As one of the city's most versatile and treasured venues, the Varsity Theatre is known well by the Baton Rouge faithful as a great place to see a show. Located just outside of the LSU campus, it has been a mainstay in the area for decades. While it's mainly concerts that rock this venue, I've attended corporate events, watched LSU Tiger games, and enjoyed a show or two in years past. I've always enjoyed my time here. Not to be confused with a cinema, this multifaceted venue has played host to a number of events and has partnered with many organizations both local and national to feature great acts and some for great causes. My favorite event in the past was a Saints game night, where for $12 one got unlimited beers (Bud Lights only?) and all the hot dogs one could eat, as well as red beans and rice. If that deal is still available, I'll be floored. The parking isn't the most friendly. Street parking is usually that is available and it's more luck than anything else. The Varsity is in good company with a number of other super famous establishments located within the same block. Figuratively, one could chow down at Chimes, play games at Barcade, drink their face off here, and then head to Louie's or Raising Canes for some late night food. This is such a prime location that it's great for a solid casual night out. From concerts to comedy nights, there is literally not a thing that this place can't host. While I do wish for a slightly better men's bathroom, unsightly conditions do happen at places that holds hundreds of people at a time. Peep their schedule on their website and social media for what's happening next. read more

My first time going here after passing it for many years. I saw R&B artist Tamia and had a wonderful time. The only negative would be parking. The parking lot is behind the building and is not big at all. Fortunately we were able to park across at LSU visitors parking lot and walk about 3 minutes down to the venue. The line was wrapped around the building but it moved quickly. I did will call tickets and had no problem with my name being found on the list. There was a bar with about 10 barstools set up but those were taken. I would suggest being first in line to get a seat at one of these. Upstairs had a few tables but once again those were taken. I ended up watching the show against the wall next to the railing and had a good view of everything. I had a Basic Bitch drink which was surprisingly good. Drink was huge and was only $11. I will definitely look for more events at this venue. read more

See all

This is a great intimate venue. I saw a show here last night which was pretty great. There are three levels in the venue. The highest one has a bar and place to stand around. On the middle level there are a number of tables and chairs set up sort of lounge style and quite a few people can sit. This was also, in the case of the show I went to, where the merch table and sound man were. The lower level is right in front of the stage and is kind of a pit area. I had a great time at the show the venue was big enough to accommodate the crowd, but intimate enough that you were never that far from the stage. If your looking at seeing a show here, it's a good venue. It's up to you to pick a good band. read more

Finally got to have a girls night! We went to see Ray Boudreaux and band! It was a great show and the follow-up bands were fun too! Though I am a Baton Rouge native, this is actually my first time visiting the Varsity. Crazy I know! It was a pretty nice place to just hang out with friends, dance and just relax. I loved that there were tables and a separate dance floor. The bathrooms were clean too which was nice for a bar around LSU. Might make for a nice date night! read more

Varsity Theatre - Ray Boudreaux! So awesome! - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - Baton Rouge, Louisiana

This theatre is legendary, so I am simply dumbfounded as to why the reviews lack for it. Even though I am not from Louisiana, let alone Baton Rouge, I know that this theatre is a local favorite! The venue is perfect to watch live musical acts, experience local events and watch football games! I have to say, The Varsity Theatre has aged gracefully; what is your secret? I have met the GM of this place and you can tell that he is dedicated and is on top of it! He knows everything you need to know about hosting an event here. Did you know you can host a private party here? So, if you are looking for a local venue for your next private party, whether it is a family affair or a corporate party, call on The Varsity Theatre to help you get it all together. As far as I know, the venue can fit about 800 people, but if you are going to bring in tables for your event, it may cut that number in half if you want to fit people in there comfortable. This place is clean, security is efficient and the live shows are just plain fab! Make sure to check their events calendar to see the upcoming acts that will be live on stage. Connected to The Varsity is The Chimes and it is also conveniently located in the LSU Northgates area. During off-peak hours, you can easily access parking behind the restaurant/theatre. The parking lot is designate for those visiting either of the businesses. Inside the theatre, there is a large stage area, 3 bars (2 downstairs and 1 upstairs) and a dance area for those that wanna get down! read more

