The Bubble at Columbia’s Baker Athletics Complex at 218th Street in northern Manhattan, adjacent to the NewYork-Presbyterian Allen Hospital, is being converted into a field hospital capable of treating as many as 288 patients that have mild COVID-19 symptoms.

Medical treatment will begin early next week. NewYork-Presbyterian and Columbia University Irving Medical Center have partnered with state and city officials to develop the facility. The additional capacity will help to alleviate demand on the main NYP/CUIMC hospitals.

The field hospital will not be conducting testing, nor is it available to walk-in patients.

This repurposed facility is located within the heated, air-supported dome, called the Bubble, which encloses the Rocco B. Commisso Soccer Stadium and field. In normal times it is used by Columbia’s varsity sports teams as an indoor winter-practice facility. Earlier this month, workers began installing special flooring, electrical power, Internet cable and additional air conditioning and plumbing at the 92,000 square-foot site. It now can support patients, doctors, nurses and other support staff, as well as the required medical equipment.

“Creating a medical treatment facility inside a dome normally used by our varsity athletes is a first for Columbia,” said Peter Pilling, Campbell Family Director of Intercollegiate Athletics. “Everyone has a part to play in this crisis, and we are proud to do what we can to support the health care workers and volunteers who are on the front lines, treating COVID-19 patients.”

NewYork-Presbyterian has partnered with Columbia University and former U.S. military personnel to develop this facility. The field hospital will be named in honor of decorated U.S. Navy Seal Ryan F. Larkin (1987-2017), who served in Iraq and Afghanistan. The field hospital will be staffed largely by former military personnel, including physicians, nurses and medics, and others who will provide transport and other needed services, in conjunction with NYP leadership and front-line staff.

For more information about research, medical guidance, educational support and other neighborhood efforts, visit Columbia University's COVID-19 website.