The Tacoma Dome is a large multi-purpose arena located in Tacoma, Washington. With a seating capacity of over 22,000 for concerts, the Tacoma Dome has hosted some of the biggest names in music and entertainment. But who actually owns and operates this iconic venue?
Quick Facts about the Tacoma Dome
Here are some quick facts about the Tacoma Dome:
- Opened in 1983
- Located in Tacoma, Washington
- Seating capacity of 23,000 for concerts (over 29,000 for center-stage concerts)
- Home arena for the Tacoma Defiance soccer team
- Hosts over 100 events per year including concerts, sporting events, family shows, and conventions
- Managed by Venue Management Group ASM Global
History of the Tacoma Dome
The Tacoma Dome was built by the City of Tacoma and opened in 1983. Here is a brief history of how the arena came to be:
- 1970s – The idea for an indoor arena in Tacoma originated in the 1970s when the city wanted to revitalize the downtown area.
- 1979 – The City Council approved funding to construct a large multipurpose domed stadium.
- 1980 – Construction began on the arena.
- 1983 – The Tacoma Dome opened on April 21, 1983. The first event held was a concert by The Beach Boys.
- 1990s – Minor renovations were done including a new center-hung scoreboard.
- 2011 – Major renovations began on the Tacoma Dome including exterior panel replacement and roof repairs.
- 2013 – Renovations were completed, keeping the Tacoma Dome modern and up-to-date.
Ownership and Financing
The Tacoma Dome is owned by the City of Tacoma. The construction of the arena was financed through city bonds and loans. Here are some key details about the Tacoma Dome’s ownership and financing:
- The City of Tacoma issued $75 million in bonds to fund construction costs.
- The City of Tacoma owns the land and Tacoma Dome facility.
- Ongoing operational costs are funded through revenues from events and parking.
- The 2011-2013 major renovations cost $86 million, financed through bonds issued by the Tacoma Public Utilities Board.
- The debt service on the bonds is paid back through revenues generated at the Tacoma Dome.
- The City of Tacoma is responsible for long-term capital investments and improvements.
So in summary, while private management companies may operate the venue, the Tacoma Dome itself is owned by the City of Tacoma.
Management of the Tacoma Dome
The City of Tacoma has contracted with private management companies to operate and maintain the Tacoma Dome since its opening in 1983. Here is an overview of the management history:
- 1983-1994 – Spectacor Management Group
- 1994-2009 – SMG
- 2009-2018 – Venue Management (VMG)
- 2018-Present – ASM Global
ASM Global is the current manager of the Tacoma Dome. They oversee the operations, event bookings, concessions, ticketing, maintenance, marketing, and other management services. The City of Tacoma oversees ASM Global and makes major capital investments into the venue as needed.
Notable Events at the Tacoma Dome
The Tacoma Dome has hosted many major events since it opened its doors in 1983. Here are some of the most notable concerts, shows, and sporting events held at the Tacoma Dome over the years:
Concerts
- Madonna – 5 sold out shows in 1990 during the Blond Ambition World Tour
- U2 – 1993 Zooropa Tour
- The Rolling Stones – Voodoo Lounge Tour in 1995, Bridges to Babylon Tour in 1998
- Paul McCartney – 1993 New World Tour, 2002 Driving USA Tour
- Taylor Swift – Fearless Tour in 2010, 1989 World Tour in 2015
- Justin Bieber – Believe Tour in 2013, Purpose World Tour in 2016
Other Musical Performers
- Guns N’ Roses
- Aerosmith
- Bruce Springsteen
- Kiss
- Janet Jackson
- Cher
- Garth Brooks
Family Shows
- Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus held annual shows for decades
- Disney on Ice
- Sesame Street Live
- Harlem Globetrotters
Sporting Events
- NCAA Women’s Final Four in 1990
- NBA exhibition games – Seattle Supersonics vs. Portland Trailblazers
- CIF High School Basketball Championships from 2006-2011
- UFC Fighting Championships in 2006, 2009, and 2014
- Home of the Tacoma Defiance soccer team
This list just highlights some of the biggest acts and events that have taken place at the Tacoma Dome over its 40 year history. The venue continues to attract major concerts, family shows, and sporting events year after year. The flexibility of the domed design allows it to accommodate this diverse range of events.
Economic and Community Impact
The Tacoma Dome generates significant economic impact for the city and region. According to a 2014 study, the quantified impacts were:
- $49 million in total economic output
- $27 million in personal earnings
- $9 million in tax revenues ($3.5 million state/local, $5.5 million federal)
- Equivalent of over 500 full-time jobs
Beyond the direct economic impact, the Tacoma Dome provides other benefits:
- Prestige of having a large arena capable of hosting big name concerts and events
- Venue for major community events such as college/high school graduations
- Home for local sports teams like the Tacoma Defiance
- Convention space for large regional events and meetings
Future Expansion and Upgrades
The City of Tacoma and management team continuously invest in improvements to keep the Tacoma Dome a state-of-the-art facility. Some potential future upgrades and expansions include:
- Expansion of the concourses and concessions areas
- More premium seating and luxury boxes
- Upgrades to lighting, sound, and wifi systems
- Improved load-in for larger productions
- Renovations to exterior facade
Major upgrades were done 2011-2013. As the Tacoma Dome approaches its 40th anniversary in 2023, the city will need to continue investing in this flagship venue.
Conclusion
The Tacoma Dome has been an iconic entertainment venue and community asset since opening in 1983. While the land and facility are owned by the City of Tacoma, private management companies like ASM Global are contracted to operate the arena and book events. Notable acts like Michael Jackson, Madonna, and the Rolling Stones have all performed at the Tacoma Dome over the years. It generates significant economic impact through job creation and tax revenues. As the Tacoma Dome moves into its 5th decade, future upgrades and renovations will be needed to maintain its prestige as the largest event venue in the South Puget Sound region.