VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY) — “The Dome” is on track to make a return to the Oceanfront next Spring and a show has already been announced for the venue’s inaugural season.
Friday, Live Nation announced 2000’s rock bands Papa Roach and Rise Against will play The Dome on September 17, 2025.
“The Dome” is the $56 million entertainment venue currently under construction as part of the larger Atlantic Park Project.
The 3,500 – 5,000 capacity indoor/outdoor venue that’ll sit off the corner of Arctic Avenue and 20th Street will be owned by the city but operated by Live Nation, the worlds largest concert promoter.
The name “The Dome” pays homage to the former dome-like structure that was the Alan B. Shepard Convention Center. The popular concert hall sat on the site from 1958 until being torn down in 1994.
“The Dome will quickly become a go-to destination for music, comedy, and special events, all while paying homage to the legacy of the original Dome — a celebrated home for jazz, soul and rock ‘n’ roll,” Mayor Bobby Dyer said in a statement.
The new music hall will feature a giant sliding door to be able to have both an open air and enclosed experience. Aside from the main floor, a number of lounges and premium options will be available including a second-story VIP lounge with an outdoor terrace and balcony.
Hiring for staff will begin in early spring 2025 according to the city with more than 200 permanent positions needing filled according to the city. Base pay will start at $20 an hour.
“This is a piece of a puzzle that draws people, but not only people from around the country and around the world, but this is also going to be good for everybody locally and especially the people that live in Virginia Beach,” Dyer said.
Atlantic Park is the largest public-private partnership ever undertaken by Virginia Beach. At more than $350 million, the sprawling complex covers 12 acres between 18th and 20th streets between Pacific and Baltic Avenues at the Oceanfront.
Aside from the entertainment venue, 300 apartments, two parking garages and a 2.68 acre surf lagoon are under construction with city meals, cigarette and admissions taxes covering roughly $153 million of the cost.
Venture Realty Group, W.M. Jordan Construction, Virginia Beach native Pharrell Williams, Bishard Development and Priority Title/H20 Investments all have been backing the effort since 2017.
Since the beginning the group ensured the community their goal is to “build something that will elevate the Oceanfront” in ways not replicated anywhere else.
Tuesday, Virginia Beach City Council will vote on allowing two new to the region restaurants to have outdoor dining the the project: Mi Vida and The Grill.
Both are owned by Washington DC-based KNEAD Hospitality + Design and are currently located in the nation’s capitals more affluent areas.
10 On Your Side reached out to KNEAD but they did not immediately return request for comment.
Additional details about the venue and the first show to play at the Dome is expected to be announced in the coming weeks.
Continue to check WAVY.com for updates.