Came here for a Foster The People concert, and we had a great time! It was my first time at the Van Buren and I didn't realize they had a full bar, and service was pretty quick. The venue is big enough for a concert but not huge. We got pretty close to the stage with our GA tickets but as you would expect you are right up next to everyone. They do offer this sort of indoor balcony seating from up above which seems like VIP, but it's a cool option if you don't wanna be in the big crowd. We found plenty of paid parking nearby and it's in the heart of downtown. read more

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Been to this cool historic venue (it's on the national register of historic places!!) a few times for concerts and have always had a good time. The last time I went, I was told my tote purse was too big which had never happened before. I guess they had changed their policy on purse size. They however offered a free locker for my purse so I was fine with it. After all, it is a safety precaution. Their staff and security team was courteous. The bathroom is clean. They also have a bar inside and a courtyard outside where you can grab a seat and a drink. The only thing I don't really like is that this is in a very sketchy area and it's very difficult to find parking. We were very lucky to find street parking about a couple blocks away instead of having to pay $30 at a garage. I will most likely continue to go here for a great show. read more

The Van Buren - Music Venues Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

I had never been to this venue before, but I saw Jimmy Eat World's 20th Anniversary show for Futures here 10/17/2024 (AMAZING best show by the Jimmies I've ever seen, but that is not what I'm reviewing). It was great. It's basically all GA, there was some VIP seating on a balcony. You can take water in if it's in a sealed bottle. My favorite part of the venue itself -- the HUGE fans that I was standing under. That made it so much more comfortable. The bathrooms were nice and clean. I liked this venue. read more

I am writing to formally express how unacceptable the experience was attending the Dark Star Orchestra show at your venue. The entry line was absurdly long and moved at an unreasonably slow pace. Security procedures felt invasive and poorly handled, creating discomfort rather than safety. As a direct result of this mismanagement, a significant portion of attendees (by my estimate, nearly half) were not admitted until after the first set. Missing an entire first set due to venue operations is not acceptable for a professional concert space. This was not an artist issue, but a clear failure in crowd management and entry logistics. Your inability to efficiently handle a standard concert load negatively impacted the experience people paid for. Additionally, the staff inside the venue were incredibly unwelcoming and unfriendly. People used to love the Van Buren but I have heard nothing but complaints recently. Given that many ticket holders were forced to miss a substantial portion of the show through no fault of their own, refunds should be issued to those affected. I hope you take this feedback seriously and address these operational failures to prevent future occurrences. Sincerely, Portia Preston Attendee and Ticket Holder read more

Racism is real :) I'm happy that I understand how racism is before access to the venue, hopefully, people will be happy with that since I'm not coming back since how unwelcome security is, paid for parking and ticket, but end up walking around the downtown instead getting approved to get inside this building is hilarious, yep saving my money next time by not coming :) read more

This venue is such a vibe and luckily it's a vibe I very much approve of. Went with my bestie to see Our Last Night and it was absolutely amazing. Bonus points: there's a pizza spot right next door with a hidden speakeasy in the back. What was supposed to be a "responsible, not-so-late" night magically transformed into a "whoops, it's 2 a.m. and we're still out" kind of night. Zero regrets. read more

The Van Buren - Music Venues Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

This review is specifically to shout out the security team working the Hot Mulligan show 11/18. It was an absolute pleasure watching this team taking care of all the crowd surfers. They were so kind and genuinely looked like they enjoy their job. I've seen way too many security people be rough and aggressive yanking people out and down. You know the kind...miserable meat heads. Not these people. They are smiling and having a good time. A+ read more

Me and my group were denied entry into a concert we paid for. We bought mezzanine tickets for a show and arrived early. So we decided to go grab a drink. By A DRINK I mean ONE. We also got food and were by no means intoxicated. We arrive to the van buren to enter and some fat dude with a beard says that we are "intoxicated". One of us is physically disabled so she cannot walk straight sober or not, her husband had just had surgery and couldn't walk straight sober or not, And the other 3 of us were perfectly fine. According to this asshole though we were " A liability", it was outrageous when we had people literally saying they were doing drugs and then entering the venue in front of the security. The main guy is such a waste of human life, what a fucking douchebag he was. We were trying to explain the situation to him and he just didn't want to listen to what we had to say. So I'm glad that THE VAN BUREN HATES DISABLED PEOPLE. I mean what a fucking joke. I genuinely hope they get their shit together and fire this waste of human existence. read more

