$30 million renovation for Tacoma Dome now in its final phase

The $30 million renovation of the Tacoma Dome is now in its final phase.

The construction started in June and now nearly four months later, one of the biggest changes will be the seating upgrades.

Gone are the wooden and aluminum chairs and bleachers. They are replaced by modern, retractable seating on the main level and stadium style seats on the upper floors.

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Visitors will also get about 6 inches of extra leg-room and because these seats can roll back and forth, they no longer need to be stored outside between shows.

“There will be no seats parked in our parking lot anymore, said Kim Bedier, director of Tacoma Venues & Events. “Everything stays inside which gives us the additional parking outside.”

The renovation started in June and now nearly four months later, the dome will partially reopen this Thursday for the Tacoma RV show.

Construction will be ongoing through the end of the year, including the addition of more bathrooms on the main arena floor.

The concession areas will also be overhauled for the first time in three decades.

“We are super excited that we are not only revitalizing the building but also whole area around it as well,” said Bedier.

That includes plans for the Topgolf Entertainment Center to open right next door to the dome.

The indoor golfing arena could attract thousands more visitors as will the upgraded Tacoma Dome as Key Arena in Seattle is shut down for renovations.

Cox Media Group