I've seen a couple dozen shows here over the years and it's changed drastically. It used to be a well run, relaxed venue. We went to see the Turnpike Troubadours in mid December and it was a circus. A line literally around the block to get in because the metal detector wanded every single person before entry. Did I mention the pat down everyone got as well? It was painfully slow. Then they ran out of beer. How do you run out of beer (and all other alcohol)? We're talking cans of beer - you can stock as much as you want and what you don't sell you save for next time. Honestly, I've seen better run backyard BBQs than this fiasco. Congratulations Mesa Amphitheater on ruining a good thing. read more

I like this venue. Their add on fees to tickets are lower than other music venues in the Metro area. I should mention one place for improvement would be they need to look at ways to improve the flow at the entrance. The lines to get in are always longer than they should be at a modern music venue. I am also not a fan of the 10pm endings to concerts. This venue has been here for decades, I can't believe anyone moved here BEFORE the venue opened. 11pm is what the larger amphitheater on the West side has as end of concert ending time. read more

Hard to rank, as Mesa Amphitheatre is far and away the best outdoor concert venue in the Valley. Perfectly sized (not 10,000+), great sight lines from everywhere (not a bad spot in the place), and solid acoustics. The frustrating part is how much better it could be: 1) Ingress. It's absolutely ridiculous that they use ONE entrance into the venue. The line snaked for a 1/2 mile and took 40 minutes to get in. Do they have a second entrance option (where they may have to spend a few bucks to make it fully functional? YES, they do...) 2) Concessions are a nightmare - especially on the east side of the venue (the West side is actually super spacious with a pretty substantial build out with much shorter lines, but there's no easy way to get over there if you're on the east side of the venue). And if you're just looking to get a water or a Coke...jump in line with the other hundreds ordering mixed cocktails (that obviously take a lot longer to make). A pretty crappy set-up. 3) Tickets: Welcome to 1998. You receive an email a day or so before the event with your tickets - in a PDF. So you print them off or fumble around with your phone, searching thru email to get the bar code, blah, blah. I understand this helps reduce the scalping/secondary market crap that screws up the whole concert industry, but come on...it's 2025. 3) In general, the place is severely dated. With a smart partnership strategy or a modest investment in facility upgrades, the place would be off the charts - I'm just not sure the City of Mesa understands how to properly invest/partner to maximize REVENUE for Mesa's taxpayers. Three stars can go to five pretty quickly with better management. read more

Arrived after a 6 hour drive for 1st time at this venue to see the sold out Turnpike Troubadours. Got there early, parked on street to avoid parking lot chaos, and got in line. Mesa employees walking the line doing wristbands for Drinkers. Got in after being held up by the people in front of us with electronic tickets that the gate person could not get to register, while the other lines flowed in. Made our way to the front VIP/Pit area we had tickets for, only to be turned away, being told we had to "have a wristband from the ticket office". Fought our way back up through the crowds coming down, waited in ticket office window line to be pointed towards a pop up tent in another area. Went there to get wristband after standing in another line. Got back to pit area, to find almost everyone on the front rail to have their legs and arms spread, taking up multiple spots, claiming "saving for a friend" or "we got here early for a good spot". These are first come first served, so too bad if your friends did not get there on time, and a good spot does not entitle you to multiple spots. We found a space where I could stand in front and my Husband behind me and the Jerks from Utah (who felt entitled because they came from Utah as they told us, got mouthy about us "taking their space" (we did not, and there were 4 of them and the woman was spread out with arms/legs). We did not travel from another State overnight to deal with entitled, rude people and a venue that does not inform their ticket holders they need a wristband, when that should have been included in their "before you go" email or even in the line. Did not even attempt drinks/food after reading prior reviews. Show was great, but not worth the hassle/money. Mesa needs to do better and should have this figured out by now. Will not be back. read more

my first concert ever was here when i was 16 so it will always hold a special place in my heart. not a bad place to stand in this venue.

