Drive into Tacoma, Wash., on Interstate 5, and Mount Rainier rises up majestically to the southwest, while just beside the highway, the storied wooden roof of the Tacoma Dome commands the city’s skyline.Since opening in 1983, with a performance by during his Serious Moonlight Tour, the venue has loomed as large in the hearts of the region’s residents as the Cascade Range. And through decades of hosting, and, just in 2018, and, the building has put this city 30 miles south of Seattle on the touring industry map.“It has been such an incredibly iconic building,” says Kim Bedier, director of Tacoma venues and events, who oversees the Dome. “It really personifies the town.”Yet the Tacoma Dome as built did not have “a lot of bells and whistles,” adds Bedier. Given the advances in facility design, venues of lesser vintage have been torn down and replaced.The Dome demolished? Not a chance. “There would be a huge outcry in the community,” says Bedier. Aside from all of those memorable concerts, the 23,000-capacity venue also hosts close to 30 graduations per year from surrounding high schools as well as the University of Washington, Tacoma and the University of Puget Sound.

So nearly every teenager in the greater Seattle area has walked across the Tacoma Dome’s stage over the past 35 years, with their friends and family in attendance.So instead of demolition and construction, city officials in 2016 approved a renovation plan for the building that has cost $32 million. The work was done in a compressed time period. It began after the final graduation this past June and concluded in October.The Tacoma Dome marked its rebirth as a concert venue on Nov. 1 with a show. Already booked for November are, and ’s VetsAid featuring, and.The venue now has significantly more restrooms, upgrades to the lighting and sound systems, and its first standard loading docks. New artist quarters feature a bevy of amenities, and performers can exit their quarters and walk directly onto the stage - no tunnels to travel through. Aramark has taken over concessions, with serving locations designed with locally sourced reclaimed wood (reflecting Washington State’s love of timber) and new, creative menu options. They include Taco-Ma’s (street tacos), Tacoma Dough (pizza), Smoke (barbecue), Dock Street (fish and chips), Nourish (healthy made-to-order bowls and salads), Fire (grilled favorites), Crave (desserts and ice cream) and Sip and Craft (local craft beers, local distillery cocktails and souvenir soda cups).Bedier believes that the most significant renovation for fans are the new seats.

The Tacoma Dome has replaced all of its multicolored seating, which included benches in the upper areas.“We were literally selling $200 concert tickets for people to sit on the benches. I couldn’t sleep at night,” says Bedier, half-joking. “We replaced all the seats top to bottom with individual, state-of-the-art seats.”. Prior to the renovation, changing the seating configurations for different types of events meant that any unneeded seats would have to be forklifted out of the facility and stored in the parking lot, which took up much-needed space for eventgoers’ vehicles. The new seating retracts with ease, drastically cutting down the time it takes to reconfigure the arena between events.“The day that I set foot in Tacoma, that was my goal - to get those old seats replaced,” says Bedier, who started at the venue in 2012. “Now they’re all going to be one color, which is a kind of Tacoma blue. It looks spectacular.”The renovations, adds Bedier, focused on comfort, convenience and efficiency.

Before the project began, the venue did a study among local residents, asking what they would like to see from a renovation of the Tacoma Dome. The city resoundingly rejected turning the venue into a professional sports-ready facility with suites or permanent VIP spaces. “We really took that to heart and focused on great customer service and driving tickets and funding to do the renovations,” says Bedier. “That’s what makes us good partners in the market with KeyArena in Seattle,” which is undergoing a $700 million renovation with the goal of luring a National Hockey League team.KeyArena “can host the professional teams, and we’ve got room to host everything else. We consider music and events our anchor tenants,” says Bedier, who recently spoke with Billboard about the Tacoma Dome’s renowned roof, its competition with Seattle and the advantages of booking monster truck shows and heavy metal concerts back to back. What can you tell readers about the Tacoma Dome that they probably don’t know?It is one of the largest wood-dome structures around, certainly in North America.

We attended a concert here last week, our third one at the Tacoma Dome. Acoustics just aren't good here. We had VIP tickets where food was.

