City council approves proposal for 360-degree immersive dome at EPIC Central

Zane King, the city’s director of events and experiences, introduced a proposal to build a 360-degree immersive dome venue at EPIC Central and said the project would bring programming such as 4K projection films, live music and festival activations to the site. He told the council the facility could hold roughly 300 to 500 people depending on seating arrangements and that the site would be developed by partners from Cinephonic, who have international programming experience.

A resident, Harold Willis, asked about taxpayer cost and exact location; staff responded that the city’s investment would be $475,000 and that developer construction costs were estimated at about $1,000,000.5. King said the dome would sit on an expanded concrete pad where the stage currently stands and that the project aims to create additional rentable and meeting space for EPIC Central. Following discussion the council moved and voted to approve item 9 as presented by staff.

The presentation emphasized local economic benefits and community activations: King said there would be “multiple opportunities where there will be free activations, especially during community festivals and community events,” and described the venue as intended to “reinvent EPIC Central.” Council members pressed for timing; King estimated roughly six months from approval to a first event, contingent on approvals and construction schedules.

The council did not attach additional conditions beyond staff recommendations. Next steps include permitting and coordination with public infrastructure staff for site work and utilities.