Universiade Pavilion

Certainly a University of Alberta and Edmonton landmark. Built for the Universiade Games in 1983 and thus the official name Universiade Pavilion, but more commonly known at the Butterdome. While quite outdated, thus remains a good place for rec sports, university events, exams and a light jog.

The reasons I’ve been in this building have varied so very much over the years. I’ve been here for the Butterdome Craft Sale (both spring and Christmas editions) many times over the years and that has been wonderful — well run and a great venue! I’ve been here to write exams over the years of my various degrees — stressful and the desks aren’t amazing either but this is a good use of the space. I’ve been here for at least one concert and it was a neat venue for this party! I’ve also really enjoyed watching/​participating in sports activities here — which is really the reason that the building exists, it having been constructed for the 1983 Universiade if I remember correctly.
This is an essential facility for a University of this size. And while I do not visit it terribly frequently I think that it is still well used and in good shape for hosting the many events and activities that it does over the years!

Just returned from the Butterdome climbing wall, and boy, are my fingers aching!
It was my first time climbing, but a more experienced friend came with me and helped me out. I noticed the wall staff helping other newbies, though, and they seemed happy to do so.
We arrived around noon, when the wall opened, and it wasn’t too busy. It did fill up about two, which was when we left. The one curious thing I couldn’t explain was all the small children around, hollering/​shrieking/​screaming at the staff to come help them (and they, appearing to be sweet young men, obliged). Is there a kids’ class before the wall opens on Saturdays?
In any case, I had a great, if painful, time, and I will return soon.

Great place to hang out and go rock climbing: D
Unfortunately the area is all blocked off due to construction (maybe due to an expansion?!) with no end in sight. There’s only access to the parkade due to the blockage.

Oh, the U of A Pavillion. Site of so, so many undergraduate final exams in those crappy desks that totally break if you even lean on it the wrong way. It’s been the site of many odd events I’ve seen, such as students napping during their final exam. Hey, whatever gets you through.
I stopped by for the spring Butterdome Craft Fair and it was pretty decent. Some of the booths were a little too offbeat and «crafty» (if you can see that as a bad thing) but I did totally score an amazing maple mustard and maple glaze at this amazing maple food booth. I would eat them straight out of the jars if I could.
I’ll definitely swing back before Christmas when the craft fair is on again to find some great gifts for the relatives!

With bright yellow walls, it’s hard to miss the Butterdome.
I used to go to the Butterdome all the time as a kid for races and basketball camps. At that time, it was surreal how big it was. it always made me feel special because I deserved to be there.
Now, the only time I really go to the Butterdome is to shop at craft sales! I know, that sounds cheesy but they have craft sales and they are pretty darn sweet!
The best thing about the Butterdome is the size. Even now, I still think it’s huge. It’s a good facility for sports events. It’s got a prestigious feel to it, I can’t explain it.
It’s a great place for sports and for events, such as craft sales, because of the space.
I like it!

I didn’t even know that the proper name was Universiade Pavilion. I only know it as the butterdome as does everyone else in the city. It’s a great landmark when you need to give someone directions around that area because you cannot miss it.
It is mainly used to sporting events put on at the University of Alberta and holds stadium style seating. You can usually find a lot of tournaments taking place here. Some students even study in the bleachers when there isn’t any events going on. It doesn’t offer much more than that.

The Butterdome is an excellent landmark. Just about everyone in the city knows where that big, yellow building is. As far as its practical uses, it is mostly used for sporting events at the U of A campus, and occasionally for local events, like large seasonal craft shows. I honestly don’t think I have been back here since my student days. However, I always make a mental note of it whenever I pass by — you just can’t miss it.

The real name for this place is the Universiade Pavilion — but it’s, more appropriately, called the Butterdome by everyone. For obvious reasons. It’s shaped as a giant block and painted a golden yellow. When I moved here, I saw it from a distance and thought it was an unfinished building with exposed inner walls. I always thought it looked like the inside of a Crunchie chocolate bar, a giant block of sponge toffee.
Garish and giant as it is, it’s a landmark, which is a good thing on a big campus, so many people have a love-​hate relationship to it. It’s right next to the sports hub of the university and it is used for big events, like concerts, sports meets, craft sales and also had an indoor climbing gym which is open to the public as well.
I’ve been there on more than one occasion and it’s a great place for a concert or just to use as a landmark when giving directions. Hard to miss a big block of butter…