As a short person I appreciate Mesa Amp. Usually when I go to concerts I end up not being able to see the band unless I'm right up front in the first two rows or so. Not the case here! And that makes me beyond happy!! While the parking lot was full by the time we arrived, there was ample free parking around the area within was just a short walk to the venue. We came around the time the second openers took the stage and the security line was nearly empty. Before I go to a concert I always make sure to streamline my purse to a smaller one with just necessities (this makes getting through security faster) so I had no problems passing the 12x12 purse size cut-off. If you bring a larger bag, you will be asked to go back and put your bag in the car before you are allowed into the venue (what happened to my friend). Personally, I wish the venue was non-smoking but it is outdoors. Also, because it is outside, you need to plan for the weather and the grass. Just be sure to dress accordingly or take your allergy medication if that's a concern. And yeah, concession prices are high but no more than at any other venue. In the end, the sound that evening was fantastic and we had a lot of fun! read more

We had a good time at this amphitheater seeing Skillet. We really liked how affordable the tickets were and that you could get really close to the stage. It is on the smaller side for an amphitheater but that is okay. I noticed that a lot of people complained about the lines getting in. We had no problem with that. When we arrived the lines were pretty short and moved quickly. The staff there were nice. The only reason I didn't give it 5 stars was because their selection of food and drinks are limited. But reasonable priced. The bathrooms were kind of dirty, a few clogged toilets in the women's rooms. Also, it would be nice if they had an awning extended from the stage with fans. But other than that we had a good time there. read more

Worst experience getting inside, the line took 30 minutes and were given no heads up.

I really like the layout of this outdoor theater and the sound system is really nice. We had a good time watching the 1975 concert. Majority of the viewing area is in the shade area by 5 and the grass is very lush. Few things I wish I knew before heading out the door: 1) they don't allow blankets to be brought in even though you will be sitting on the grass the whole time. 2) horrible parking; we were there 30 min prior to start of the concert and all the parking lots and street parking were full. People were resorting to parking on the neighborhoods surrounding the theater. 3) smoking is allowed here; not good for those with asthma. 4) purses- they don't let anyone in with large purses or bags. It has to measure smaller than 12"x12". Many were resorting to going back to their cars. 5) please don't wear mini-skirts when you know you'll be sitting on the grass! Wish they had stated all of the above somewhere in the fine print. Hopefully my review will help. read more

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This place charges a 25% service fee per ticket. Charge a price that's fair for the band and the venue but don't sneak in frivolous charges when the customer is checking out. Even Ticketmaster isn't this greedy. read more

We recently visited the Msaa Amphitheater for the Riger Clyne and Wade Bowen show this past weekend. Amazingly, after 15+ years of living in the East Valley, I'd never actually been to this venue, but I (mostly) loved it! The acoustics are great, the drink lines weren't too long, and the bathrooms were clean and orderly. The only negative experience I had was that the security guard tried to make me throw away my tiny bottle of Purell hand sanitizer because we are "no longer in a pandemic" and she couldn't allow it. I put up a small fight and the other security guard let me in with it. I'm not sure if the security staff are hired by Meaa Amphitheater or not, but if they are, they really need to better train the people they have searching bags. read more

Mesa Amphitheatre - Stage from the lawn - Music Venues Near Me - Mesa, Arizona

Recently purchased tickets to a concert at Mesa Amp. 25% Per Ticket Service Fee? Seriously? All of these fees on top of the already inflated ticket prices? Charging customers a Service Fee to go on their own cell phone or computer using their own internet service to purchase a ticket so you don't have to pay an employee's wage is absurd. This is the equivalent of a store charging you to use self checkout. All of these ticket companies and venues suck with their fees and surcharges. read more

Small OLD, venue. But that's what I love about this place. Great memories from the 80's. Ahhh. Room to sit and listen and room to get up and dance. How can you not love that?! The radio station that hosted this event had the bass cranked so loud you could tell the equipment couldn't handle it well and it sounded HORRIBLE. H O R R I B L E. Wavering, uneven, loud bass sound ruined the (radio?) music making the lyrics distorted. Sadly a long anticipated performance kinda went down the tubes too. It was bad enough that it was unusually cold, but when the bands that were performing, the ones I had waited years to see, it was like the sound system just crashed. You could see on the face of the vocalist their surprise too. Just unbelievable. Was it Mesa Amphitheatres fault or the bands light and sound mans? I don't know but I suspected it was just part of what was going on with the music when we arrived. So sad. I heard the concert held the day prior which was part of this event did not experience the same issues. read more

