Okay. I think I have a pretty good grasp on The Tabernacle. I've now been there 3 times in about 30 days, for vastly different experiences. It's much smaller than the Fox, but bigger than the Buckhead Theater (at least in appearances).
I've been there for a comedian, where there were tickets that told you where to sit. The chairs were arranged on the open floor, a few rows deep. We were seated around 10-15 from the front, and it was more than adequate seating arrangements. We could see and hear the comedian very well, and get very good pictures. The sound system was good. Not overly loud, nor too quiet.
I was there for Rise Against, with the pit and balconies full. For the entire set, I opted to sit on one of the upper balconies, which provided a very good view of the light show without all the raucous moshing and sardine-cramming that was going on below. There appear to be two small television sets at each of the far ends. (Think of it like a U shape, with the TVs situated at the top of each straight U line.) Which seemed unnecessary, but I guess a nice touch if you choose to sit down. The balconies are really nice here because if you get a good seat in the front, then you're able to see the entire stage below, with all the pretty lights and you also get the added benefit of watching people as they act goofy.
I was also there last night for Brand New. We started off in the pit (one row behind) for the first couple of acts, but then had to move up to the balcony. If you're center stage, in front of the mic, you get the best listening experience. It seems like there's less fuzz and whomp there. For about two songs, we stayed in the balcony and were able to take some really excellent videos. To say it was packed would be an understatement. It was sardines, body-again-body from the stage all the way back to where the sound techs are. Politeness only got us so far, until we managed to shove our way close to the front again (about 10 rows of people).
Merch is separated in another part of the building, so there's not a ton of people shoving each other like rabid fans. When there are enough people, it becomes line-based, with steps leading up to a raised dais like an offering to the gods. I don't like that outside you're separated from the bands. I guess good for those that dislike touching their fans, but it just makes me feel like a caged animal. I suppose that's the sort of precautions one must take when in midtown.
THE LINE:
I've never had to wait in line for more than 15 minutes here. They give out wristbands to 21+ and there were two ways at the Brand New show to pick up our tickets. Either by scanning the credit card you bought them on, or going to the Will Call booth and picking up physical copies. It's an extremely efficient system, and ensures that even if the line is lengthy, you'll get in pretty quickly.
THE PARKING/ MICS. DIRECTIONAL TIPS:
Fuh-gett-about-it. I hate the parking situation here, which is why they lose a star. If the band is popular enough, the parking garages will factor that into it. Brand New parking was $40. When OutKast was it town, it was $50. Why the hale am I going to pay as much for my ticket (if not more) for parking? Uhm, no, Atlanta. Just... no.
Expect to pay a minimal $10-20 for parking anywhere close by and maybe $5 if you trust leaving your car in a sketchy lot. Also keep in mind the time constraints. I guess The Tabernacle gets some sort of cut of the cars they get booted, so they are pretty liberal with it. People who were there for Brand New got their cars booted because they were there past the hours that their parking ticket permitted. So I take MARTA when I come here. The Peachtree Center station is the way to go, and about 10-15 minute walk if you know where it is. My GPS is a piece of crap, so it kept turning me around. Look for the giant Ferris Wheel and the venue is right in front of it.
THE VERDICT:
Parking here sucks, but the venue is nice. But, really, just the parking situation itself makes me feel so annoyed that I couldn't give it 4 stars. You can have the most amazing venue on the planet, but if you're just entirely in it for the prophet and you'd shit on your fans given the chance... I think that warrants a negated star. That being said, it's a nice enough venue that accommodates your kind of listening style. The balcony for the shorties or people who want great pictures or videos and no fear their camera will get kicked from their hands, the pit for tall people or those with enough energy to dance/shove for hours, and faaaar back in the venue for those who just want to hear but not see. They're very efficient with things--the merch, the tickets, the 21+ wristbands. And I give them major props for that, as well. read more