Bingo, Body Slams and a Century of Stories at the Tacoma Armory

The Tacoma Armory is about to host two nights that would sound improbable together anywhere else: a blacklight bingo party and a professional wrestling show. At this particular building, the mix feels fitting. For generations, the Armory has been a place where Tacoma gathered to watch, compete and make some noise.

Completed in 1908 for the Washington National Guard, the Armory held military training and equipment. It also became a civic gathering place, hosting sports, concerts and exhibitions. Tacoma Arts Live now presents events in the building at 1001 Yakima Ave.

Wrestling has a particularly deep history there. From the 1950s into the 1960s, the Armory hosted names including Gene Kiniski, Frank Stojack and the Fabulous Moolah. According to Tacoma Arts Live, its last documented wrestling event of that era was on October 10, 1966, when Luther Lindsay defeated Bronko Nagurski in a two-out-of-three-falls main event.

That long pause ended in November 2025, when Grit City Championship Wrestling brought the sport back to the Armory. Local wrestler and Hilltop business owner Diafullah “Dave” Dobashi has helped lead the revival, connecting a Tacoma wrestling venture with a venue that once hosted the sport regularly.

First on the upcoming calendar is Cosmic Bingo on Saturday, September 26. Presented by Spaceworks, it replaces traditional numbered cards with song titles and artists. A DJ supplies the music across nine rounds, with themes ranging from Yacht Rock and Pacific Northwest grunge to an ’80s throwback.

Getting bingo is only part of the game. Round winners may face off in stage challenges such as air guitar or lip-sync battles. Blacklights and space-themed attire are part of the atmosphere. The 21-and-over event runs from 7 to 10 p.m., with doors at 6 p.m. Tickets are listed at $30–$50.

One week later, the Parade Floor hosts Grit City Championship Wrestling’s Trick or Beat on Saturday, October 3, at 7:30 p.m. The Halloween-themed show adds a costume contest to the wrestling, along with live music from Dirty Tribe. The wrestler lineup has yet to be announced.

Advance general admission for wrestling is listed at $31.95 including fees; VIP tickets, which include seating in the first two rows and GCCW merchandise, are $63.72 including fees. The event page also lists higher day-of-show prices.

The two events offer different reasons to step inside the Armory. Cosmic Bingo shows how readily its old floor can become something new. Wrestling brings back a sound the building knew decades ago. Together, they make a good excuse to see a piece of Tacoma history in use, with an audience around you.