We went to the Greensboro Coliseum/Complex last weekend for the Sleep Token concert and had a very interesting experience. I was choosing between three and four stars, and unfortunately had to go with three. I'll explain why.
Parking wasn't bad as we arrived 1.5 hours before the doors open (or were supposed to), and we had pit seats. Due to this, although we had tickets, everyone with floor tickets had to wait in line for wristbands, understandably. We were sitting in the hot sun in the middle of a parking lot for about an hour, and then we find out that doors were now going to be opened at 7:30. Nobody notified our group of this (at least not our section), we were made aware by social media and others by us that had friends waiting in a different section. After waiting 2.5 hours, we eventually were able to get in our line, to another line, which we then waited another 30+ minutes. We waiting outside in line a total of three hours, which was unacceptable. I do understand things happen; I believe something happened with the opening band, but I am not positive. That being said there is no reason why they could not have let us in their air conditioning, and to let use the bathrooms and get drinks and food. Even when they told us they were going to let us in for that despite not being able to go to our seats yet, we still waited another 45 minutes after they told us so.
There are many food and drink options on the second level. The only options on the first level where the standing option was bathrooms/beer.
All staff (except one lady) was incredibly friendly and helpful. I needed a minute to take a break and just chill (literally, a MINUTE), and I even said "hi" to her. With an attitude she said "hi" back like I was disturbing her peace and then almost instantly asked rudely why I was there. I told her I got warm and just needed a minute, but I'll return to my area right away and with an attitude she responded "yeah, my boss is right there so you're gonna have to do that." Interesting enough, I did that two or three times prior (not in anyone's way), and the other attendant not only asked if I was okay but offered me earplugs and everything. It's not that difficult to be kind. Apparently, for some it is. While I was in the pit, another tenant approached me when I was going next to the area behind the crowd and questioned me awkwardly like I had brought my own alcohol in. I had to explain to him with VERY loud music in the background that no sir, this is what I purchased from upstairs, and I even proved to him with the brand of wine. This was odd but then he apologized and said it must be something new that they're serving. Sir, I am 38 years old, I'm not bringing my own wine into an events venue.
Sleep Token put on an AMAZING & very special show and it sounded stellar. The sound, base, all of it. I like that there was enough room in the pit to stand behind the crowd if you felt too crowded, and even a space to sit on some type of equipment for the seats barrier.
Would I go back to this venue? Yes, I would. It's a cozy venue, clean, and not too big. I feel they allowed the perfect amount of people in the pit without it being TOO crowded. However, they should have a plan and become a bit more organized when hiccups occur. Standing outside in the hot sun for 3+ after paying that amount for tickets? Not okay. They could have done things differently (as a venue) to make paying customers more comfortable. read more