Commuters beware: P!nk, (G)I-DOL shows at Tacoma Dome could bring heavy traffic to I-5

The Tacoma Dome is hosting some big concerts this week, meaning that the surrounding highways might see some extra traffic congestion.

P!nk is comin’ up and getting this party started during back-to-back concerts at the Dome, 2727 E. D St. The pop royalty is performing Tuesday and Wednesday starting at 7:30 p.m. as part of her “Summer Carnival” 2024 tour.

The Washington State Department of Transportation-Tacoma took to X (Twitter) ahead of P!nk’s Sept. 3 show.

“Got tickets for one of @Pink ’s concerts in Tacoma?” WSDOT Tacoma wrote Tuesday morning on X. “Pro Tip: Give yourself some extra travel time to get there. Doors open during the I-5 afternoon commute.”

P!nk canceled two Dome performances in October 2023 because of family medical issues, The News Tribune reported at the time.

After P!nk is done at the Dome, another concert likely will produce some major traffic heading into the weekend.

K-pop superstars (G)I-DLE are coming to Tacoma as part of the five-person girl group’s “ i-DOL” world tour. The South Korean sensations are playing Tacoma for the first of six arena shows on their tour’s U.S. leg.

Tacoma has become a hub for K-pop culture in recent years, The News Tribune previously reported. The Dome often draws between 10,000 and 20,000 attendees during K-pop concerts — selling out or coming pretty close.

When a K-pop group touches down in North America, it usually performs at between 10 and a dozen venues, the newspaper reported in July. Tacoma’s K-pop shows often attract fans from Canada and across the West.

How will the Tacoma Dome shows impact traffic?

Big-time Tacoma Dome events often lead to congestion on highways. April Leigh, WSDOT spokesperson, said that such traffic effects can be felt along Interstate 5, State Route 16 (approaching downtown), I-705, and state Routes 509 and 7.

The state transportation department works alongside the Dome and city of Tacoma on traffic control, Leigh said, “including the closure of the I-5 exits to East 26th Street.

“In the event the exits close,” Leigh continued via email, “event goers will detour along I-705 and SR 509 where they follow event signs to access the venue from local roads.”

Folks who drive near the Dome this week for their evening or afternoon commute should expect to see heavier-than-typical traffic close to the venue, Leigh said. It’s a good idea to build in additional time to get where you’re going. Carpooling is recommended, as is taking public transit.

Sound Transit announced Tuesday that the T Line will offer extra service on Sept. 3 and 4 to accommodate P!nk fans. Extended service will include a final 11:48 p.m. departure from the Dome toward St. Joseph Station.

Those who want to stay up-to-date on the latest travel information can download WSDOT’s mobile app and check out the department’s travel map at wsdot.com/travel/real-time/map .