The Varsity is a decent-sized venue. It lacks some of the charm of a place like Spanish Moon, but the convenience can't be beat. There is an upstairs area with tables/chairs, but I've only seen it open for a few shows. I agree with the previous posters complaint that there is no seating - this could easily be alleviated by opening up the upstairs area for a place to sit for those that want to, but I'm sure the staff views it as a liability because the patrons would be unsupervised up there. I do appreciate that you are allowed to leave the venue after getting your wristband. If I want to buy a poster, or a t-shirt, I can purchase these items, run them out to my car, and come back in. I've even grabbed a quick bite to eat at Chimes if I arrive early enough and the venue isn't packed. For those who smoke, I have to imagine it's nice to go have a smoke and come back in. Many venues in places like Southern CA balk at the idea of allowing patrons to come and go, even with wristbands. Used to piss me off to no extent, so it's nice to be allowed to come and go. Also, they do a lot of events that probably make them little to no money, but help out other groups. It's nice that they provide the space for these events, usually run drink specials, and (usually) put them on the marquee. I've been to a gumbo cook-off, a few rugby events, and I appreciate the use of the space for those events. They also took the time to apologize after the Snoop Dog debacle, and I thought that was at least a nice touch recognizing the frustrations of the patrons, so the managers. I've also found that the prices are pretty well adjusted to who is playing or what is going on. read more

I saw Tyler Childers there. It was a great show and good atmosphere. The employees were great. I would recommend the VT!

Went here for a lip sync battle , and my husband's company reserved a spot upstairs. Looks like a young crowd hang out multiple bars and connected to restaurant. If going just make sure you get there early for an event, there aren't many seats. read more

The Varsity is a popular venue frequented by many locals and mostly LSU college students. The venue has an upstairs area as well. The Varsity theater is right in the heartland of LSU and is connected to Chimes restaurant. Parking can be terrible due mainly to the fact of the location is directly in college town. I went to a popular concert here and boy I do not like the standing for 4 hours to wait for the artist to finally emerge. This place is high energy and their is the occasional marijuana smells and drunk unruly patrons. However most college centered music venues are like this so its the norm. I would go back if their was an artist I really wanted to see but I'd get their earlier and try to find somewhere to sit! read more

Varsity Theatre - Variety Theater. - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - Baton Rouge, Louisiana

The varsity theatre has been around for decades. This venue can pull in well known musicians and is pretty spacious. There is a 2nd floor with tables and another bar. read more

Ok, I love the idea and concept of The Varsity. Location is perfect! Ample bar access and a killer sound set up. I guess my beef may be somewhat of an age consideration. There are surely not a good amount of seating here which comes into play with my other issue. Every time I have gone to see a concert here, whether it be a small local act or a major recording artist, the show NEVER starts on time. I am not speaking of 15-30 or even an hour after the start time. The Molly Reinwald's never start more than 3 hours after. Snoop Dogg started 5 hours after door opened. The Varsity artist promo folks need to work with these to have these concerts start at a decent hour. I know it may not be a big deal to some but for someone who has to work early during the week, it is a big deal. read more

Went to this place for a science show. A woman droning on about mosquitos and disease. That's fun. Then I was charged 7.50$ for a beer that is made no less than 100 miles from me and costs 8.99$ for a six pack in the store. They gave me a plastic cup ( no chilled pint glass) as she tells me this local beer is $7.50 for a cream ale that is 2.50 at any bar EVER!! It's no surprise this place is always disappointing. Sorry BR, but the Varsity BLOWS!!!! Wake up and get into the new century. read more

