The DakotaDome, located on the University of South Dakota campus in Vermillion, South Dakota, has served as the home of Coyote athletics for decades.
Built in 1979, the 9,100-seat facility was one of the first multi-purpose domes in the nation. Today, it serves as the home of the Coyote football, indoor track and field, and swimming and diving programs. The dome also hosts the championship games of the South Dakota high school football playoffs, the DAKOTA Farm Show, community youth events, and graduation ceremonies.
To serve the evolving needs of the university and its community, it was determined that a major renovation of the dome was required. As part of this project, the university decided to update the audio capabilities of the redesigned space.
SOLUTION
The original design for the renovated dome’s sound requirements proved to not meet the required performance standard. DB Acoustics, the project’s sound contractor, suggested implementing Biamp’s Community I-Series loudspeakers for the redesign. Patrick Doubet from DB Acoustics worked in conjunction with Dale Shirk, Senior Applications Engineer from Biamp, to determine which models would prove most effective within the dome. The Community IV6-1122 arrays allowed for the necessary output and coverage within a compact package, enabling a smaller product footprint within the space. Corner coverage, meanwhile, was reinforced thanks to high-powered R.5 loudspeakers. Low frequency extension was provided by two clusters of IS8-218 dual subwoofers. Once they were installed and tested, university staff were very pleased with the results provided by the Community loudspeakers.
A graduate of DeVry Institute of Technology, Doug has been in the Technology industry since 1976 and actively oversees Fearing’s daily operations. Along with his wife, Lois, and three others, Doug started Fearing’s in a 600 square-foot facility in Portage, Wisconsin. In the 25 years since, the company has grown to over 30 employees with offices in Madison and Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Doug likes to say he’s a “TV Technician with a dream� going back to his history with the family’s original business-Fearing’s TV and Appliance.
Doug values time with family, watersports, hiking, snowshoeing and skiing. In addition to being a devoted member of his church, Doug serves as Board President for Kinship Mentoring of Columbia County, Board member of Schools for Haiti and Scripture Chair of the Gideons-Portage camp.
A graduate of MATC, Lois oversees Fearing’s daily book keeping along with various HR responsibilities.
Along with Doug, Lois is deeply connected to community outreach, serving as a Board member and Fundraising Committee Chairperson for Kinship Mentoring of Columbia County. She also serves on the Schools for Haiti Fundraising committee. In addition, Lois’ ongoing passion and commitment to provide care for the elderly comes from her 10-year history of working in a Reedsburg, Wisconsin Nursing home.
Lois enjoys singing, hiking, sunny days on the pontoon, and spending time with her 4 grandchildren.
Ehren drives Fearing’s technology by continually seeking out trends to enhance capabilities while supporting Sales, Engineering and Installation teams. Throughout his years with Fearing’s, Ehren’s talent and vision have joined forces to create a wide variety of projects and strategic solutions that exceed expectation.
Ehren loves music, family time, movies, nature, sustainability efforts and electric vehicles.
With 10 years with Fearing’s and over twice that long in the industry, Ben continues to lead, coordinate, and develop the Commercial AV team.
By consistently delivering an outstanding experience and outcome, Ben contributes to the Fearing’s legacy of long-lasting partnerships that truly make a difference. Whatever the Commercial AV need may be, Ben and team deliver at the highest level.
Ben is an avid fisherman and photographer. He enjoys coaching his sons and other youth.
Chris has been with Fearing’s for 20 years and in the industry for over 2 decades. As a Certified leader in Sales Acceleration and trained in EOS (Entrepreneurial Operating Systems), Chris successfully utilizes his skills to lead the Fearing’s Salesforce. Chris and team are motivated and driven to develop new client partnerships while continuing to reinforce loyal long-term relationships with ongoing Service excellence.
Married for 19 years with 3 children, Chris enjoys skiing, hiking, fishing, boating, hunting, camping and golf. He’s also been actively involved as a Youth Football and Softball coach for his family and others.
