Wikipedia

Tacoma Dome

Tacoma Dome is an indoor multi-purpose arena in Tacoma, Washington, United States. It is located south of Downtown Tacoma, adjacent to Interstate 5 and Tacoma Dome Station. It is currently used for basketball tournaments by the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association (WIAA), concerts, and other community events. In its early years, it was primarily used as a venue for minor league ice hockey and indoor soccer, and later temporarily hosted professional teams from Seattle.[4]

Tacoma Dome
The arena viewed from the Pacific Avenue overpass, 2024
Address2727 East D Street
LocationTacoma, Washington, U.S.[1]
Coordinates47°14′12″N 122°25′36″W / 47.23667°N 122.42667°W / 47.23667; -122.42667
Public transitAmtrak Amtrak
Sounder commuter rail Sounder commuter rail
Link light rail
at Tacoma Dome Station
OwnerCity of Tacoma
OperatorVenues & Events Department
Capacity21,000
Detailed capacity
  • Indoor Soccer: 20,824
  • Basketball: 20,722
  • Hockey: 19,106
  • Football: 10,000
Construction
Broke groundJuly 1, 1981 (1981-07-01)
OpenedApril 21, 1983 (1983-04-21)
Renovated2018
Construction cost$44 million
($147 million in 2023 dollars[2])
ArchitectMcGranahan Messenger Associates[3]
General contractorMerit Co.[3]
Tenants
Tacoma Stars (MISL) (1983–92)
Tacoma Rockets (WHL) (1991–95)
Seattle SuperSonics (NBA) (1994–95)
Tacoma Sabercats (WCHL) (1997–2002)
NCAA Division I Women's Basketball Championship (1989–90)
Seattle Sounders (USL First Division) (1994)
WIAA state football tournament (1995–2019)
WIAA boys' state basketball tournament (2001–present, partial schedule)
Website
tacomadome.org

History

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View of the arena from East D Street, 2009

Proposals to build a domed stadium in Tacoma were submitted to voters in various ballot measures in 1967, 1972, and 1976, but were all rejected. Following the completion of the Kingdome in Seattle, campaigners in Tacoma pushed for "a dome of our own"; a 1980 vote on a $28 million bond measure was approved and funded the construction of the Tacoma Dome. Construction began on July 1, 1981, at a site near Interstate 5; sites near Cheney Stadium and in downtown were also considered.[5][6] The city planned to lure a National Hockey League team to the new stadium, but were unable to find a professional sports team to occupy the dome. It was designed by local architects McGranahan and Messenger, who won an international design competition, and cost $44 million to construct.[7] It opened on April 21, 1983, with 25,000 people attending the opening ceremonies.[8]

At 530 feet (160 m) in diameter and 152 feet (46 m) in height, the arena seats 20,722 for basketball games, with a maximum capacity of 21,000. It was the largest arena with a wooden dome in the world by volume at the time of its opening;[9] the Superior Dome in Marquette, Michigan, opened in 1991 with a larger-diameter geodesic dome at 536 feet (163 m),[5] but is 143 feet (44 m) high and seats a maximum of 16,000.[10] The dome's roof weighs 1.44 million pounds (650 t); some of the planks that form the roof were sourced from felled timber following the 1980 eruption of Mount St. Helens.[5][6] Unlike most other arenas of its size, the arena contains little in the way of fixed seating, so as to maximize the flexibility of the seating arrangements and the shape of the playing field. It can also host American football, albeit with seating reduced to 10,000.

The dome's first event was a concert by American singer/actor Rick Nelson and the Stone Canyon Band as part of the Dome's opening festivities on April 24, 1983.[11] The stadium's turf was replaced in 1992 and 2006.[12] The stadium has not had a professional team as a tenant since 2002, attributed in part to the lack of amenities and luxury boxes, while a newer arena in Kent hosts the Seattle Thunderbirds of the WHL and the reincarnation of the Tacoma Stars.[13] Several new performing venues in the area, including KeyArena and the White River Amphitheatre, also lured away touring artists who would have used the Dome.[14]

A report to the city in 2000 identified the need for private suites, larger concourses, and modern locker and dressing rooms as key issues for the Dome.[15] A $42 million renovation plan, which included a new "grand entrance", larger concessions, a loading dock, and luxury suites, was proposed by a city-contracted consultant in 2004.[16] A bond issue to fund the renovation, which would require 60 percent of voters in favor, was approved in September 2005 but failed to meet the minimum turnout to validate the election.[17] A second attempt in the February 2006 special election failed after receiving only 55 percent approval.[18][19]

During a Monster Jam event at the Tacoma Dome in January 2009, a piece of debris from a truck flew into the stands during a freestyle performance, killing a six-year-old spectator and injuring another spectator.[20] This is so far the only fatality to occur at a Monster Jam event.