This location has a food bank giveaway each Friday from 7a-11a it until food last. It's awesome it's in Mesa very well organized by United Food Bank. They give lots of food. You must wear a mask and be willing to let them know where you are coming from. Hats off to all the volunteers and national guards who assist each week. Mesa police is there to help in the parking lot. This has been a true blessing to so many families including mine. Thanks be unto God. I will continue to support them and help others in the community as well. read more

A show at Mesa Amp is usually always fun. I've never had a bad experience that ruined it for me. There have been times their machines go down and they're only accepting cash and there have been times when they've run out of beer at one end, making the lines ridiculous at the other end. The prices are pretty standard to any venue you'd find yourself paying elsewhere. It's miserable in the summer months, but it's outside and anywhere outside in the summer months is Arizona is going to be expected. They've had responsive staff any time I've seen them needed and well, I can't say there room to really complain. The prices of shows are obviously dependent upon the artist since I've seen shows here that have been higher priced just as often as those that are only $15-20. Parking is available so long as you get there early enough and well, as far as venues go, this isn't one of the ones that I'm staying far away from. Rebelution, tonight, sad I'm not going. read more

The way they are taking care of the "line" for the concert. It is dangerous. I talked to security and he said, it's general admission, there is nothing We can do about it" read more

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Still one of my favorite venues to catch a show. Ok yeah it's small but it's easy to find a seat on the grass or either hill on both sides to watch the show. Like at least here it's nice to find work so hard to find a free parking spot too as there are always plenty. Always is a good seat and more of a laid back attitude. Beers again are outrageous at 9 a drink but I think now thats just sadly the times. It is an outdoor venue so make sure to stay hydrated but overall acoustically and visually I pick this place above most others in town to see my music here read more

Mesa Amphitheatre - Ziggy Marley at Mesa ampitheatre - Music Venues Near Me - Mesa, Arizona

What a joke...not sure whether I am rating people or the facility more here. But people were so rude and disgusting to each other and the facility could not care in the least. There is an incredible amount of space for people to sit, but virtually everyone just swells up like a toad and doesn't nake room for people. The far rear of the venue is horribly unsafe and slippery with a slope that does not make for walking or sitting. My friend hurt herself badly due to slipping. Will never return!!! read more

Easy in and out of parking The seating is a bit too tight but we managed. We were there for a Willie Nelson concert for first time and that's the only downside, no room to get comfortable if bigger people sit next to you. read more

Avett Brothers in an intimate venue under the starry night sky on a cool winter night=perfection. It's a small enough setting that you can see superbly from anywhere you stand, but with enough room to spread out on the grass if you so choose. If you score a spot right up front and find yourself wanting a beer without losing said spot, worry not. Beer, nachos and freshly popped kettle corn will find you. Parking was simple enough and the prices were right when compared to most. The pat down was a bit of a pain with having just one girl vs. 3 guys avail to do it, and they've got some pretty strict requirements in terms of what you can bring in, but all in all, great place to see your faves play! read more

Mesa Amphitheatre - Avett Brother awesomeness. - Music Venues Near Me - Mesa, Arizona

This place could be awesome, but far from it! First off the parking is horrible! we literally parked 6 blocks away for the Stick Figure concert and waited in line for 30 minutes to get in only to be told we couldnt bring our blanket?!?! Wait, its an outdoor venue where you sit on the grass and you cant bring a blanket? The security is more strict than getting into the White House for no reason. Overbooked is an understatement, if you go to a popular event and arent there early, I guess you just have to stand off to the side where the speakers dont face and hear a muffled sound. Of course the beer is overpriced which I anticipated but the tickets to any show here should be no more than $20! It reminded me of a small version of Ak-Chin Pavilion, go there instead. read more

