Parkview Island

The Parkview Island Convention Center stands as a prominent landmark in Homestar Bay within New Orange City, formerly known as Oranjestad, serving as a pivotal hub for events and gatherings in the heart of Oldeshire. Initially completed in 1972, this purpose-built convention center has undergone several expansions, the most recent being in 2014, coinciding with the construction of the Oranjestad Hyperloop, which seamlessly integrates below the convention center.

Description

Featuring a distinctive roof composed of teflon-coated fiberglass, weighing a substantial 120 short tons, the center utilizes internal air pressure to support this structure, making it a unique and innovative architectural marvel. Visitors are greeted by cautionary signs due to the high winds present at the exit doors, a standard feature common to this style of domed architecture.

History

The creation of this remarkable domed convention center owes much to the pioneering work of engineers David Geiger and Walter Bird, who were instrumental in developing air-supported roofs. Originally named the Parkview Convention Center, the venue underwent a name change in 1994 when the Sx3 Corporation secured naming rights for a decade with two additional five-year options, a deal totaling $10 million initially and $3.5 million for each subsequent term. In 2014, the naming rights expired, reverting the name back to its original, Parkview.

The dome was officially inaugurated on August 11, 1972, hosting the first-ever ShireCon, a sold-out event that marked its grand opening. Over the years, it played host to a multitude of significant events, including the 1991 World Artistic Gymnastics Championships and segments of the 1997 Pan Shire Games, becoming a historical and cultural focal point. Notably, the venue witnessed iconic musical events like Shire Aid in 1990, Monsters of Rock in 1993, the 1997 Mattropolis Burning reunion, and various other memorable concerts.

Behind the Scenes

The origins and inspiration for Parkview Island draw references from various sources. Notably, the wiki's foundations draw parallels to the former NFL stadium, the RCA Dome. The name, Parkview Island, is an homage to Parkview Field, the baseball diamond located in nebbers' hometown of Fort Wayne, IN.

Unveiling a somewhat eclectic history, the island once housed an underground disco rave, speculated to have been constructed by either gavinh9 or fatllama. Above this subterranean party scene, Grunto's Castle was said to have once floated. The convention center's construction in the fall of 2014 was credited to nebbers, establishing the venue's current standing as a focal point for events and community gatherings.