There will be more than one way to watch the Kingdome rumble into rubble

Wednesday, March 22, 2000

By ROBERT L. JAMIESON JR.
SEATTLE POST-INTELLIGENCER REPORTER

	Perfect demolition leaves Dome a fallen souffle More stories ... Photo galleries VR tour from the field Live shot of where the Dome used to be

When it comes to seeing the Kingdome turn to rubble, the view junkies are jockeying for position
(see graphic).

"It doesn't get much better than this," said a smiling Joan Taie, who yesterday marveled at the site of the Dome from the 32nd floor of the Smith Tower.

Indeed. She walked into a room with large windows looking onto a sweeping, unobstructed view of the concrete stadium that will be imploded at 8:30 Sunday morning.

Taie has invited more than 40 people over for a $125-a-ticket implosion party that includes breakfast, a Kingdome cake, violin music and champagne. The bubbly will begins flowing at 7:30 a.m., an hour before the blast.

	The view from the 32nd floor of the Smith Tower Dan DeLong/P-I

Proceeds from the ticket sales for Taie's party will go to the American Red Cross and the Boomtown Cafe -- yes, the Boomtown Cafe -- a downtown restaurant that offers food at affordable prices and also helps low-income people.

"It will be fun," said Taie.

Some people, however, may think that paying for a Kingdome view is too much; after all, many Seattle residents already get whacked in the wallet when they pay for apartments and houses with good views.

So Victor Steinbrueck Park, near Seattle's Pike Place Market, offers a free look with a bonus -- Mount Rainier rising from behind the Dome.

"This is a totally nice location," said Alex Johanson, who took a break from work yesterday to catch the sunset at the park, as a group of men kicked a soccer ball nearby. "I might come down, though the news is telling me to watch it on TV."

Its ribs sticking out above the Seattle skyline, the Kingdome isn't long for this world. Get yourself a good vantage point for Sunday's explosive spectacle. Dan DeLong/P-I

Television certainly is an option. Some TV crews are planning close-up shots of the Dome and, even, too-close-up shots: They have placed cameras inside the Dome to beam views of the implosion from the inside out.

Good exterior views can be had throughout the city, from points in West Seattle, Beacon Hill, the Space Needle and -- if you have a boat -- Elliott Bay.

Blast crews and health experts say people should avoid the immediate downtown area, in part because the implosion will generate large amounts of dust.

"People with asthma or pre-existing breathing problems should stay away," said Jim Nolan, a compliance officer with the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency.

"Even people who are healthy should stay back because it will cause you to gag," he said.

Seattle police and fire officials will create a restriction area on the morning of the blast to keep people who do not need to be near the Dome out of harm's way.

	From Victor Steinbrueck Park, the view includes a glimpse of Mount Rainier. Dan DeLong/P-I

But viewing from several city points should be good; weather for implosion day is shaping up to be picture perfect.

Maggie Querciagrossa, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service, said patchy early morning fog should quickly burn off, giving way to clear skies and light winds out of the south.

"It's looking like it will be a nice Sunday."

That is bad news for people such as Kim Nevins, a physician who was visiting from Boston yesterday; she is returning home before the implosion.

"I'm bummed," said Nevins who was waiting for a ride near Jose P. Rizal Bridge, which offers a good Dome view.

Looking over a couple freeway ramps from Jose P. Rizal Bridge. Dan DeLong/P-I

"The view from here is fabulous," Nevins said after a job interview at the Pacific Medical Center.

Nevins, who grew up in Miami, was in the Kingdome for the January NFL playoff game between the Seattle Seahawks and the Miami Dolphins.

She remembers the Dome being loud.

She remembers the Dome being young, only 23 years.

"But it is so ugly," she said. "Especially next to the new baseball stadium. Now you will be getting an upgrade."

P-I reporter Robert L. Jamieson Jr. can be reached at 206-448-8125 or robertjamieson@seattle-pi.com