An interesting fact: A lot of it is the wood that fell in the aftermath of the Mount St. Helens volcano exploding in 1980. They are sheets of timber laminated together, which makes it super strong. At that time, it was real cutting-edge technology.

I was just talking to one of the architects, and he said in the event of an earthquake, go and stand in the middle of the Dome, because it is the safest place in town.What is the Dome’s economic impact on Tacoma?We have statistics that say, on some of our event nights, 97 percent of the hotel rooms in the area are full. We have a light rail that runs to downtown from the Tacoma Dome, and on a show night, it is just like being on a subway in rush hour in New York. It is packed with people coming to restaurants. For sure, the dome has had financial impact, and not just to the city but to the surrounding regions. A great number of people travel more than 50 miles to come to our shows. If a tour is not leaving America, the Canadians will come down from Vancouver.How has the venue managed to lure such huge names for over 30 years?For sure, the capacity. We can sell a lot of tickets, and we do sell a lot of tickets.

We’ve always tried to go out of our way to make sure that everyone’s needs are met - whether it is a promoter, an artist or a fan, we want them to have the best time possible. Sometimes that was really challenging, because we were working with old equipment in an antiquated building. We’re excited to be able to take that to a higher level now.Has Tacoma’s proximity to Seattle venues caused competition for events?We certainly do complement each other, and we consider ourselves friendly competitors. There is such a thriving music scene here that there is room for everybody. We’ve always considered ourselves part of the Seattle metro market.

It is just over 3 million people. We have never considered ourselves a Tacoma-centric building. We see ourselves very much as a regional building. That has been part of the secret to everybody’s success.Do the renovations help you compete?Absolutely. Just being the biggest isn’t always good enough. We want people to leave every show having had the greatest, most comfortable time.

The whole idea was to ensure that the Dome remained viable and competitive going forward. It is really part of the psyche of the community.Can it be difficult finding artists big enough to play such a large building?In 2008, they installed this incredible rigging grid and curtaining system in the Dome.

We can effectively make the house a number of different sizes. We have this amazing 3,500- to 5,000-seat theater configuration.

It was a thoughtful innovation that they put in at that time. It makes it super flexible, so we have done some smaller shows quite successfully.What genre of music performs the best in the Tacoma market?Everything seems to do really well. Drake sold out. What seems to do the best is certainly country music. We knock that out of the park. We did more than 100,000 people over the five shows in November 2017, which was kind of a crowning glory for a lot of us. Metal and hard rock play super well here.

There is a great music-oriented population in this whole metro market.What other kinds of special events has the Dome hosted?The arena floor becomes so large because it is so convertible with the removal of seats. We play football in there. We lay down the football field, and we do annual high school football championships. Monster trucks love us because they have lots of running room.

We really like having metal shows after monster trucks to shake the dirt out of the ceiling.

Accessibility ADA

Complete information on accessibility services can be found on our Accessibility Page.

Address Contact Info

The Tacoma Dome is located in the city of Tacoma at 2727 East D Street, Tacoma, WA 98421. Deliveries should be routed to the 24-Hour Security office located at the Northeast side of the Tacoma Dome. For directions to the arena, please visit the Directions Page and for contact information, please visit the Contact Us Page.

Alcoholic Beverages

Washington State liquor laws prohibit guests from bringing alcoholic beverages into the Tacoma Dome. The only alcohol permitted on the premises must be purchased and dispensed by authorized servers. Guests who appear to be under the age of 30 will be required to show approved identification (valid, government-issued photo ID).

No guest will be served more than two alcoholic beverages per transaction. Alcohol beverage sales will be cut off at designated times during concerts and other events. Guests passing alcohol to minors will be ejected and subject to arrest, ticketing, and prosecution.

Cannabis Warning – Washington State Law prohibits the use of cannabis in public and specifically on any alcohol licensed premises. Please consider this fair warning. Guests who use Cannabis on these premises will be asked to leave immediately and will not receive a refund.

Animals

Only trained service animals or service animals in training will be allowed into the Tacoma Dome. All other animals, including pets and comfort animals, are prohibited.