On February 2, 2016, the Tacoma Dome started new security procedures in light of its sold-out AC/DC concert. The new enhancements included metal detector wands at each entrance, a bag size restriction, the prohibition of backpacks, and the search of all bags before entry.[21] In November 2016, the City of Tacoma approved a two-year, $21.3 million renovation project.[22] The renovations took place over the summer of 2018, with the cost rising to $30 million,[23] and were completed on October 8, 2018.[24] The renovations cost $32 million; among the new features were wider seats throughout the arena, showgoers having 6 inches of extra legroom and replacing the bench seating in the upper level.[25]

Tenants

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Aerial view of the Tacoma Dome in 2022

Indoor soccer

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The first professional team to move into the Tacoma Dome were the Tacoma Stars of the Major Indoor Soccer League (MISL); the stadium was the largest in the league, with seating for 20,284 in its indoor soccer configuration.[26] The seventh and final game of the 1987 MISL Championship Series was played in front of 21,728 spectators at the Tacoma Dome, setting a league attendance record.[27] The Dome also hosted the 1988 MISL All-Star Game on February 17, 1988, which drew 17,241 in attendance.[28]

Soccer

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The first professional soccer game to be played at the Tacoma Dome was a EuroPac Cup match between the Seattle Sounders and Internacional from Brazil. The Sounders lost 2–1 in front of 6,340; the stadium's capacity was set at 19,000 for soccer.[29] The team also bid for a lease to play their indoor season at the Dome, but lost to the Tacoma Stars.[30][31]

The final match of the 1986 College Cup, the NCAA championship tournament for men's soccer, was hosted at the Tacoma Dome on December 13, 1986. The Duke Devils won 1–0 against the Akron Zips and clinched their first national title in front of 4,652 spectators.[32] The turf surface at the Dome was uneven and patched with electrical tape; it was later criticized as "no place to play a championship game" by Akron coach Steve Parker and "dangerous" by Duke midfielder Joey Valenti.[33]

The second-division Seattle Sounders played several soccer matches at the Dome during their inaugural season in the American Professional Soccer League in 1994 before moving to Memorial Stadium in Seattle.[34]

Basketball

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The championship game of the NCAA Division I women's basketball tournament (known as the Women's Final Four) was hosted at the Tacoma Dome in 1988 and 1989. The latter was the first to be played in the same metropolitan area as the men's Final Four, which was hosted by the Kingdome in Seattle.[35][36]

The Seattle SuperSonics played their first exhibition game at the Tacoma Dome on October 9, 1983, and lost 117–98 to the Portland Trail Blazers.[37] The stadium was configured with a maximum capacity of 22,000 for NBA games.[38] The team played four regular season games in Tacoma during the 1983–84 season and averaged 11,852 in attendance, greater than in the Kingdome.[39] The Sonics played four regular season games at the Dome during the 1984–85 season, but announced in April 1985 that they would not return for the following season to focus on their move to the Seattle Center Coliseum.[38]

The Sonics relocated to Tacoma for 41 home games during the 1994–95 season while the Seattle Center Coliseum underwent extensive renovations to become KeyArena (now Climate Pledge Arena).[5] The Dome was later used for Sonics games during other seasons and was offered by the city as a replacement for KeyArena during the team's relocation negotiations in 2006.[40] The Seattle Storm of the WNBA played an exhibition game at the Tacoma Dome in 2002 and a playoff game in 2013 that had been moved from KeyArena due to a scheduling conflict.[41]

1990 Goodwill Games

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The Dome was also the venue of ice hockey, gymnastics, and figure skating events during the 1990 Goodwill Games.[42][43]

American football

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It was the site of the NCAA Division I-AA football championship game in 1985 and 1986.[citation needed] The venue also hosted Seattle Seahawks scrimmages and an annual rivalry game between the Pacific Lutheran University and the University of Puget Sound, both based in the Tacoma area.[44] A trophy for the rivalry game, unveiled in 2021, depicts the Tacoma Dome and the city skyline.[45]

The short-lived Tacoma Express, a semi-professional American football team playing in the Minor League Football System, played an exhibition game against the Moscow Bears of the Soviet Union American Football League on July 2, 1990. The Express won 61–0 against the Bears, whose roster included rugby players and track-and-field athletes, in front of 1,303 spectators; it was the first time that a Soviet Union football team had played in the United States.[46][47] The team had planned to play their regular season games at the Tacoma Dome, but were unable to afford the venue and moved to the Stadium Bowl.[48][49]