We really like this venue. It is small so there is no bad seat in the house. We had a general admission for a concert and are so glad we didn't get seats. They were crammed together in front. The lawn is tiered to you have great views of the stage. Sit on the grass and the embankment behind you serves as back support. The bathrooms are clean and the beers somewhat reasonable. Glad we ate before we went. Dinging a star because the acoustics are not as they should be. Who doesn't love and outdoor venue on balmy spring evenings? read more

I'm pretty sure this was a colorist action but I was wearing a spiked choker. "Security" with the bucket hat took my choker when he was literally looking at me for 30 mins in line and then took it away. After I was let in I saw a white women with a much bigger one than mine and so many other people with battle vest with spikes. Now how does that make sense. read more

Really great venue very relaxed and comfortable not to mention great acoustics! It was super quick and no hassle to get in before the show and out afterward, even with the amount of people there. The only down side was that the bathrooms on the east side flooded, luckily that was towards the end so it didn't bother us too much. read more

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First time here and it was a great venue! Good staff and security as well. Beers were fairly priced

I have always preferred outdoor concert venues. When people really smell bad you get lots of fresh air! ;) As that is true, I just like being able to sit on the grass or stand up near the stage. It's a lot of fun and a bit more relaxed for live bands. read more

This is definitely a smaller venue but it was easy to get in and out of. I went to the spring fling sponsored by alt az 93.3 to see the 1975. The show was great and because of being smaller you were closer to the artists. My major issues would be lack of sufficient parking and the concessions area was almost out of bottled water before the main act came on. When it's an outdoor venue in Arizona and you aren't allowed to bring water in from outside, it should be a given that they have a decent supply of bottled water. I would only see another show here if I really liked the band, I'm just not into open general admission type seating and I hated sitting on the grass waiting. read more

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I saw the Pixies play here this past Friday. We got in around 6pm and parked for free on Center Street. Nobody in line at the security check, so we all got in within two minutes. Inside was really nice, it seemed cooler with all of the green grass. Far different than the typical Phoenix concrete experience. Acoustics were pretty good. They had a projector playing band pics and abstract images. The dripping-blood backdrop was cool. Beers were $7.50, only Bud products though. Shock Top, AmberBock and a few others. Overhang of contact buzz with all of the hippies and stoners in attendance. However, when I was leaving, all of the smokers were still lit up with everyone crowded around the exit. And to my dismay, they were smoking cigarettes, not the good stuff. Not cool, one bit. Still, a worthwhile experience to see a live band play here. read more

Mesa Amphitheatre - Pixies 9.24.2010 - Music Venues Near Me - Mesa, Arizona

Outdoor seating with grass makes everything absolutely humid and miserable. Do not attend a concert here during the summer unless you want to lose tens pounds sweating and baking in the open sun. Also the sound really is that good for an amphitheater read more

Been here many times over the last 30 years. Always enjoy performances with the great acoustics : Janes Addiction, Pearl Jam, Boingo, 311, Primus. read more

Frustrating there isn't people out there selling drinks while we are watching the show! Bathroom lines are bad- runout of beer quick! You miss most of the show standing in line- they sell too many tickets to accommodate the volume of people who needs their needs met. read more

Went to concert which was great, the seating was crappy because the seating was semi level which makes it hard to see over everyone in front of you. Also it is not a smoke or drug free environment which I was very disappointed in because I had to spend the concert with my mask on because of all the smoke. read more

Nicely tiered outdoor venue. Saw Seal there in the 90s and Cake there in the 2010s. They need a bigger marquee to fit band names with more than four letters. read more

Just saw Rebelution there tonight! I was pleasantly surprised with how much I liked this venue. Great layout. Grassy steps/seats. Decent bathrooms (no porta potties!). Great sound!! It was a great time and felt like I would definitely enjoy coming back to this place. I didnt give it five stars because the time restriction kind of blows. I know it's technically the city of Mesa's rule, but forcing bands to end at 10:00 feels SO early!! read more

