees farenheit. It also has electricity. The facility has 13 exit doors, one handicap door and one cargo door.

Special features of the bubble include a wind sensor, which stabilizes the bubble frame when there are high wind gusts, and a snow sensor, which automatically raises the temperature on the exterior of the bubble, melting the snow. Each year, the bubble will be erected at the end of November and stay inflated until the end of March. The facility hours are 7a.m. to 11 p.m.

The bubble's main purpose is to serve as a practice facility during the winter months. It houses 10 varsity sports. Aside from football, baseball, field hockey, golf, men's and women's lacrosse, softball, men's and women's soccer and track all practice in the bubble.

"This state-of-the-art facility benefits all of the Boston College athletic programs. It has taken us to the next level in collegiate athletics,"
-- BC Athletic Director Gene DeFilippo.

"The bubble gives us all the attributes of a dome in the familiarity of Alumni Stadium. We can do everything in the bubble that we can do outside. This is the best facility for our off-season workouts in New England."
-- BC Football Head Coach Tom O'Brien.