WARNING PSA MAKE SURE TO THROW YOUR ALCOHOL CANS AWAY BEFORE NEARING SECURITY It's too bad zero stars isn't an option! Head of security outside when you're in the security line in the parking lot to enter the building will ban you from the venue if you're holding a beer in your hand. And if you try to come back & they recognize you they threaten to press charges for trespassing!!! Fair warning to anyone going make sure to throw away your empty can before you get up to near the building! After being banned & heading to the curb in disbelief I was met by a bunch of girls bawling their eyes out & after chatting around found about 15-20 other people in the same situation... Most places have a trash can near the security area for you to throw your cans away.... This place will ban you if you're even holding an empty can!!! Met a few people who were holding someone else's empty can or even picked one up off the ground to throw away & they got banned nonetheless... they treat you like you've incriminated their business... all without asking any questions whatsoever NEVER GOING BACK HERE AGAIN read more

This venue has potential, but sadly it let us down as the VIP check in was at 3pm with us standing outside for over an hour in June. It happened to be the first day of the year we hit 110 degrees as well. There were two people that succumbed to the heat and asked for medical support sadly. They did pass out water during the show, but the heat of being outside to start left us beat which made a five hour show difficult to stand through. In the future, I'll avoid summer shows due to the excess waiting outside. I can see this being a great venue in the cooler months. read more

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We had a great concert experience seeing Larry June at The Van Buren. We took an uber to the venue so we wouldn't have to worry about parking. The check-in / security process was simple and quick. The venue itself is pretty large as they have a second floor for VIP. The drinks were well priced & strong! The bathrooms were fairly clean for it to be packed inside the venue. Another plus is that Ziggy's Pizza is right next door if you want to head over there after your show for food, drinks & more dancing! read more

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First time visiting Van Buren and this place is amazing! We went to see Grent Perez and Rocco this weekend and Only good things to say about this Venue! Love the intimate feeling yet not feeling cramped like a bunch of sardines but then again we did get awesome mezzanine seating!!! Check-in was a breeze. Not sure what everybody's complaining about regarding Security because we had no issues.!! Very friendly. Staff , parking was as expected i recommend arriving early as there are street parking and parking structure down the ways. Everyone was friendly and helpful. Place was very clean. Felt safe! definitely will be returning for other events. Might not order the churro bites as they were a bit hard lol but hey, was with the kids and they just wanted a lil snack along with a Shirley Temple, which they enjoyed very much. However I do recommend bringing a sweater or jacket as it does get very cold up on the mezzanine as the AC is on full blast. Lol but that's a good thing considering we are in Az!! read more

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1st time ever at The Van Buren, and it was a negative one! 1st directions on foot, to get to the place are bad! 2nd, once you get there, trying to find the entrance is daunting, unless you have been there b4! 3rd, the AC in the place was sooo high it was hard to breath, especially after walking 2 blocks in the Phoenix soup, and hoping to get cooled off and breath! The standing room view was atrocious, def not worth the price of admittance! 4th, the bar service was crappy! My fave is I ordered a ginger ale, and it comes in plastic cups! Sure ok, but when coupled with california paper straws that continoulsy fhizz and send the drink spewing outta your glass makes for a rather sticky situstion! The think that pissed me off the post is when you get there you gotta go through and outside patio to be able to walk in! Th crew as unfriendly! was told you can brink to bottles of water; I brought ONE! The chubby chic with pink pair told m to empty my pockets and go throug the scanner, and they she says the kirkland water bottle was opened, and cant be let inside1 told her i had to drink my astma medication, snd MY water is coming with me! The PHX PD behind her didnt sat anything and I walked in with my water bottle! The view inside was atrocious! Bareky see the stage and performer from way in the back! I dont know how younger people procure balcony seating! Even all the way in the back towards the bar there were people constantly moving and dancing! In the front they were mosh-pitting! I dont mind spending good money on a great concert, but this was sub par! Never going there again! read more