ATMs

There are three ATM machines at the Tacoma Dome. They are located on the Main Concourse Level near Section 109, on the Floor Level in the NW Corner, and in the Exhibition Hall Lobby.

Autographs

Generally, artists do not provide the opportunity to obtain autographs. However, some events do include autograph sessions which may be set up in designated areas. Please ask a Guest Services Representative for information.

Baby Changing Areas

Baby changing stations are located in every restroom at the Tacoma Dome. In addition, The Tacoma Dome has a family restroom located on the north side of the Main Concourse near Section 102 / 202 and on the floor level on the west end behind Sections 109-113.

Backstage Access

Backstage passes are not provided by the Tacoma Dome or our contracted partners. However, backstage passes may sometimes be obtained via the Fan Club, radio station contests, purchased as part of a VIP package, etc. The passes are supplied by the touring personnel and arrangements must be made to receive these passes prior to the event through the touring personnel.

Bags Backpacks

Bags, including handbags and purses, may be no larger than 13” x 15” and all bags are subject to search. Backpacks are prohibited.

For EDM shows, please see our EDM Guidelines & Prohibited Items list for additional bag information.

Binoculars

Binoculars are permitted for most Tacoma Dome events.

Box Office

Please see our Heritage Bank Box Office Page for hours, location, and more.

Cameras

Camera policies vary by event and are determined solely at the discretion of the show promoters and are subject to change without notice.

For most events, non-professional (no detachable lens) cameras are allowed. No video cameras, audio recording devices, GoPros, iPads, selfie sticks, gimbals, or tripods.

Remotely controlled, small unmanned aircraft systems (drones) are prohibited without prior approval.

Unauthorized or prohibited photography of an event may result in film or videotape being confiscated by show representatives. In all cases, the resale of photography or video is strictly prohibited. For details regarding the camera policy for a specific event, please call 253.272.3663.

Child Ticket Policy

Admission for children varies per event, generally children two years and under are free if they sit on an adult's lap. Be sure to check with the box office regarding specific events before you purchase tickets.

Code of Conduct

The Tacoma Dome is committed to providing guests with an enjoyable, safe atmosphere. Staff will proactively intervene to support an environment where all guests can enjoy the event free from the following behaviors:

• Foul or abusive language or gestures
• Intoxication or other signs of impairment
• Displays of affection not appropriate in a public setting
• Obscene or indecent clothing
• Any disruption to the progress of the event by guest’s actions or unauthorized person on the playing field, stage, etc.
• Guests seated in a location other than their ticketed seat
• Smoking, vaping or tobacco use of any kind

If someone interferes with your enjoyment of an event, please contact a Guest Services Representative for assistance.

Concessions Catering

Aramark is the official food and beverage provider for the Tacoma Dome. Please see our Food and Beverage Page for more information on concession offerings and event catering.

Directions

Let us guide your way. Please follow the recommended routes listed on our Directions Page. Use of Exit 133 from I-5 is not recommended.

Dome Direct

Stay up-to-date with the Tacoma Dome. Sign up for our Dome Direct email newsletters for access to pre-sales, special offers, and more.

Donation Requests

Please submit formal donation requests to [email protected]. Due to a large number of requests received, there is no guarantee your request will be fulfilled.

Doors

Doors for most arena events open 90 minutes prior to event start time. Subject to change. View our Entry Door Map.

Drones

Remotely controlled, small unmanned aircraft systems (UMAS), commonly referred to as drones, are prohibited without prior approval.

Drop-off Pick-up Zones

The drop-off and pick-up zone for patrons is located on Wiley Ave. for major events. Please no drop-off or pick-ups in the D Street loading zone on event days. Due to the limited space available in this area, road closures and high traffic at the beginning and conclusion of events, it is recommended that guests are dropped at another location near the Tacoma Dome (ie. Tacoma Dome Station, Best Western, Freighthouse Square) to facilitate easier drop-off and pick-up.

Elevator

The Tacoma Dome has a public elevator located on the west end of the facility near Sections 109/209. This elevator accesses the Arena Level and the Main Concourse.

Emergencies Evacuations

Tacoma Dome personnel have been trained in emergency procedures. Please follow directions of event staff in case of an emergency.