Ice hockey

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Several professional and junior ice hockey teams have also played at the Tacoma Dome. The Tacoma Rockets of the WHL played at the Dome from 1991 to 1995, but relocated to Kelowna, British Columbia, after finding the stadium unsuitable.[13] The Tacoma Sabercats of the WCHL debuted on November 1, 1997, at the Dome, which underwent minor renovations to better accommodate ice hockey. The main grandstand's first three rows were raised to improve sightlines, the Plexiglass barrier around the rink was replaced with seamless glass panels, and seating capacity was reduced to 9,500.[50] The Sabercats had strong attendance, but ceased operations in 2002.[13][51]

The Tacoma Dome also hosted National Hockey League preseason exhibition games in 1983, 1984, 1988, 1992,[52] and 1996.[53] Plans to attract an NHL team to the venue were made in the 1980s and 1990s, but were unsuccessful.[54]

Lacrosse

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The Premier Lacrosse League played four games at the Tacoma Dome over a two-day weekend in August 2022 as part of their fourth traveling season.[55] The National Lacrosse League had previously considered an expansion team at the Tacoma Dome in 2006, but also solicited other bids from arenas in the Puget Sound region.[56]

High school sports

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The Tacoma Dome has hosted the Washington state championships for high school basketball, organized by the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association (WIAA), since 1985; it was the first site nationwide to hold both boys' and girls' tournaments simultaneously. The WIAA also held the state championship games for high school football at the Tacoma Dome starting in 1995, having held the games at the Kingdome in Seattle beforehand; it elected to move the games out of the Tacoma Dome in 2019, citing rising costs and diminished sight lines inflicted by the 2018 renovations.[57]

Art

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The Tacoma Dome is also known for its controversial neon art. In 1984, a work by Stephen Antonakos displayed inside the dome became the subject of intense debate over public funding of artworks for public works projects.[58]

Naming rights

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The Tacoma city government considered selling the naming rights for the Dome on several occasions to pay for renovations or other amenities that would attract a major league team.[54] In 2002, the city hired a consultant to explore naming rights deals for various public facilities, including the Tacoma Dome, that would fund repairs and renovations.[59][60] A ten-year naming rights deal with Comcast or a local Toyota dealership was proposed the following year by the consultants after discussions with various companies.[61] Comcast emerged as the frontrunner and offered $3.5 million for the ten-year term in addition to free advertising on cable television that would be of equivalent value.[62] The company pulled out of the deal for the proposed "Comcast Dome" in December 2003, ahead of a city council vote and amid public backlash over the removal of "Tacoma" from its name.[63]

An offer to sell naming rights to city-owned Tacoma Power for $1.25 million annually was rejected in 2009 after a search for a city-inclusive name.[64] The city began soliciting new bids for a marketer in 2013 to search for naming rights sponsor, but the two submitted proposals were rejected for being too costly.[65]

