The Tacoma Dome is iconic—an unmistakable landmark of the gritty city and visible from all over downtown. Driving from north or south on I-5, you will spot the Tacoma Dome if you are heading into this part of town. The Dome is more than a simple landmark, though. It plays host to many events and is attached to Tacoma Dome Station—the main transportation hub in town.
Location
Tacoma Dome
2727 East D Street
Tacoma, WA 98421
Phone 253.272.3663
Tacoma Dome Events
Events at the Dome range from local high school graduations to world-class performances, as this is one of the largest venues in the South Sound region. Performers from Britney Spears to Kenny Chesney to Motley Crue have played here. Sporting events are also common here as the stadium can be configured into a number of seating arrangements. WWE, Motocross, Monster Truck, and WIAA football championship games are common here at different times through the year. Some festivals take place here as well, including the annual Holiday Food and Gift Festival and Tacoma Home Show.
While not directly part of the Dome, Tacoma Dome Station is located next to the facility and is the main transportation hub in Pierce County. Pierce Transit has several transit centers throughout the area, including one located here, but what makes this one more important is that it also links travelers to a Greyhound station, Amtrak, the Sounder commuter train, Link light rail, and several Express buses to Seattle, Olympia, and Seatac airport.
History
The Tacoma Dome is primarily built of wood, making it unique in that it is one of the largest wooden-domed structures in the world. The dome itself is 530 feet across and 152 feet high.
Many notable acts have passed through this venue since it was opened to the public in April 1983. David Bowie put on the first concert here a few months after it opened. While the Tacoma Dome is not a permanent home to any sports teams as of 2011, it has been home to six teams since it opened. These include: Tacoma Stars (soccer), Tacoma Express (football), Tacoma Rockets (hockey), Seattle Sounders (soccer), Seattle Sonics (basketball), and the Tacoma Sabercats (hockey).
Seating
Another unique aspect of this venue is that 65 percent of its seating can be moved, which is why it can host such a variety of events from small-scale up to concerts. There are a number of seating arrangements for the different types of events here.
Parking and Directions
Tacoma Dome is easy to spot from the freeway and therefore not hard to get to once you exit I-5.
From southbound I-5, take Exit 135 to Portland Avenue. Cross Portland onto E 27th, which becomes Wiley Avenue. Directions will be posted to guide you to the parking lots.
From northbound I-5, take Exit 134 to Portland Avenue. Turn left onto Portland and left after that onto E 27th. E 27th turns into Wiley Avenue. Directions will be posted to guide you to the parking lots.
There are several parking options at the Tacoma Dome. There are several lots attached to the Dome that cost between $10 and $25. Lots E and K are specially reserved for those with disabilities. Lot I is for recreational vehicles. You can also find parking on the street or in nearby city lots. Since Tacoma Dome Station links this facility to many nearby areas, you can also park farther away and ride the bus in to save a few dollars. Lots are also located around downtown Tacoma and riding the Link light rail from anywhere in downtown is free.