I've been to four shows at The Van Buren over the years, and each experience has been fantastic! It's a large standing-room only type of venue but I think they offer VIP balcony tickets, which would be nice if you would like the option to sit down and watch a show. They used to bring bleachers into the venue so at least a few people could sit down, but this time, they did not. It was ok, though. Just be sure to wear comfortable shoes instead of trying to be fashion-forward. The crowds at The Van Buren have always been really friendly and courteous, maybe because most of the shows I go to (typically 80's bands) tend to have an older demographic. People say "excuse me" when they have to cut through the crowd and one guy even apologized for "taking my spot" when I came back from the restroom. It was very sweet of him. I told him there was plenty of room for everyone. A lot of times, the bands that perform here will meet fans (for free) in the lobby after the show or during a break, which is really cool. The parking in the lot next to this venue has gone up since I was here last time in February, 2020. I paid $30.00 for parking, but I didn't want to walk far in the dark, since I was meeting my friends there. The parking lot has a machine that takes credit cards. There are more and more restaurants near The Van Buren. Once you go through security, you can sit outside on their patio and buy food from their vendor. They also have a large bar inside. There's cups next to the drinking fountain for water. The restrooms are clean and spacious. It's really a 5 star place to see a concert. I like the fact that you can get pretty close to the stage if you get there early. read more

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A venue owned by livenation. They have ZERO interest in the fan experience. The bar service is great; However, the security is amazingly horrible. The lack of help, the constant side eyes and overbearing attention is crazy. I have found myself watching them more than the show. When they kicked out my autistic son with his mother, probably was the last time I will ever see that place. Just be cautious, me and my group have been asked to leave for talking loudly on the patio. While a metal show was playing inside. Just standing and talking. See another show elsewhere, everything about this place is sketchy and God awful.​​ read more

Great place to catch live music. Good ambiance. Love their small venue vibe. Best to uber there.

Saw Great Good Fine OK and Saint Motel here and had a lot of fun. Cool venue that make for an intimate show. Looking forward to future shows! read more

The Van Buren - Jon Sandler, lead singer of GGFO with my wife and I - Music Venues Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

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Saw a show that really packed the place out. It was plenty big. Loud sound system. A little rowdy.

I visited here from out of town and had a great time! The staff was professional and friendly. I decided to ask about an upgrade to the balcony and was thrilled the pricing was pretty cheap. It was nice to be able to sit and watch the show and see everything! Having a waitress was also a bonus. The food was good as well! My only issue is that the drinks are pricey. read more

The Van Buren - Music Venues Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

lowkey very chill vibes which i loved for my brother's first concert. i have loved this venue for decades and i love sharing it with people.

The Vanburen is a great venue space that I have visited with great experiences several times. It might be a little hard to review because it is an adaptable space and will depend on what show you are there for and what the client requests. I have gone to shows which had seating they added for that gig and I have also gone to shows where they took out the seating for standing room only shows. The venue is beautiful and I have always loved their outdoor space. Heads up and please don't say I did not warn you.Call them and be very specific on the cost and where you should park and listen to what they say. Do not even think about fudging it. They will tow your car. read more

This place was perfection. Full 5 stars. From their seamlessly organized entrance staff - all super nice, to the bartenders - top notch w a smile, to the perfect A/C system - keeping things chill, we love this place. They have an outdoor 'courtyard' to chill with a bar & fun food, to the interior's modern crystal chandeliers and perfectly placed bars & spotless restrooms w/no lines! Whoever designs and runs and owns The Van Buren should be proud! Sound system was on point. Stage was designed so there were no bad places to be. Every single detail was excellent. Muah! The Van Buren feels so good, I can't wait to come again. And again. [btw - Dope Lemon was DOPE] read more

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The concert last I went to was pretty epic! While waiting for the band to start I noticed the excellent A/C as I stood in the crowd on the main floor. Before, during and after the concert it became a non issue. The sound system was excellent. I didn't order a beverage but I used the bathroom and the 'traffic' seemed to flow in and out effortlessly, with stocked paper towel machines and minimal trash on the floor (this was right after the concert). The outside seating looked nice even with the security entry/exit points and the staff was firm but fair. Street parking was typical city parking and I lucked out parking by a meter a block away. I'd come here again for a concert or a fun night out. That's saying something considering I live three hours away. read more