I had a great time! It's so tiny that who ever is playing you are very close, I couldn't imagine seeing a big name artist play there, as you could maybe fit 500 ppl in max. There's a bar that serves generous pours, at not bad prices. We got there early and sat at one of like 5 tables they had out, everyone else had to stand. Eventually we found our way to the front row, and basically was just leaning against the stage. Parking is an issue, the lot behind fills fast, and it seems like the lsu moms will fist fight you for a spot so we left and just parked on the street a few blocks down. All in all it was a cool little dive venue to see an artist. We would go back read more

Although ive personally never been into this said "club" but i have heard all about it and let me say, im infuriated that minors are not allowed in. I understand for the purpose of alcohol but thats what ids are for, i mean like cmon man just let me in so i can see regionally popular rappers and sometimes decently famous people. I'd really like to bust a move up in here ya'heard. But hey im a nice guy so ill give you two out of three stars i get that its illegal and stuff but like i wont tell anyone about it if you dont man. read more

This is a cool place to see a concert. I imagine back in the hey-day there were a lot of smaller bands that toured the country and made a pit stop here. It reminded me a bit of both the 40 watt club in Athens, GA and a bit like Eddies Attic in Atlanta, GA where you could see a great show, grab some cheap beers, and be close to the stage. The sound system is solid as well. We saw Better Than Ezra last night for a charity event and I imagine they rocked this place probably 10 years ago as well. As previous posters have said, the venue itself is pretty intimate, separate levels allow better viewing of the stage and the soundboard is right in the middle of the audience and there are two large bars (one on the side, and one in the back) making getting a drink no major issue. You can also walk outside to get a breath of fresh air and then head back in which is cool. read more

This isn't the nicest theatre in town, but it is a cool place to go for some of their events. I went a couple of years ago to a fundraiser they hosted for St. Baldricks, and that was pretty cool. More recently, I went to the Molly Ringwalds concert they presented. First, I grew up listening to almost everything they played, so it was really awesome getting to experience a live performance of something I grew up with. I had a couple of drinks from the bar, and I have to say that each of those bartenders deserves a good tip. The drinks were all delicious, and they were strong without tasting just of the liquor. It really made the whole experience even better. But when won't good drinks at reasonable prices make an experience better? NEVER! Overall, if a band you enjoy or an event that read more

Recently the Varsity has been more of a concert joint and concerts aren't really my thing but when DJ Elevate is there it is totally awesome! I would highly recommend going then because the music is awesome and everyone is having a great time dancing! So if you love to dance I would go then! read more

Nice, intimate concert venue. It's small but that size is fine for the types of concerts here. The bar and service is friendly and laid back. I would definitely return for another show. read more

Major props to the Varsity for whoever is doing their booking lately. Protest the Hero and AFI were both amazing shows. They've had quite a good bit of great bands coming through and they have been running the shows and sound very smoothly. I love the size for shows too, it's perfect. I also love coming here for Saints games, they do a ton of drink specials including $10 unlimited beer with souvenir cup. You can also order food from Chimes during football games. Always a great experience. I even came here once for a work Christmas party event and it was great. read more

Varsity Theatre - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - Baton Rouge, Louisiana

An exciting atmosphere with occasionally a superb band. Great to place to be on Saturday night. read more

See all

They did soemthing that really upset me, but let me show you why this is an excellent venue. After discussing the incident with their management, here is the email they sent back: Awesome guys... I deleted my original complaints here, but I would like to show you, THIS is a venue that cares about its patrons. You'll never find another small sized venue like this that is willing to accomidate people who love this live... music like we do.My faith in the Varsity is restored. After the way I was treated last night, the varsity management and I exchanged emails to talk about how this shoudl be handled in the future and what can be done to make this right.... we ended with this: Anthony, all of your points are valid. I will respond in order. 1) I tipped her last night out of my pocket because I felt we caused her to lose a ...tip. 2) Most importantly, I apologize for how you were treated last night. The communications you received and those we received were contradictory and your evening suffered because of it. For that I am truly sorry. 3) Feel free to e-mail me directly at this e-mail address the day of ANY show and I will get you the accurate information immediately. (on what level of laser pointer/splitter use is acceptable). 4) It will never be a Varsity Theatre policy to ban laser pointers. We will always encourage self-expression from our patrons. 5) Physical contact is never warranted for non-violent actions. This is not acceptable. I will readdress this topic with my staff. Thank you for your patience and understanding. Feel free to contact me with any other questions, complaints or concerns. read more