References

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  1. ^ "Tacoma Dome A to Z Guide". Retrieved January 17, 2022.
  2. ^ 1634–1699: McCusker, J. J. (1997). How Much Is That in Real Money? A Historical Price Index for Use as a Deflator of Money Values in the Economy of the United States: Addenda et Corrigenda (PDF). American Antiquarian Society. 1700–1799: McCusker, J. J. (1992). How Much Is That in Real Money? A Historical Price Index for Use as a Deflator of Money Values in the Economy of the United States (PDF). American Antiquarian Society. 1800–present: Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis. "Consumer Price Index (estimate) 1800–". Retrieved February 29, 2024.
  3. ^ a b "Tacoma Dome". Columbia.edu. Retrieved February 6, 2017.
  4. ^ Ruiz, Don (September 19, 2013). "Can aging Tacoma Dome still provide a fitting home for pro sports?". The News Tribune. Archived from the original on September 27, 2013. Retrieved September 26, 2013.
  5. ^ a b c d Jasmin, Ernest A. (April 13, 2003). "A nice, round 20". The News Tribune. pp. D1, D5. Retrieved December 20, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.
  6. ^ a b Kenyon, J. Michael (February 14, 1988). "Worthwhile wait: Tacoma Dome was long time coming". The News Tribune. p. 9. Retrieved December 20, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.
  7. ^ "Tacoma Dome opens minus team". The Spokesman-Review. Associated Press. April 17, 1983. p. B4.
  8. ^ Sypher, Richard (April 22, 1983). "25,000 throng to Tacoma's Dome". The News Tribune. p. A1. Retrieved December 20, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.
  9. ^ "HISTORY". Tacoma Dome Official Website. Archived from the original on July 1, 2011. Retrieved February 6, 2017.
  10. ^ "Superior Dome". NMU.edu. Retrieved February 6, 2017.
  11. ^ Cafazzo, Debbie (January 11, 2016). "Rick Nelson played Tacoma as first rock performer at the Dome". Tacoma News-Tribune. Retrieved February 6, 2017.
  12. ^ Hagey, Jason (June 21, 2006). "City Council loans Dome $2.7 million". The News Tribune. p. A1.
  13. ^ a b c Ruiz, Don (September 20, 2013). "The white elephant in Tacoma". The News Tribune. pp. B1, B6. Retrieved December 21, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.
  14. ^ Voelpel, Dan (January 18, 2004). "Just how much is a 'Dome of our own' worth these days?". The News Tribune. p. E1. Retrieved December 22, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.
  15. ^ Ruiz, Don (January 19, 2000). "Stadium? Arena? Concert hall?". The News Tribune. p. A1. Retrieved December 24, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.
  16. ^ Hagey, Jason (January 28, 2004). "Dome could get a makeover—for $42 million". The News Tribune. p. A1. Retrieved December 22, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.
  17. ^ Hagey, Jason (September 23, 2005). "Dome backers take timeout". The News Tribune. p. B1.
  18. ^ Sherman, Kris (February 7, 2006). "Voters deny some districts, Dome". The News Tribune. p. A1. Retrieved December 22, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.
  19. ^ "Special Election February 7, 2006 Summary Report: Final Official Results". Pierce County Elections. February 16, 2006. p. 1. Retrieved December 22, 2022.
  20. ^ "Child dies after being struck by flying debris at monster truck show". January 17, 2009.
  21. ^ "Security Update". TacomaDome.org. Retrieved February 6, 2017.
  22. ^ Bryant, Tammi (November 30, 2016). "CITY OF TACOMA ANNOUNCES PLANS TO RENOVATE THE TACOMA DOME" (PDF). TacomaDome.org. Retrieved February 6, 2017. Renovations will begin in summer of 2017. New seating will be installed during summer of 2018, with all renovations completed by fall of 2018.
  23. ^ Riedtmulder, Michael (April 17, 2018). "My Favorite Things, Part II". The News Tribune. Retrieved April 18, 2018.
  24. ^ King, Jennifer (October 8, 2018). "Tacoma Dome reopens after $30 million renovation". KING-TV. Retrieved January 5, 2019.
  25. ^ Tacoma Dome returns after $30 million renovation. (2018). Real Estate Monitor Worldwide, pp. Real Estate Monitor Worldwide, 2018-10-29.
  26. ^ Luebker, Earl (November 5, 1983). "A team of our own for a dome of our own". The News Tribune. p. 2. Retrieved December 20, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.
  27. ^ McGrath, John (March 18, 2009). "Region had lots of soccer history before Sounders FC". The News Tribune. p. C1. Retrieved December 21, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.
  28. ^ Lawrence, John (February 18, 1988). "Preki and Zungul biggest All-Stars". The News Tribune. p. C1. Retrieved January 17, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  29. ^ Smith, Craig (August 3, 1983). "Dome the real star in Tacoma debut". The Seattle Times. p. E1.
  30. ^ Smith, Craig (May 27, 1983). "Sounders score in battle for Tacoma dates". The Seattle Times. p. D6.
  31. ^ Farber, Stan (August 23, 1983). "Does it end here for the Sounders?". The News Tribune. p. B2. Retrieved June 2, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  32. ^ Coons, Kip (December 14, 1986). "Duke Does It: Wins Soccer Title". Durham Morning Herald. p. A1. Retrieved December 22, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.
  33. ^ Wright, Bart (December 14, 1986). "A big 'kick' about Dome and its turf". The News Tribune. p. C1. Retrieved December 22, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.
  34. ^ Lawrence, John (March 2, 1995). "After successful first year, Sounders looking for more". The News Tribune. p. D2. Retrieved December 21, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.