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TLDR: the venue is strict about bag sizes, the bathroom's are relatively clean, but the staff's helpfulness for each show varies widely. The venue is a great place for smaller acts to have an intimate, but decently-sized show, and traffic after the shows could be substantially worse. I've been here for two different concerts, and the vibes were so different. I saw Eric Nam (February 2022; kpop) and keshi (June 2022; hip-hop/lo-fi/rnb); the February concert was well-organized. There wasn't any pushing, shoving, or running. The staff was particularly helpful, letting folks in line know ahead of time whether their bags were too big to be allowed in. For the second show, they let folks into the courtyard area early, and lots of people started pushing as soon as the doors opened. Staff members did pass out water ahead of the show starting, and the opening act stopped the show to request help for an audience member who looked as if they were going to pass out. read more

The Van Buren - Music Venues Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

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What a great concert venue!!! I had no idea what to expect, but our daughter works here and scored us a couple tickets and we had a blast. Clean, several outlets for drinks and food- plus the brewery next door was fantastic too. Matt Kearney was awesome, great vibe, sound was r too crazy until the last two songs. They had kids wearing safety headphones so I thought that was pretty cool. They have a huge variety of shows - definitely worth checking out. read more

The Van Buren - Music Venues Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

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This is my favorite place to watch a show! I never get the food here it's way over priced for what you get. Great beer choices and they have a full bar. Good bathrooms. Amazing spots for ADA. No seating anywhere so be prepared to stand the whole time unless you pay for balcony seating. It usually runs cold here which is great if you are in the crowd. Every band I have seen here sounds amazing! read more

I would give 5 stars, but the parking sucks. Friendly staff, good drinks, and the speaker system was not too loud. 4 guitars usually are ridiculously too Frkn loud!! Great job with the sound man last night for The Runarounds! Also, if you need to take a leak after the show, be warned, they close the restrooms down right away. No worries, just ask for a manager, and they will let you use the private bathroom. Yes, that was me asking for the manager. So lame I had to do that!! 4 stars! read more

Management. Spilled a drink at the bar and they charged full price for a replacement. Never happened in my life.just shows how important a 1st impression is to this management. Adios! read more

Phoenix, Az. I'm torn about the rating, it could have been an easy four stars. There is so much to like, hassle free parking, easy entry, not subjecting people to a stretched out line outside for hours, easy security check with metal detectors that don't pick up on hair pins, good sound, decent (but pricey) drinks, lots of room, cool old architecture, non confrontational security crew, pleasant and lovely waitresses, and good view from anywhere. But the downside for me is significant. If you are an old person, such as myself, it is difficult to stand for over three hours for two shows and an intermission. There are seats but they are out in the lobby. So there IS seating in the balcony but you gotta pay and you gotta pay dearly to the tune of $80 (Each). And there you are. I did it because I really wanted to actually enjoy the show. The upside (Haha) to the $160 we paid for two balcony seats was that there were few people on board with this option. The view from the balcony was good but I wish I would have brought binoculars. The sound downstairs on the floor is much better than up in the balcony, go figure. The $160 we paid plus the cost of the tickets just didn't make a return likely. Plus, the intro show really really sucked. Lately venues let the main act choose the intro. That should have happened here. read more

The Van Buren - Music Venues Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

Don't let this venues smaller space fool you. It's beautiful interior, exceptional sound and options to select general admission (with VIP) to get early access for front row to see your favorite artist up close and personal. Can't wait to book another event as soon as our favorite artists are announced. read more

The Van Buren - Zinadelphia - Music Venues Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

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Ambiance and setting is like an older school concert hall, the drinks were great and the bar was huge, the security to get in was a bit of a mess with the bags no bags 21 and older lines not really making sense read more

This place was so cool! We drove From texas to see the front bottoms! The crowd was amazing and the floor was huge! I was on the mezzanine and got to see it all! read more

