It is somewhat old theatre in Houston with outdated facility, there was only one handicap accessible restroom and there was a security guarding it, at the show I went to that night and I had a hard time to use the regular restroom as it is small and I did not feel steady in it. The seats are OK and the concession stand had some OK nacho and expensive water. There is only one parking garage that you have to pay to park here. read more

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Houston has these little gems throughout the surrounding area which some artists favor for the intimacy of the experience. The artists that performed that particular night was a jazz trio and Lalah Hathaway. The venue had an art deco vibe. The Arena Theatre might seem big from the outside looking in but once you walk the hallways and arrive to the center, seating is fairly easy to find because it is one big circle. The concessions stand offer light snacks (pretzels, popcorn, hot dog, etc) and the average well drinks. I recommend locating the WC before the lights dim so you will not walk around in circles. I do not know if it was the sound engineer for that particular night, but the vocals were off in the beginning and there was a bit of feedback interference. About halfway through the event the sound was corrected. Overall, nice intimate spot to see your favorite artists up close and personal. read more

Arena Theatre - View from Sec 13, Row U, Seats 13-14 - Music Venues Near Me - Houston, Texas

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So its a little old-school here but the way this place is designed is very unique. The stage is in the center of the arena and the seats circle around the stage and the stage turns! Whaaat? This way everyone can see the artists perform! The areana is not too big and gives it an intimate concert vibe experience. You won't see no big name, up incoming artists here, its mostly artists from the 90s and 80s from all genres. So there is little to say about the rest of the venue, lets start with the restrooms, they are original to building old, old like 70s old lol. They are hard to find if you're buzzed and they are small, only 2 stalls if I remember correctly. an overdue update is due but I don't see them making any renovations any time soon. They have a few concessions that sell limited drinks, beer and your typical regular concessions stand overpriced food: hotdogs, nachos and popcorn (you know that food you get when you're starving cause you didn't have time to eat cause the concert was on a weeknight and you rushed home after work to s.s&c and you were able to get there on time even a little bit early and then start smelling the popcorn so you get hungry so the food still manages to taste good especially after having a couple drinks on an empty stomach good) yep remembering the adrenalin rush of all that just hit me and now I'm craving those stupid hotdogs as I'm writing this. Now, I know why I love this place... its the nostalgic smell of concession stand food mixed with the cold ac blowing and add the music I listened to as a teen, that I never imagined I would see performed in person but now as an adult Im seeing it live! God! it's good to be in my 40s! shut up! This place is awesome! I don't care... I don't care that it has a Maze of an entrance that I won't remember how to get out of after the concert is over and I don't care that's a 30 minute drive from my house I love it here! read more

Arena Theatre - Mikel Erentxun y Miguel Mateos - Music Venues Near Me - Houston, Texas

The AC either doesn't work or they don't turn it down past 79. Its so uncomfortably HOT that you can not enjoy the concerts. Ive seen multiple complaints on the same situation on their social medias. The drinks are incredibly over priced as welll. But the AC is the #1 issue. I don't think ill ever go back. So sad! Its such a good venue read more

Small venue. Good view from anywhere you seat. The restrooms in our area where closed so it made the other lines longer . The place needs a refresh ...it's dirty and old. read more

Dear readers , we went to see the gypsy kings, and the theater makes you feel as if it's your own private party. The theater is so intimate, there isn't a bad seat in the place. I look forward to seeing another concert there...only complaint is parking is 20 dollars....so expensive...next time I will Uber! read more

2021 Review I came here to see Ledisi on a Sunday night. This is a smaller venue which I can appreciate after experiencing the absolute madness at NRG. It's been recently remodeled with new seats. It's a big circle and the stage is in the middle and it rotates, however it wasn't rotating this night because some seating sections were blocked off. Please note that you do have to walk down a slight hill to get to your seats if they are not in the very back and there is NO HANDRAIL OR LIGHTING. So don't go sashaying down there at 7mph with your stiletto pumps on. They have 2 concession stands. Overall it reminded me of an older high school auditorium with no frills. Parking was easy and it's TEN DOLLARS CASH ONLY!! read more

