Leavey Center began life as the Harold J. Toso Pavilion, or Toso Pavilion constructed in 1975. The facility featured an air supported vinyl fabric roof supported by 11 large fans constantly producing a higher air pressure inside the dome than outside, similar to the Pontiac Silverdome or BC Place Stadium. The inside of the facility featured the main activity floor, two recreation areas, and team locker rooms. The roof developed several tears over the years and on April 4, 2000, the dome was deflated to make room for a more permanent roof structure to be built over the arena.