Family Restroom

A private restroom is located on the north side of the main concourse near section 102 / 202 and on the floor level on the west end behind Sections 109-113. These restrooms are provided to accommodate guests with disabilities and their companion. These restrooms also serve families with small children who need assistance.

Firearms Guns

For the safety of all guests, firearms of any kind, regardless of permit, are not allowed in the Tacoma Dome. The only exception to this is UNIFORMED law enforcement personnel in the performance of their official duties. The presenter of an event ticket consents to a reasonable search for weapons before entering. Failure to comply with the above conditions will result in not being admitted to the event or ejection. If a patron enters the Tacoma Dome and is ejected for any reason, no refunds or exchanges will be allowed in such an event.

First Aid

If medical assistance is needed, please contact the nearest Guest Services Representative. Emergency Medical Service personnel are on site for most events.

Fundraising Opportunities

Food and Beverage Policy

Outside food and beverages are not permitted at any time. Exceptions may be granted for baby formula, baby bottles, baby food, medication, or other special health-related needs. Please see our Food and Beverage page for additional information.

Lost and Found

At an event, please contact a Guest Services Representative for assistance. Lost and found is located at the 24-Hour Security office at the Tacoma Dome and can be reached by calling 253.593.7652. Lost items will be kept for one month; those unclaimed after that time will be donated to charity. In most cases, any unclaimed credit or debit cards are destroyed immediately as recommended by the issuing financial institution.

Medics

Emergency Medical Technicians are on-site for most Tacoma Dome events. Contact the nearest Guest Services Representative should you be in need of any emergency services.

Meet and Greets

Many concerts do have a meet and greet with the performers. Passes are supplied by the touring personnel, local radio stations or event sponsors and arrangements must be made to receive these passes prior to the event through these channels. Often times the Tacoma Dome has no information on the meet and greet times or locations until the day of the show. Passes are not provided by the Tacoma Dome or our contracted partners.

Nursing Mothers

Private space is available at events for nursing mothers. The nursing mother's room is located on the west end floor level, behind Sections 109-113. Guests should contact their nearest guest services employee with any questions.

Parking

The Tacoma Dome has parking lots conveniently located around the perimeter of the facility. Please see our Parking Page for more information on Tacoma Dome lots and alternative options.

Police

For the safety of our guests, the Tacoma Police are on site during most Tacoma Dome events. If you have an emergency, please contact the nearest Guest Services Representative.

Prohibited Items

In the interest of guest safety and enjoyment, the Tacoma Dome reserves the right to prevent certain items from being brought into the facility. For EDM events, please see our EDM Guidelines & Prohibited Items List for additional information.

Items including, but not limited to, the following are not allowed in the Tacoma Dome:

• Alcoholic beverages
• Drugs or drug paraphernalia, including marijuana
• Backpacks and all bags larger than 13' x 15'
• Outside food & beverage items
• Glass or aluminum bottles or cans
• Ice chests or hard-sided coolers
• Camera tri-pods, mono-pods, GoPro poles, gimbals, and selfie sticks
• Laptop computers, tablets, and iPads
• Remotely controlled, small unmanned aircraft systems (a.k.a. drones)
• Sticks or clubs (including signs attached to sticks)
• Fireworks
• Mace or pepper spray
• Bullhorns, airhorns or other noisemakers
• Confetti
• Animals, comfort animals, or pets (service animals are allowed)
• Beach balls or other inflatables
• Bicycles or scooters
• Skateboards or roller blades
• Squirt guns or super soakers
• Balloons of any kind
• Laser pointers
• Weapons of any kind, regardless of permit (including but not limited to: firearms, knives, batons, mace, pepper spray, brass knuckles, tasers, etc.)
• Stickers
• Chains
• Studded belts, bracelets, etc.
• Chairs (lawn chairs, folding chairs)

Permitted Items:

• Baby formula, baby bottles and baby food
• Medication or other special needs
• Diaper or baby bags (subject to search, must be under 13' x 15')
• Binoculars
• Seat cushions

Please Note: event promoters reserve the right to restrict additional items

Public Transportation

Information on public transportation options such as the Tacoma Link light rail and bus service options can be found on our Transportation Page.

