Jacob Carpenter

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

Marquette University is starting construction on a $3.6 million dome that will cover part of its Valley Fields facilities, school officials said.

The seasonal dome will enclose the synthetic turf portion of the 13.5-acre space during the winter and early spring months. Construction is scheduled to begin immediately and be completed by January 2017. The dome will be funded primarily by donors and the university.

"This project is a positive step forward as it will free up athletic space for both our intercollegiate athletes as well as many students who play intramural and club sports," Marquette University Athletics Director Bill Scholl said in a statement.

The university's natural grass soccer stadium, located adjacent to the synthetic turf field, will not be covered. The Valley Fields complex is located at 1818 W. Canal St.

In the statement, Scholl said the dome will reduce scheduling conflicts and congestion at the Marquette Gymnasium, Helfaer Recreation Center and Al McGuire Center. The university's lacrosse, golf, soccer and track and field teams will all use the covered space.

Marquette is planning to build a $120 million Athletic Performance Research Center, south of W. Michigan St., on largely vacant land on the west side of downtown.