Tacoma Dome Welcomes Class of 2026
Thousands expected to attend 22 graduation ceremonies
The Tacoma Dome will host 22 high school and college graduation ceremonies in 2026. Additionally, the Tacoma Venues & Events (TVE) team will host one ceremony at the Greater Tacoma Convention Center.
This is a very special time of year when TVE opens its doors to tens of thousands of graduates and their loved ones as they turn their tassels and the page on a bright, new chapter in their lives.
“Every graduate who walks across the Tacoma Dome stage contributes to its legacy as a place of achievement, pride, and community connection,” said TVE Director Adam Cook. “Creating the magic of these pivotal moments and shared memories is the very heartbeat of the TVE team, and we couldn’t be more honored to steward our community’s iconic gathering places.”
Graduation season also creates significant economic and community impact. Since the mid-1980s, this time-honored tradition at the Dome has seen around two million graduates and attendees, resulting in millions of dollars in economic impact for the greater Tacoma area. Last year alone, TVE hosted over 8,600 graduates and 72,000 guests, generating nearly $2 million in economic impact. Similar numbers are expected to visit the Dome District and surrounding areas to celebrate the class of 2026.
In anticipation, community members and local businesses are preparing for increased traffic around the Dome and Convention Center as visitors attend ceremonies, stay at hotels, celebrate at local restaurants, and enjoy everything Tacoma has to offer.
Graduates and guests are encouraged to plan ahead and review event-specific details at tacomadome.org, including the Dome’s clear bag policy and recommended driving directions.
Information for events held at the Greater Tacoma Convention Center can be found at tacomaconventionenter.org.
About Tacoma Venues & Events: The City of Tacoma enhances quality of life for the community and drives economic vitality through its premier venues, special events, and diverse entertainment opportunities. TVE oversees these renowned venues, which include the Tacoma Dome, one of the world’s largest wood-domed structures with flexible seating configurations ranging from 5,000-21,000; the Greater Tacoma Convention Center, artful and modern with its trademark glass walls and 119,000 square feet of event space; Cheney Stadium, home of the Tacoma Rainiers; and the historic Pantages and Rialto Theaters and Theater on the Square.