This will be the spot to watch world cup. Cheap drinks, good policy that allows you to bring in food from other venues, and the best TV/Movie quality in BR. GO USA! read more

Great place to watch a game, good food from Chi.es next door, great service. Oskar Blues Coconut Porter, 6.5% - really sweet, Imperial Stout 10.5% - great, Old Mad Joy Baltic Porter, 8% - almost like a stout, great flavor read more

The Varsity's location is ideal. It's situated just outside the gates of LSU, next door to The Chimes, and just up the road from Louie's. I've only been a time or two without the sole purpose being to see a concert. As many posters have mentioned before, the concerts would benefit greatly if the upstairs seating was opened more frequently. I did manage to grab a table there for The Veronicas, which made it far more comfortable and gave us a good view. I can't say that I've ever been disappointed in my experience. I haven't dealt with terribly late starting concerts (i.e.- Snoop Dogg), and the seating is really only a mild issue for me, personally. Overall, I find The Varsity to be a cool venue with a good deal to offer. read more

Great place to see a show, it's fairly small and intimate. They get some good acts coming through, and hold events for local places (like the Yelp Party of the Year!). Parking can be an issue, it's all street, but apart from that, there aren't really any downsides to the location or bar service. read more

The Varsity is a nice venue inside, I enjoy the atmosphere. The problem is that whoever is working in their booking department has awful taste in music. I drive by all the time and it's rare to see a quality act on their board. read more

And you need more adequate parking! You have shows there. Thats a lot of people to fit in that tiny parking lot

I wish they would open their upstairs for seating. They HAVE added tables to the downstairs 2nd tier, an improvement. Large stage, still intimate. Reminds me of House of Blues. A great live music venue. The best part is Chimes right next door... drop in for a quick bite to eat. We had various friends playing last night at Varsity. Watched the opening band.. ran over to Chimes for some grub... then ran back to catch the last 2 bands. It was an ideal situation. read more

Very hip, standing-room only theater with several bars and a few tables up top. Other than the parking quirks (but it's Highland/Chimes so....) show up and have fun! I caught Trombone Shorty's show there after becoming a fan during his cameo on the Treme series. I kind of felt what it must have been like to be on set filming that show but way better :-) the light show was awesome btw...is that credit due the theater's people or the band's?? read more

There's no parking, but I guess there's not much they can do to change that. Some of the drinks can be on the pricy side. My biggest complaint though, is that they constantly book the same artists over and over again without adding much variety to their booking. I get that it's a small venue and this is only Baton Rouge but I know they can do better. You would think since their main attendees are college kids, they would book more rap/hip-hop artists but they don't. Or even some EDM artists which they only seem to book one every 6 months. It's sad I live so close to a music venue and all the book is small indie bands. read more

I've seen a few concerts here and I really like the venue. It's in a great spot to grab food or hangout before whatever show you're seeing. I haven't had a bad experience yet and you can't always say that about concert venues. It's standing only on the lower level but there's tables and chairs upstairs. It's attached to "Chimes" which is a must stop if you're visiting Baton Rouge! read more

Being an avid concert viewer, I had an awful experience. Manager was extremely unprofessional. Does not care about the customers needs and cares - less whether they come back or not. Do yourself a favor and attend another venue who values their customers and the music they see. read more

I saw Henry Rollins here and it was great. Everyone who worked there was nice, the line moved quickly, and it was just fun.

A fantastic place for a wedding reception! Everything was perfect. Thank you to everyone that worked to make the reception so wonderful. Great food from The Chimes, beautiful, and great place for a band!!! The Anteeks are awesome, oh my gosh!!! Everyone had a blast! Guests still talking about the food and the whole reception. Staff workers A plus! Everyone that works there are top notch... read more