Standing in the unfinished clubhouse attached to the new indoor soccer dome, Afrim Nezaj seemed pleased with the project’s progression.
“I think it’s beautiful, and very exciting,” said Nezaj, owner of Afrim Sports. “Everything always takes longer than I think it will, but I’m glad it’s almost finished.
For nearly six years, the Bethlehem Soccer Club has attempted to build a new indoor facility on its Wemple Road property. That project finally broke ground in late September.
Now the dome is complete, and the nearly 200 kids who participate in the soccer club’s travel program began practicing in the dome two weeks ago.
“The kids really love it,” said Bethlehem Soccer Club Manager Scott Swere. “Some come to practice early, and start running around immediately. It’s very exciting to take it to the next step.”
The dome has bench seats for spectators, and two electronic score boards. It has also fared the recent bad weather. By just pumping some additional air into the dome to make it more taut, the structure holds well, while also causing some of the snow to fall down the sides.
The final iteration of the project was eventually made possible through a new partnership between the Bethlehem Soccer Club and Afrim Sports. Nezaj paid for most of project and will take over day-to-day operations, with the soccer club acting as a landlord.
The plans called for a 43,000 square-foot indoor, inflatable soccer dome to be built at 450 Wemple Road. Two regulation fields are inside the facility. Also included will be a 3,000 square-foot lobby or “clubhouse,” which will hold offices, a concession stand and a small retail area for soccer equipment.
“This partnership is a win, not only for the Bethlehem Soccer Club, but for our region. Any child can become a member of Bethlehem Soccer Club and this provides an option for year-round enjoyment of the sport,”said Bethlehem Soccer Club President Jeremy Martelle.
The clubhouse is still under construction, but will be complete by the end of the month. A fireplace will sit in the center, with couches nearby for parents to sit as they wait for their kids to finish practice or a game. The building will also be lined with table and chairs, so visitors can take their time eating snacks from the concession stand. They may also apply for a liquor license so parents can enjoy a beer while they wait.
The project received a height variance in July 2013. At 55 feet, the dome was 20 feet higher than what’s allowed for a building in a rural zone.
Neighbors had been against the plan, fearing the large dome would reduce property values and harm the tranquility of the area. Plans were revised to relocate existing outdoor fields to place the indoor facility farther away from neighbors.
“We really wanted to be respectful of the neighbors,” said Nezaj. “We know they had concerns at first, but since then they have been great, and we plan to give them a tour when things are finished.”
Increased traffic was another concern. To mitigate the issue, developers plan a buffer be placed between games to control traffic flow. Additional changes include upgrading the existing parking lot, adding two smaller lots, improving the egress and adding new lighting.
“The dome brings our program to a new level,” said Swere. “We hope this will bring increased interest and participation.”
Martelle hopes the new facility will relieve stress from parents who’d drive to Latham for practices.
“I fell like that’s one of the biggest benefits for our club members and the community,” said Martelle.