Even though this place is old and run down, it's a great place to see a concert. It's a circular venue with a rotating stage, so there's not a bad seat in the house. It's a small space, so every seat is close to the stage. My only complaint is the alcohol situation. There's a menu board with three types of wine listed. So I ordered some wine. However, they didn't actually have any wine. Apparently, that menu board has been there since the dinosaurs roamed the earth and its never been updated. So I got a margarita on the rocks instead, because they didn't have any flavored vodka. Whatever my date was drinking, they ran out of it, so he ended up with something similar (sort of) the next time he went back. So the alcohol situation is sketchy at best. With that being said, I will definitely return here for other concerts. read more

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Very cool place to see a concert and feel welcomed. All seats are amazing. The venue is not big at all so, neighborhood a bit old but definitely a good place to see an artist if one is playing you want to see. Ohhhh the place was a bit warm, lacking AC read more

Brrrrr.... Super cold like a new hospital baby! Intimate setting with really good seat all threw the building. It's plenty of bar sections with drinks and very loud popcorn. Bathrooms were clean for the most part. Building could use a renovation but it's good prices for the close seats. Parking is $10cash only. read more

Other than the fact that this place reeks of popcorn, the interior (including the carpet and seats) are really old, this isn't a bad venue. Arena theatre brings in a lot of classic artists of yesteryear, like Randy Travis, Dwight Yoakam, Blondie, Diana Ross ...I'm still kickin' myself for missing Loretta Lynne back in December 2010. I didn't have anyone to go with, and that's never stopped me before. There isn't a bad seat in the house, since it's truly "an arena" with stadium-like seatings and a circular stage that rotates. There's a small - but fuzzy - screen that also gives you a better view if you're blind like me. There are plenty of bars, the lines move fast, and they take cash/credit. They just have an awful beer and wine selection. Stick with liquor. Restroom lines move fast too, but they too need an update. Other cons: They don't let you dance in the aisle or rush to the front of the stage and security is really annoying - and unfriendly - about it. We get it, there must be some sort of fire code, but sometimes you just gotta go with the music. Parking is $10, but you can dine at Fung's Kitchen pre-show and leave your receipt in your car's windshield ... at least that's what we did. read more

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A month ago attended a concert which started one hour and thirty minutes late. This weekend as another concert and it began one hour and ten minutes late. If you are punctual and impatient this place will annoy you. Arrive thirty minutes after what the concert ticket says. We did not have to worry about parking however noticed there are large lines to get in. Once you are inside you will walk past some strange artwork. Then you arrive at the entrance and get scanned in. Everyone gets to go through security to prevent any malicious behavior. Once inside of you have no idea where you sit ask an usher. Crowd was extremely bothered with the female radio dj that screamed at the top of her lungs to waste time until artist. Here is a word of advice for Arena theatre how about an apology for starting late? Or better yet improve your communication skills by starting on time. There are plenty of classes for better customer service and some are even free. I hold great respect for ushers and security trying to keep the audience safe. Unfortunately Arena theatre is at fault for initiating the crowd to become obnoxius with concerts starting late. Sound quality can be decent to almost poor. My car speakers sound better than the Arena when sound quality takes a nosedive. Usually we eat before we arrive, thank you all the yelpers for the food tips. We order drinks which are fine especially the mineral water. The only thing I would wish for is to please add cup holders to all seats. The air is cool and not too cold. I didn't need a sweater however I usually take one just in case. Our seats were comfortable though you will need to move or turn if people pass by you. Once you actually get to the performer most of the stuff I mentioned tends to disappear in the background except if sound quality becomes poor and the distant reminder of the female dj screaming. Yup, I can still hear those awful high pitched vocal cords that makes you just want to exit the arena, grab ear plugs, or volunteer to go up their on stage. I might just do that if I ever go back. read more

Arena Theatre - Theatre - Music Venues Near Me - Houston, Texas

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This is a great sounding venue for rock shows. Seats could be a bit bigger and have a bit better beer selection. Over all really great venue. read more

Arena Theatre - Dokken - August 6th 2021 - Music Venues Near Me - Houston, Texas

Seats uncomfortable and parking is cash only yet their ATM never works and they have a card machine in the garage but refuse to accept card because the parking company probably gets paid under the table. Will never come back here anymore not worth it read more

Arena Theatre - Card machine - Music Venues Near Me - Houston, Texas

Great venue to enjoy a good concert, the view from any angle is great since the stage rotates, you see the artist from any place, and the sound its great, love the venue..... read more