Re-Entry

Re-entry is prohibited for most Tacoma Dome events. Some events, such as high school sports and trade shows do allow re-entry. Please visit the specific event detail page, call at 253.272.3663, or send us an email and be sure to confirm re-entry policy with a ticket taker or Guest Services representative before leaving the building.

RV Parking

Guacamelee 2 prison walkthrough. Overnight RV parking is prohibited at the Tacoma Dome. RVs may park in Tacoma Dome lots for events, as space allows, and will be charged based on the number of parking spaces utilized.

Scoreboard Messages

Unfortunately, special messages cannot be displayed on the Tacoma Dome scoreboards.

Search

Please see our Security Page for more information on entry search procedures.

Security

Please see our Security Page for security-related information.

Signs

Banners or signs may be brought in at the Tacoma Dome at the discretion of the event promoter or sponsor as long as they do not interfere with the event in progress and they do not obstruct the view of other guests in the area or cover any permanent building signage. A good rule of thumb is if the sign can fit under your seat it will usually be permitted. They may not contain political, personal or commercial messages or display inappropriate phrases or words. The Tacoma Dome reserves the right to refuse and/or remove any banners or signs at their discretion.

Smoking Vaping

The Tacoma Dome is a smoke-free facility and smoking or vaping of any kind including but not limited to cigarettes, tobacco, cigars, electronic cigarettes and pipes is prohibited in all seating areas, the concourse, restrooms, concession stands, eating areas, VIP lounges and administrative offices.

The Expanded Clean Air Act prohibits smoking within 25 feet of doors. Due to the necessary clearance areas, there is no smoking area designated and no re-entry for smoking during events at the Tacoma Dome facility.

Cannabis Warning – Washington State Law prohibits the use of cannabis in public and specifically on any alcohol licensed premises. Please consider this fair warning. Guests who use Cannabis on these premises will be asked to leave immediately and will not receive a refund.

Soliciting

Any persons without written consent from the Tacoma Dome or the event promoter are prohibited from soliciting contributions or distributing literature or products on the Tacoma Dome property, including exterior spaces such as parking lots.

Strollers

Fold-up strollers may be stored under your seat during events at the Tacoma Dome. If your stroller does not fit under your seat you may check it in prior to the event. Contact the nearest Guest Services Representative for information on checking in your stroller.

Tailgating

Tailgating is not permitted in the Tacoma Dome parking lots. In accordance with Tacoma City Ordinance, guests may not consume alcohol in the parking lots or in their vehicles, nor may they posses an open container of alcohol. Guests are prohibited from operating any gas, electric or charcoal barbeques.

Taxis Rideshare

Please see our Transportation Page for information on taxis and rideshare programs.

Tickets

Ticketmaster is the official ticketing service of the Tacoma Dome. Tickets purchased from other sources cannot be guaranteed and may not be valid. Please see our Heritage Bank Box Office Page for more information on ticketing.

Ticket On-Sales

No camping is allowed for ticket on-sales. For all Tacoma Dome on-sales, a random number draw will be held to establish the order of the ticket line. Every person involved in the random number draw has an equal chance of being the first person in line for tickets. Wristbands will be given to determine your number for the random draw. Wristbands are handed out until thirty (30) minutes prior to the scheduled on-sale time and are only available on the morning of the on-sale.

Weapons

For the safety of all guests, weapons of any kind, regardless of permit (including but not limited to: firearms, knives, batons, mace, pepper spray, brass knuckles, tasers, etc.), are not allowed in the Tacoma Dome.

The only exception to this is UNIFORMED law enforcement personnel in the performance of their official duties.

The presenter of an event ticket consents to a reasonable search for weapons before entering. Failure to comply with the above conditions will result in not being admitted to the event or ejection. If a patron enters the Tacoma Dome and is ejected for any reason, no refunds or exchanges will be allowed in such an event. For more information, please see the 'Prohibited Items' section of this A-Z Guide and our Security Page for additional information.

Wheelchairs

Please see our Accessibility Page for more information.

Will Call

Please see our Heritage Bank Box Office Page for more information.