I'm getting old. I used to love being shoulder to shoulder with sweaty, smelly and screaming fans. I used to love the push and shove, and jumping up just high enough to catch some cool air. I've gotten old, though :/
Cons:
This place is filled to capacity. By that, I mean you may want to consider getting there 1-2 hours ahead of time to stand in line for 2-3 hours in order to get a good spot. Otherwise, you're standing 2-3 blocks in a line outside for 30-45 minutes with no guarantee you'll get anywhere near the stage, if that's what you're into.
Once you're in, whether you make your way to the beer garden behind the standing room in front of the stage, bar to the far right or just in front of the speakers by the stage 5 feet from the band's face.....you're going to get sweated on by people who apparently hate showering, brushing their teeth and wiping, and it will smell terrible. I mean someone-decided-to-fart-in-a-hot-room-full-of-people-and-no-one-thought-to-open-a-window terrible.
That aside, this venue gives one the ability to mosh, shove, kick and thrash about like a prepubescent dork with poor motor skills.
Due to previous reviews, I didn't use the venue's bathroom or eat here, so that's probably why there are 3 stars to begin with (both are allegedly legendarily atrocious). In fact, I didn't utilize any of the amenities offered, with the exception of standing for 4 hours straight, so please keep in mind that my review is slightly biased due to avoiding other's mistakes.
Pros:
The audio system is ace (incredibly clear and loud). For better or worse, you can hear the singer's voice and every instrument clearly. That is RARE with relatively small venues. Most of the time, the audio or instruments are either too low or too high. This is the 4th star, in fact, because I went to hear good music, and I caught every word and sound.
The staff are interesting. As you enter, your ticket is scanned and immediately discarded in the trash. Forget memorabilia or having your favorite band member sign it. Its gone. Forever. However, the bouncers who watch the crowd are courteous enough. They monitor everything carefully and don't intrude too much. Crowd surfing is permitted (just don't try and jump onto the stage. Those days are gone, and I'm glad I didn't miss them!), because you'll be sternly gripped by your arm and escorted back to the crowd of smelly people where you belong!
During the concert, the bouncers opened bottles of water, and asked the greedy guzzlers in the front row to take a little and pass the bottle back. I've never seen that before, and think its wonderful they care about guests remaining hydrated.
If you stick around after the show, roadies will toss set lists, drum sticks and picks towards the crowd AND a bouncer just might hand you your own bottle of water (that you don't have to share!).
Another plus is that there's ample parking North, South, East and West of the venue, so if you're a single female and want to be close OR need more exercise and want to take extra steps, the options are there. Average of $7.55 per lot, and street parking is free after 8 (I think)!
Overall, it's a great venue, but you've been warned. Don't act like you don't know what you're getting into after this review, then come back and give 2 stars. Its worth more than that, in my opinion..
On a personal note, I finally got to attend my first Coheed and Cambria concert (because Warped Tour doesn't count) since first listening to IKSSE:3 in 2006!! read more