Yakima SunDome, Multi-purpose arena in Yakima, United States
The Yakima SunDome is a 6,195-seat arena on the Central Washington State Fairgrounds, designed by Loofburrow & Associates and opened in 1990. Its 90-foot dome covers 56,000 square feet, enough for two basketball courts laid end-to-end. The roof uses 24 concrete sections, and the exterior carries the 50,000-tile "Circle of Light" ring.
The structure was built in 1990 following a successful vote in 1985, after an earlier funding attempt failed in the early 1980s. It became a key addition to the city's public facilities.
The Circle of Light display on the exterior features reflective tiles that reference traditional Yakama basket patterns. This installation bridges regional heritage with modern architecture.
The SunDome has 5,200 permanent seats, with capacity expanded to 8,000 for concerts. Its 56,000 square feet of floor space can hold two basketball courts laid end-to-end. The building sits on the Central Washington State Fairgrounds, and its roof was resurfaced in 2020.
The SunDome's 90-foot dome was the second in the world built with a concrete sectional roof of 24 segments, after Seattle's Kingdome. The 1992 exterior artwork "Circle of Light" by Richard C. Elliott uses 50,000 reflective tiles, and its 24 sections carry designs inspired by traditional Yakama baskets.
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