The large concert hall (Marian Anderson Hall) replacing the old Academy of Music. Parking is below, entrance on S. Broad St on the southbound side.
The hall is HUGE, much larger than the old Academy. Orchestra floor level and 3 tiers. The top tier is very far away indeed. There is conductor's circle seating sometimes, behind the concert stage. But there is no speaker for announcements there, and the announcement plus the concert performer's talk at the end with a mic was completely muffled, echoed and inaudible. Suggestion to the management, put a speaker for the conductor's circle seating, please. It could be important for an emergency, let alone improving the concert experience. The seats on conductor's level have minimum under-thigh support or padding on the seat (like a stadium seat, more or less) so if you need a more comfortable seat, try a tier or the orchestra floor level.
The lighting on stage flickered annoyingly --the spots were dimming and brightening. Can't imagine how delighted the pianist was with this.
The upper level had no programs given out by the ushers. This was such a common occurrence that one of the concert-goers brought to her seat a few extra programs from the ground level and passed them around. She knew she wouldn't be getting them on her seat level. The ushers should have brought some bundles up with them but apparently they frequently do not. Since this was a rather complex concert (with six or so piano works strung together and played as a unit) the program was pretty important. We shared our program around.
Plenty of elevators, to access the levels and parking--though some people were not aware that there was parking below the concert venue. Some of the elevators don't go down all the levels to parking, so pay attention.
The side streets during rush hour are very crowded so plan your route to the parking carefully if you are not taking public transportation. read more