Seattle Kingdome: The largest structure demolished by volume (implosion)
Seattle Kingdome shown in 1970s black-and-white period photograph
Michael Zagaris/Getty Images
Back in the 1990s and prior, the Kingdome, officially called the King County Stadium, was home to the Seattle Mariners MLB and Seattle Seahawks NFL teams. Its construction was actually quite tumultuous, subjected to a lawsuit to address cost overruns by the builders, to the tune of over $14 million in damages. However, the building made a quick recovery in the public eye, becoming a staple landmark of the Seattle skyline for roughly a quarter century. It was featured in various forms of media, including video games and TV shows, such as on the Seattle Circuit in various classic “Gran Turismo” titles and an episode of “Modern Marvels” covering the demolition.
Its various issues during its construction pale in comparison to the real problem: a flaw in the stadium’s dome that compromised its structural integrity. The roof actually leaked since well before the stadium was opened, first showing signs of issues some three months prior to its completion. The roof had numerous repairs and updates in an apparently desperate and futile attempt to divert water from crucial weak points, likely made worse given Seattle’s reputation for rainfall. This culminated in ceiling tiles crashing onto the field in 1994 during a Mariners practice session, signaling the beginning of the end.
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