This was my first time here and I wasn't impressed. They are in my opinion very strict on what you can bring in. You have to sit in grass, yet you're not allowed to bring in a towel or blanket to sit on. Very expensive snacks/beverages. A $1.00 bottle of water is $5. Staff isn't friendly at all. Won't be back! read more

My favorite outdoor venue in AZ! It doesn't matter what you listen too, Mesa Amp has shows and events for everyone! Most of the concerts are just General Admission, so you can push up as close to the stage as you want, or if you are like me and want to sit down and enjoy the concert, you can easily find a grassy spot on hill towards the back or on the sides and have the perfect view of the entire show. Show only go until 10pm at the latest, because of some sort of City noise ordinance. Oh.... and don't miss the Annual WINGSTOCK festival where you can stuff your face with Chicken wings! You can even sign up for the WINGSTOCK Wing-eating contest! Or if you have some kiddos, they have Breakfast with Santa every December! read more

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I'm that girl who's super, super uptight about following all the rules... I respect authority way more than I should, I don't speed, I'd rather be 30 minutes early than 2 minutes late, I don't text while driving and I don't ever try to bring cameras into a venue....UNLESS, the website says I can. Now ordinarily, even when the venue says I can, I typically don't, especially when I'm going to a venue in the city I live in, however, I flew out to Phoenix to see some friends and we were all going to the Black Keys concert, so I figured I'd check out the camera policy, because this was one of those times I really wanted to document the memory. The website said as long as there was not a removable lens, the camera would be permitted. Perfect! ...Or so I thought... When I got to the front of the security line, the lady told me no cameras. I explained the policy stated on the website. She said she couldn't make the call and I would have to hash it out with her supervisor. So I proceeded to plea with the big mean woman about what the website said and how my camera was within the limits they outlined. But she said no. Absolutely not. I argued a little with her, which is very unlike me, but ultimately I lost and I had to trek all the way back to the car, in a place I had never been to, to put the camera away. Fortunately my best friend joined me and we made it into a fun predicament. The Black Keys were of course amazing and the venue played a big part in that. The open multilevel grass seating was a brilliant touch and I definitely loved that I could see one of my favorite bands under my favorite starry night sky, which is why I'm giving the place 3 stars. As for the rest of it? I could do without. read more

I'm taking back a single star for a couple reasons: *A 20oz bottle of water will cost ya $3.50. If they're going to have shows in the summer, they shouldn't rip people off. National music festivals, like Lollapalooza and ACL, charge only $2. *Crappy beer selection. Ok, so if you're gonna drink, you might as well brace yourself to swallow swill. Best option they got, which can potentially hit the spot, is Amberbock. Here are a few tips for ya: *Freeze a bottle of water for at least 6 hours. Pull it out an hour before the show and it should last ya all night, since it melts slowly. *Wear as little as possible. Think shorts, tanks, flip flops. *Bring cash. They have an ATM inside, but the lines seem to be longer for the cash-machine than the beer. Must be the tweeners looking to buy their concert tee. *Stock up on albuterol. If you have smoke allergies or asthma, be careful where you sit. Everyone here lights up. In closing, Mesa Amp still gets props for bringing in Rogue Wave and Death Cab for Cutie. read more

My husband and I saw Deftones here a few weeks ago. Unlike Los Angeles, shows here start on time and end before 10pm. There's free parking in the neighborhoods and parking structures. Getting through security was super easy and the lines were short. Excellent sound and I like how open the venue is. It's GA "seating", so you can sit, squat, stand or lay down anywhere you fit. You can see the stage no matter where you decide to park it. read more

While it's not my favorite place, I think this is a good venue. It's the spot of my very first big concert (New Order 1989). Since then, I've seen some fantastic shows here - Beastie Boys, Circle Jerks, Violent Femmes, REM, etc... I've even been back stage here hanging out with some of the bands. I have good memories here, so I have no reason to fault it. The parking, the ants, the vendors, the security... I don't remember any of that. I just remember good times... I just remember the music. That's the way it should be. I do remember that they have good sound and the grounds are typically kept fairly nice. The last time I was there was 5 to 8 years ago, so perhaps things have changed. I imagine it's pretty much the same. read more