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I am leaving a review just based on my experience. I would love for someone in the management team to respond to me so that I can submit a claim against of one the employees. Last night, I went to the sorry papi tour at the van buren. This is supposed to be a man free experience. However, one the bartenders on the first floor, skinny man with a man bun, and barely has a beard- was absolutely disgusting towards me. I was absolutely sober and I have witnesses. I had previously ordered a drink. I went to the bar to grab a second of the same drink and watched him make the drink right in front of me. I kindly told him that wasn't the drink and he said "yes it is". I looked at the drink and asked him if he can remake it. He said, with an attitude, and practically screaming, and aggressive body language "it seems like you don't know what you want." To which I responded "yes I do", he repeated his statement and I said "it seems like you don't know what you're doing." He then made another drink and I watched again and this time it was worse. I said it wasn't it, he then got tough with me and said "you can leave. If you don't like it, you can leave." I grabbed the drink paid, moved away from him, and then took a sip. Of course it wasn't the drink I asked for. I returned to the bar and went to the female bartender which originally made my first drink. When I approached her, he came again being aggressive. To the point that my friends were uncomfortable AND the female bartender had to get in between him from coming at me. She told him "please stop and calm down." She was so kind to me and told me she would make it right for me. She did make it right, and then told me I could keep the other drink since I had already taken a sip. The guy, tried taking it away from her and I grabbed it and walked away. He then started screaming, to make me look back "hey! Come back! You need to pay for that!" To which I had already paid for my drink. I am extremely disappointed because this was a night to make women feel a safe and he did the total opposite. I want to speak to a manager. If he is a manager, then I need to speak to someone above him. read more

I used to love The Van Buren but whoever runs this venue seems to be very greedy now. The last 2 events I attended (Barbie and 2000s night) were so oversold that it was blazing hot and we were packed in like sardines to where there was no room to move let alone dance. If you use a wheelchair, absolutely forget this place because you won't be able to move. I was honestly appalled by how many people they cram into that building and don't understand how the fire code would even allow it. The tickets were pricey and the drinks were even pricier, $13 for a white claw. I'm supposed to attend another event next weekend and I'm highly considering returning or selling my ticket. Not an enjoyable or safe experience at all. I'm giving 2 stars for the DJ (unrelated to the Van Buren) but they were great. read more

I really want to like this venue... And if it weren't for security it would get 5 stars. I go to A LOT of concerts with my kids and have ended up at the van Buren for several of them. Tonight I AM AT the Half Alive concert (like as I wrote this). I bring crochet projects where ever I go, and tonight was not an exception. Two balls of yarn and my crochet hook. I was happily crocheting a rat, when at the end of the SECOND opener, I was approached by security and told I could not "have that tool" in here. I asked what tool and she indicated my crochet hook. WHAT? a crochet hook? I was (at least) allowed to lock up my bag in the lockers. When I spoke to the security supervisor he was polite, but explained I should have never been let in with it. I asked if it had been plastic if that would have been okay. He said no. When I asked why, what was the problem with a crochet hook, he explained that it could be "used as a weapon." Seriously. A 50 year old lady crocheting a stuffed rat in the corner while her kids enjoy a concert is a HUGE threat with her NOT SHARP crochet hook? My heavy, blocky, solid battery I have with me would be a more effective weapon. What about my charging cable? If a crochet hook is your standard as a potential weapon, then you might as well shut the venue down, ANYTHING can be used as a weapon if someone wanted to. And this isn't my first issue with them.... Ive had to lock up a bag previously because I was told it was too big, even though it fit in the outline they have to measure bags. I agree with the other reviewers that the security here is inconsistent and seems to make stuff up as they go. It really is such a shame too, since other than this, I do love this venue. However, I will be thinking twice when a band I might want to see plays here. read more

We had a great time. We upgraded to the mezzanine, so we had a great view of the stage. Really good acoustics. Our server was awesome.The restrooms were spotless. Highly recommend. read more

Great small venue. Not a bad view in the entire place. There is mezzanine seating upstairs that cost an extra $50. But that is totally worth it for the table service and the comfortable chair. Speaking of the table service, the waitress was great, very attentive and nice. This is the best way to enjoy a concert if you don't want to stand in the crowd like a sardine. The meet and greet was also very streamlined and went fast with no issues. I can't wait to come back and do it again! 10/10 will be back! read more