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No AC for two straight events we have been to. The heat was so unbearable we didn't stay for the end of the show. This has to be some type of building violation. read more

Just attended my first show here (Travis Tritt) & really enjoyed the venue with its unique in-the-round/rotating stage setup. Audio mix and lighting were top-notch. Some negatives mentioned in other reviews seem to have been resolved w a change in ownership: concession stands did have wine for sale, seating was comfortable and appears to be fairly new w included cup holders. Found the parking garage easy to get in and out of, however the show was sparsely attended due to lingering pandemic fears. This probably won't matter beyond 2020, but I was happy that the venue did not have a roving mask gestapo. They did require a mask to be served at the concession stands & 95%+ wore one when going to restrooms, etc. - just didn't have to wear it while at your seat. Reasonable. Would definitely go see another show here. read more

Arena Theatre - Travis Tritt at Arena Theater, Houston - Music Venues Near Me - Houston, Texas

We attended cameo and the barclaya at the Arena Theatre in Houston and the concert was amazing. The Barcays brought down the house. Cameo was pretty good. Cameo isn't what he use to be. The lead singer Larry Blackmon sounds the same but ain't moving the same. Only song a few hits spent most of his time sitting on a stool ana only perform ed about 35 mins. What we heard waa good though. I had a great time read more

Arena Theatre - Waiting for Cameo - Music Venues Near Me - Houston, Texas

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You had two years during Covid and being shut down to get the air conditioner right. You wait until a packed event jagged edge and ginuwine and you can't get the air right. Why was this not tested earlier? Why are the artists 1.5 hours late plus so far ? Why ...I will never be back. This was already a horrid venue and add the air not working on top of maybe you would like to refund the money on the tickets since you don't even have a safe forum. I see a Covid outbreak getting ready to happen in this hot mess. read more

Wow! Last time we were here to see Dwight Yoakum had a small issue, HPD solved it instantly by removing the irritants. Tonight I've been called ever racial epithet and reported to the Deputy "monitoring the situation ". Apparently, I paid lots of $$ to be racially slurred and told by the Deputy that I'm intoxicated, therefore the problem. Magically the Deputy and offending (at least to me) parties are all different than me. I paid quite a few $$ to attend this show and support our local 95.7 radio. Apparently I'm wrong for wanting to hear the bands and not chatter. Love 95.7 & the Arena Theater but I will probably never waste my money again. I can hear annoying chatter at any Starbucks for free. read more

Came here for a concert last night and a really good time! First, the parking situation went OK - there was someone standing by the road that led us to the parking garage for the venue. It cost $10 (cash!) to get in, so I was glad that I had a $20 bill in my wallet. We managed to find a spot on the third floor, and it was an easy walk to the entrance of the venue from there. One small trip through the metal detector and we were inside! The venue's seating arrangement is pretty neat - it had a giant circle of seats around the stage (which was at the center), so everyone had a pretty good view. The stage also rotated throughout the performance, so everyone got a chance to see the performers facing them. Of course, the other side of that coin is that sometimes you had to stare at the back of the performers, but so it goes :) They did have a small screen hanging up above the stage that always showed a good angle of the performers, so that was nice. There were numerous bars throughout the venue, and prices were pretty much as expected for a concert venue ($7.50 for a cup of domestic beer - lame!). The venue didn't feel quite as large as something like a Toyota Center or NRG, so it would have been nice if the prices were discounted more, but oh well. Bathrooms were OK but not great, and the entrance / exit doors were a little strange. One entrance door into a small room, and then another entrance door into the actual bathroom, and then a SEPARATE exit door into a small room and then another exit door back into the venue. I guess such a strategy prevents two people from injuring each other by trying to enter and exit the bathroom at the same time, so it sort of makes sense :) We bought our seats shortly before the concert (spontaneous!), but we still managed to sit in a row with a good view of the stage, so that was pretty cool. And ticket prices weren't too unreasonable, so that's another plus. With respect to the show itself, the sound system was pretty good. I could hear the performers clearly, and the DJ who played when the artists were NOT playing definitely got the place shaking. The only real negative aspect of this venue was that it got really hot as the night went on. Everyone was fanning themselves and trying to cool off - I get that there are a lot of people there and everyone is dancing, but it'd be nice of the AC could handle that kind of activity :) I'm sure it's pretty common! When it was time to leave, we managed to navigate our way out of the parking garage pretty quickly, although I think we were aided by the fact that there was a meet-and-greet with the main performer after the show :) I would definitely come back to this venue! I just hope they invest in some better air conditioning at some point. read more

