This is how The Tacoma Sports Arena appeared in January 2001. It doesn't look much different from over 50 years ago.
Tacoma Sports Arena
38th and South Tacoma Way
Tacoma, Washington
Built in 1946

Some of the bands that played at The Tacoma Sports Arena:
 

Atlantic Steamer
James Brown and The Fabulous Flames
Daily Flash
The Deacons
The Dimensions
Electric Train
The Galaxies
Ice
Iron Butterfly
Knickerbockers
Sonics
Spring
Three Dog Night
The Viceroys
Wailers
Jimmy Winkler
Yardbirds
The Young Gentry
 

Tacoma Sports Arena - 1963

Fortunately, this building still stands, but for how long?  Once one of the havens for live music and dances in Tacoma, it is now still being used for multiple functions.  Many of the old 50's and 60's dance halls from Puget Sound no longer exist.

We are in the process of compiling a list of the bands that performed at The Tacoma Sports Arena throughout its grand history.  If you know of  or had a band that played here, have a flyer or advertisement for gigs there, or remember seeing a particular band perform at this establishment, please let us know and we will add their name to the list of bands that performed here.
Send any information to our Webmaster.

If you have corrections, a neat photo or more information, please send it to:


Last Update:  1 December 2013
Credits: Tacoma News Tribune, Sammy Carlson, Cindy Wilson, Jim McGregor, Larry Bennett, Thom & Paz Morris