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This is one of the worst venues in Phoenix. The location is on a busy street with no parking available. After battling traffic you can find a pay lot. Street parking says 4 hour on the meter but only actually is 2 and they don't allow disabled people to park in their lot even. So if you're trying to go with a person with any mobility issue good luck. We bought tickets to a concert there months ago and called ahead to register as needing an ADA seat or asked if the wheelchair would be better. We were told they had ADA seating on the stage right or left. Also that there was an ADA line. None of this is actually true. We got there very early to be sure we wouldn't be a burden during the rush, they did nothing. I talked to staff twice alerting them that there was this need. We didn't bring the wheelchair because it's a pain in the ass, wasn't easy to unload from street parking and their verbal description of their ADA seating sounded like it would be good. They for some unknown reason changed their purse policy and the seams on my purse make it 1/2" wider than their 12" size when they stretch it out. They have lockers but no locks. So you either have to walk blocks to your car and leave it for a smash and grab or put it in an unlocked not really watched locker. Staff yelled at me and was excessively rude the whole way as if I was somehow a bitch for asking for the exact things I was told to expect when I followed the directions on the web site about registering that my companion needed ADA seating. How is it my bad for asking for the things I was told to expect? After multiple scanning and friskings and nonsense and being yelled at and separated from my companion we finally got in. Since we had to leave the wheelchair in the car he was counting on holding on to me since he falls frequently. He has MS so maybe he doesn't LOOK disabled enough at first glance but SSDI and a whole team of doctors and scans definitely can attest that he's disabled. We again followed the verbal directions I was given when I called ahead and again staff treated me like I was a problem. We finally found their ADA seating and it's literally at the very absolute farthest back of the venue. It's a literal "peanut gallery" in the most historically problematic sense of the term. Stripped of my purse and holding my wallet and phone I didn't grab my glasses when they took my purse and they don't allow reentry so I couldn't see the show even if I wanted to. My companion suggested I go up front and he would stay in the peanut gallery. I said that wasn't acceptable. Especially since up front the photographer they use has been 86d from every other venue and bar in town for SA. I chose to leave. I couldn't refill the parking meter, I couldn't see. I didn't have medicine or anything with me. I was uncomfortable that I had $200 in cash in my purse that was in an unlocked and unguarded locker and the ADA seating is beyond insulting. When I left I walked up and took my purse from the lockers unassisted. Anyone else could have as well. A $500 purse with $200 cash, his opioid medications, my epi pen and passport could have walked away with anyone. This may be the worst venue in Phoenix and is absolutely not ADA friendly. Other venues have provided seating at the front side where we could see the show and weren't in a some fenced off afterthought space. Other places the staff is at least remotely friendly. Not here. I will never waste money on tickets for a show at this space again. Going out to have fun should actually be fun and this venue kills all of it. It's not worth it. Get gouged on ticket fees, gouged on parking, gouged on concessions and then treated like you just got arrested as opposed to being a paying customer and then if you're disabled they put you in a literal peanut gallery!!! read more

The Van Buren - ADA seating at the very very very back of the venue. - Music Venues Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

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The Van Buren is a beautiful, historic theater in the heart of Phoenix. If those four walls could talk, they would tell a story of wonderful theatre and music performances. Unfortunately in 2026, the security head pays deference to rewarding drunken fools who assault and shove those in the front to acquire their prized positions by the rail. I was forced to relinquish my spot for the DEVO performance who come to the show to cause trouble because here, they know they can. I was new to this venue and was not aware such assault was allowed because security, which traditionally comes with the price of a ticket, rewards troublemakers because it's easier. I sent a picture of the drunken fool to Tour Manager Roxxi, who informed me the gentleman had already been yelled at for his behavior at other shows. If things went south at the Van Buren, we were well and truly fuct. I felt quite unsafe as a result. As a patron of the arts, this place needs to stop booking popular acts if security is actively refusing to do their basic job of, you know, Security, against these types of assaults. Given their future lineup, they are already catering to that request in that regard. When security addressed the crowd outside in the queue to inform us he would rather not do paperwork related to such assaults, you know, his job, I should've foreseen the quality of the crowd control from the security head. read more

I won't be returning here... 1) Kind of sketchy neighborhood and there's no security in the back of the line. 2) You buy the Premium Seats upstairs and then security allows multiple people to stand at one seat so you get squished the whole time. 3) Children are allowed into an adult concert. 4) $18 for drinks that are not good. Only positive: Friendly staff. read more