  35. ^ Wevurski, Pete (April 3, 1989). "Dueling Final Fours debut no dud". The News Tribune. p. C5. Retrieved December 22, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.
  36. ^ Cour, Jim (March 25, 1989). "Hosting a Final Four means big money to host cities". The Modesto Bee. Associated Press. p. D3. Retrieved December 22, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.
  37. ^ Wallace, Mark (October 10, 1983). "Sonics bow in Dome debut". The News Tribune. p. C1. Retrieved February 29, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
  38. ^ a b Wallace, Mark (April 19, 1985). "Sonics cause very little mourning". The News Tribune. p. C3. Retrieved February 29, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
  39. ^ Wallace, Mark (April 10, 1984). "Sonics like their Dome away from home". The News Tribune. p. C1. Retrieved February 29, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
  40. ^ Hughes, Frank (December 17, 2006). "Dome home? Not for Sonics". The News Tribune. p. C1. Retrieved December 22, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.
  41. ^ Evans, Jayda (September 19, 2013). "Storm playoff game will be held in Tacoma Dome". The Seattle Times. Retrieved December 22, 2022.
  42. ^ George, Kathy (May 26, 1990). "Games shuttle in jam". The News Tribune. p. B1. Retrieved December 20, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.
  43. ^ Kahn, Mike (August 5, 1990). "U.S.-Soviet rematch will decide the gold". The News Tribune. p. E3. Retrieved December 20, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.
  44. ^ Ruiz, Don (January 19, 2000). "Would football be casualty of remodeling?". The News Tribune. p. A9. Retrieved December 22, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.
  45. ^ Albanese, Mark (November 3, 2021). "Football Unveils "The Trophy" Ahead of 97th Meeting with Crosstown Rivals". GoLutes.com. Pacific Lutheran University. Retrieved December 22, 2022.
  46. ^ Porter, T.C. (July 3, 1990). "It wasn't all bad news, Bears". The Seattle Times. p. B1.
  47. ^ Cabrera, Luis (July 3, 1990). "So much for 'Glasnost on the gridiron'". Deseret News. p. D3. Retrieved December 20, 2022.
  48. ^ Drowley, Doug (September 8, 1990). "League withdraws support of Express". The News Tribune. p. C2. Retrieved December 20, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.
  49. ^ "Express $24,000 away from calling the dome home". The News Tribune. August 10, 1990. p. D3. Retrieved December 20, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.
  50. ^ Lawrence, John (June 28, 1997). "Tacoma Dome makes bonus improvements for hockey". The News Tribune. p. C1. Retrieved December 22, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.
  51. ^ Ruiz, Don (May 6, 2002). "And five years later, Sabercats close up shop". The News Tribune. p. C1. Retrieved December 21, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.
  52. ^ "vintage Ice Hockey Programs memorabilia for sale from Gasoline Alley Antiques". GasolineAlleyAntiques.com. Retrieved February 6, 2017.
  53. ^ "Canucks 4, Sharks 1". APNewsArchive.com. Associated Press. September 19, 1996. Retrieved February 6, 2017.
  54. ^ a b Wright, Bart (June 1, 1995). "The NHL in Tacoma?". The News Tribune. p. D1. Retrieved December 22, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.
  55. ^ Fernandez, Roshan (August 19, 2022). "WA lacrosse community's efforts to grow sport rewarded with PLL event in Tacoma". The Seattle Times. Retrieved December 22, 2022.
  56. ^ Williams, Eric D. (July 20, 2006). "Pro lacrosse considering Tacoma for a team". The News Tribune. p. C1. Retrieved December 22, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.
  57. ^ Joyce, Nathan (June 2, 2019). "State high school football championships won't be held at Tacoma Dome anymore". The Seattle Times. Retrieved June 7, 2023.
  58. ^ "NEON WARS Part 2". Tacoma History. March 1, 2017. Retrieved September 9, 2021.
  59. ^ Lavigne Sullivan, Paula (August 23, 2002). "Weyerhaeuser Dome? Starbucks Convention Center?". The News Tribune. p. A1. Retrieved December 22, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.
  60. ^ Modeen, Martha (February 27, 2002). "Toyota Dome? City peddling naming rights". The News Tribune. p. A1. Retrieved December 22, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.
  61. ^ Hagey, Jason (November 21, 2003). "Get ready for (---) Dome". The News Tribune. p. A1. Retrieved December 22, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.
  62. ^ Hagey, Jason (December 10, 2003). "Tacoma Dome, R.I.P." The News Tribune. p. A1. Retrieved December 22, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.
  63. ^ Hagey, Jason (December 17, 2003). "It stays Tacoma Dome as Comcast pulls out of deal". The News Tribune. p. A1. Retrieved December 22, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.
  64. ^ Kamb, Lewis (November 30, 2009). "Tacoma Power says no to Dome". The News Tribune. p. A3. Retrieved December 22, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.
  65. ^ Santos, Melissa (August 30, 2013). "Tacoma Dome naming partners too expensive". The News Tribune. p. A3. Retrieved December 22, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.
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Wikimedia Commons has media related to Tacoma Dome.
Preceded by Host of the NCAA Division I-AA National Championship Game
1985–1986 		Succeeded by
Preceded by Host of the College Cup
1986 		Succeeded by
Preceded by Home of the
Seattle SuperSonics
1994–1995 		Succeeded by
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