Introduction
The Tacoma Dome is a large indoor arena located in Tacoma, Washington. With a seating capacity of 23,000 for concerts, it is a popular venue for major touring acts. Determining the exact number of seats for a specific concert can be complicated, as the seating configuration is flexible and can be adjusted based on the stage setup and production requirements. In this article, we’ll examine the factors that determine the Tacoma Dome’s concert seating capacity.
How many total seats are there in the Tacoma Dome?
The Tacoma Dome has a maximum concert seating capacity of 23,000 seats. This includes both reserved seating on the arena floor and in permanent stands, as well as general admission seating that can be set up on the arena floor.
How is the seating configured for concerts?
The seating configuration for concerts can vary greatly depending on the act, their stage setup and production. The permanent seats are in two levels of stands along the sides of the arena, with the ability to put seats on up to half of the arena floor as well.
For many larger concerts, a stage is placed at one end of the arena floor, with reserved seating set up on the floor in front of the stage and general admission standing room behind that. This allows for the closest seats to be sold at higher prices, with cheaper general admission tickets behind them.
What factors affect the number of seats available?
There are several factors that determine how many seats can be set up for a specific concert:
- Stage size and location – A larger stage placed centrally will take up more floor space, limiting floor seating.
- Production requirements – Allowing space for speakers, lights, cameras and other equipment can also reduce floor capacity.
- Backstage and support areas – Dressing rooms, concessions and entry/exit points may occupy arena floor space.
- Reserved vs general admission – More reserved seating equals less capacity for general admission.
- Ticket demand – Lower demand concerts may not require full capacity.
Venue and tour promoters work together to optimize the seating configuration and ticket sales for each show.
Case Study: Metallica Concert Seating Capacity
To demonstrate how seating capacity can vary, let’s look at a specific example – a 2022 Metallica concert held at the Tacoma Dome:
Stage and Floor Setup
For this show, Metallica had a large central stage spanning almost the entire width of the arena floor. Surrounding the stage was general admission floor access for fans to stand and watch the show. A walkway encircled the stage for crew access.
Due to the size and central location of the stage, no reserved floor seating could be set up on the floor itself. All reserved seating was in the permanent stands.
Seating Breakdown
Here is how the 23,000 seats were allocated for the Metallica concert:
Section | Seating Type | Number of Seats |
---|---|---|
Lower Level Stands | Reserved Seating | 8,000 |
Upper Level Stands | Reserved Seating | 7,000 |
Floor General Admission | Standing Room | 8,000 |
Total Capacity
* Lower Level Reserved Seating: 8,000
* Upper Level Reserved Seating: 7,000
* Floor General Admission: 8,000
**Total Concert Capacity:** 23,000
So for this show, the stage setup limited floor seating, resulting in a higher number of general admission tickets. The full 23,000 seats were still available by utilizing all the venue’s permanent stands.
Standard Concert Seating Configuration
In contrast to the Metallica example, many concerts have a more typical seating configuration:
- Stage at one end of the arena floor
- Reserved floor seating in front of stage
- General admission floor behind reserved
- Reserved seating in two levels of permanent stands
This allows for a layout like the following:
Section | Seating Type | Number of Seats |
---|---|---|
Floor Reserved | Reserved Seating | 5,000 |
Lower Level Stands | Reserved Seating | 8,000 |
Upper Level Stands | Reserved Seating | 7,000 |
Floor General Admission | Standing Room | 3,000 |
* Floor Reserved Seating: 5,000
* Lower Level Reserved: 8,000
* Upper Level Reserved: 7,000
* Floor General Admission: 3,000
**Total Concert Capacity:** 23,000
This setup maximizes reserved seating while still allowing for significant general admission capacity behind the reserved section.
Other Factors Impacting Seating Capacity
In addition to the stage layout and ticket demand, there are a few other factors that can impact the seating capacity for a specific event:
Production Requirements
Larger concerts may have extensive lighting rigs, video walls, and other production elements that require space:
- Lighting trusses may obstruct views from certain sections
- Mixing/sound boards take up floor space
- Large video walls can limit floor seating behind them
Seating under overhangs from lighting and other equipment may be excluded to improve sight lines.
Camera Positions
If the performance is being recorded or broadcast, camera platforms will be set up around the venue. These positions take several seats out of commission.
Restricted Views
In upper decks or areas with potential obstructions, the operator may classify seats as “restricted view” and price them accordingly. These are still usable seats but reduce the number of “full view” seats available.
Configuration for Other Event Types
While concerts make use of the full 23,000 capacity, other events may require different configurations:
Sports
For basketball or other arena sports, the floor becomes the playing area surrounded by seating:
- Up to 18,000 seats in permanent stands
- Remaining seats depend on floor configuration for court
Theater Shows
For theater-style shows or comedy acts, seating is typically set up only on the arena floor:
- Between 5,000-7,000 seats on arena floor
- Permanent stands may be closed off
This provides an intimate audience setting.
In-the-Round
Some concerts are set up with stage(s) in the center and audience all around:
- No floor seating directly around stage
- All seats in permanent stands
- Allows use of full 360 degree space
Again, the full range of 23,000 seats can be utilized this way.
Summary
To summarize key points on seating capacity:
- The Tacoma Dome has 23,000 fixed seats total.
- Concert seating configuration varies based on stage layout, ticket demand, production factors.
- Typical end-stage concerts utilize around 5,000 floor seats, 15,000 permanent seats.
- Central-stage or theater shows limit floor use, push capacity to stands.
- Sports, in-the-round, and other event types also have unique layouts.
- Understanding these factors helps estimate capacity for any given Tacoma Dome event.
While the Tacoma Dome has flexibility to meet various needs, most major concerts utilize the full 23,000 seat potential to provide an electric live experience. Careful planning by event coordinators allows top artists to perform there, thrilling audiences every year with the arena’s unmatched energy.