With a trifecta of legendary hard rock bands playing the Tacoma Dome early this year, 2016 is primed to put Tacoma + Pierce County on the map as a destination for ear-splitting, head-banging revelry.
AC/DC kicks off its Are You Ready for a Good Time? tour at the Tacoma Dome on Feb. 2, playing their only West Coast show of the tour. The good times continue to roll less than a week later with Black Sabbath playing the same venue on (appropriately) Sunday, Feb. 6. Then, in early spring, Iron Maiden takes the stage at the Dome on April 11.
What makes the big names in hard rock and heavy metal want to play in Tacoma? We can’t be certain, but it could have something to do with the unassuming, straightforward nature of the city and its residents. After all, while definitely not strangers to the fine arts scene, the art that defines Tacoma + Pierce County are the industrial arts, such as glassblowing and letterpress. In addition, the proximity to Seattle without actually being there means that not only can concert-goes afford tickets to the show, they can even have a drink or two beforehand.
So instead of coming to Tacoma for the show and then heading back home to curl up with a good book before bed, we’ve put together some ideas on how to make the concert into an affordable, unforgettable night out. Check out our Party Like a Rock Star itinerary for some solid ideas on where to pre-funk, where to stay overnight and how to handle the morning after.