[3.8/5] I've been to several music venues across the state, with my first experience with The Ritz being this past Sunday to see Tennis opening for Spoon (yes these are real bands lol), and I have to say I didn't really have too many issues. The venue was clean, the staff I encountered was nice, and the sound quality was ok, though I've heard much better.
Looking at other reviewers, my experience wasn't too bad likely because:
- I didn't buy a drink (I heard that prices were ridiculous so I didn't bother).
- I took a Lyft to the venue so I didn't have to worry about parking/traffic getting out.
- I looked online ahead of time to see what was allowed and not allowed inside, brought nothing but necessities, emptied my pockets, and was through security within seconds.
- I also bought a fast lane pass online, so I got to enter the GA floor early, so snagged a good spot and didn't have to deal with racing people to the front or worry about someone annoying or tall standing in front of me.
There is a GA upstairs balcony that wraps around the inside of the venue, which I imagine is ideal for those who can't stand for long periods of time without leaning on something, and/or, want to see a show but not have to stand swarmed in the huge crowd/worry about a blocked view.
There's also seats upstairs/VIP upgrades and a VIP lounge, but they cost extra (between $35 to $50+) on top of your ticket.
I personally wanted to be up close and didn't mind standing, so to me, the first floor using the fast lane was worth the few extra bucks considering general admission is always first come, first serve, and the fast lane allows you to go first in front of everyone into the venue.
If you don't opt for a pass or don't get one before they sell out, you likely can still get a good spot by just showing up really early. Seats and VIP upgrades (from what I've gathered), are sold only at the venue during the day of a show, so get there early and ask about them if you want them.
The inside of The Ritz appeared pretty clean when I entered. Several bars and bathrooms along the back sides, and I could see there were some upstairs, too. Kind of dim lighting but with pops of color and neon by the bars. There's also a checkerboard floor pattern covering much of GA pit. It looks much cooler in person.
I landed a spot nearly dead center, right up front against the grate that separates the crowd from the stage (perfect considering I'm only 5'6, and in these kind of venues there's always people 6+ feet who stand up front for some reason. I get they want to enjoy shows up close too, but come on).
I go to shows a lot, and have found GA ones/venues can either bring out the best in people, or the worst. Since this is a GA only venue, I can see how some people either have great times here, or horrid ones. Crowds vary, and the type of artist/music playing can influence your experience, too.
Usually the people who stand dead up front are nice and frequent shows as well, so I had a nice experience with the people on both sides of me. Behind me however, was a little bit different, but that's not the fault of the venue.
With almost any general admission show, there's almost always going to be rude people in the crowd who try to come up front when they didn't "earn" their spot. They didn't get there early enough, yet they push past and get right on top of those of us against the gate, or right on top of those who actually put in the effort to be close to the artist(s), they're trying to see.
Pro tip: you snooze, you lose. Unless a friend is saving your spot, have a little courtesy and just stand where there's a spot available. Don't push people and cut in front, that's such a d*ck move.
Anyway, when the show started, right away the lighting was very intense. I enjoyed it, but even my phones camera struggled to adjust when I wanted a snapshot or two. I don't know if this was the artists choice or if the venue wants epileptics gone for good lmao
I liked that during the show, there wasn't security guards lining the stage, staring at the crowd. That gets awkward and is unnecessary 95% of the time, so I was glad for that.
The sound quality was surprisingly a little fuzzy in parts, and occasionally during Tennis' set, a mic was giving feedback. The instrumentals were clear, but the lead singers voice occasionally sounded distant even though she was right on top of me. It needed to be amplified/on par with the other mics/amps. She had/has a powerful voice, but the sound was more diluted than it should have been.
I left the show a few minutes early because I wanted to order a Lyft and get out before the post-show traffic let loose. The staff I encountered was friendly, let me know there was no re-entry, and wished me a good night.
I would opt to see a show here again but would likely take the same steps I took this time around. If I return I'll maybe update on aspects I didn't encounter this time (bathrooms, upstairs, etc.). read more