Yes, it's a bit older, but what a great venue to be up close. There are no bad seats. Everything is close. Parking is easy once you find it (signs are tiny!) and cheap at $10. Concessions are cheap ($8 premium well drinks; wine wasn't offered. ??). Bathrooms are small, but they were clean at the beginning of show (didn't revisit). I definitely would attend future shows here. read more

No such thing as a bad seat. The stage is located in the middle with surrounding seats forming a circle. Even if you are on the last row, you are good, especially since there are several screens to watch as well. Since the stage rotates, make sure you know what section you are seated. I was trying to find my seat based on the way I thought the stage was facing, not knowing it was rotating. Long lines for drinks, but what venue doesn't? I love that the crowd moves around and aren't confined to their seats. People walk, stand and dance in the isles which is awesome for those who get antsy in a seat for long periods of time. The restrooms are very clean and maintained due to the cleaning staff that is on standby. The parking garage is conveniently located right next to the theatre. I prefer to use the stairs since the crowd is too big for the limited amount of elevators. If you dont like to wait in line, leave right before the last act because the parking garage can get backed up quick. Overall, this is a nice outing. Not to be compared to the Smart Financial Center or other big venues. read more

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Disclaimer:  This review solely represents my experience with this business on one or more occasions.  It is not my intent to encourage nor discourage anyone from patronizing this establishment but rather, to offer my opinion of the facts that occurred during my visit(s).... Listen, ima tell ya like this here... I.LOVE.THE.ARENA.THEATER. You cannot beat being so up close to an artist. Its easy to get to, ample parking, navigating inside is a breeze (minus that will call debacle every time), they always have groupons available to save the cost of those ridiculous, ever increasing ticket processing fees. It's not the newest venue, bathrooms I hear are old (I try not to do old bathrooms so I work that out beforehand & hold mine if need be....just being honest). But to be such a short number of feet away from one of your favorite acts....I love it! read more

I went to the venue to see Travis Tritt in a "socially distanced" show. The parking staff, ticket staff, and Houston Police Officer were courteous and professional, and Travis, as always, delivered a great show. The disappointment came in hundreds of people who did not wear face masks. There were signs requiring them, but no enforcement or even request. People screaming, singing, and sloppy drunk with not a care in the world about my safety or theirs. I was disappointed and yes, free to leave. I couldn't enjoy myself in the environment and overall it was a huge failure on the inaction of the venue. This used to be my favorite venue, but I doubt I'll return. read more

As their saying goes, "There's not a bad seat in the house", I couldn't agree more. This is, hands down, my favorite venue in Houston to attend a concert. I've been to many concerts here and other music venues all over Houston but I just find this place to be the best for your viewing pleasure. It's intimate and more personal than most. There isn't much to write home about as far as the concession aspects but they do sell popcorn, a few other snacks, and alcoholic beverages. I've only had wine here and IMO it's kind of overpriced. They usually have a guest DJ from one of the radio stations to keep the crowd entertained, engaged, and grooving before the acts come out. On the negative side, the arena is pretty old and is in need of some updating, but if you come solely to have a good time and hear your favorite artist you won't be disappointed. read more

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Yes, the venue is dated. The restrooms and concessions could use an update, and the beer selection is pitiful (ONLY Bud Light? Not even Miller Lite?) That being said, this place is amazing to see any artist at. There is not a bad seat in the house. As other reviewers have mentioned, the stage is in the center and rotates. It reminds me of MTV Unplugged. I have seen Dwight Yoakum here twice and also saw the Gypsy Kings. Talk about an amazing show! I highly recommend checking out the VIP seats. For Dwight Yoakum, there were $69 tickets far back, but for $119 we got 3rd row PLUS $25 a piece to spend at concessions, which we would have spent anyway. That is a steal! Our 3rd row seats were amazeballs. Also, this venue does not participate in Ticketmaster/LiveNation tickets sales, so you must go directly to the website. If the website says no good tickets are available then don't hesitate to call them and ask about the VIP. They are a bit old school in that way. I highly recommend checking this place out!! read more

Arena Theatre - This close. No zoom! - Music Venues Near Me - Houston, Texas

I made my way to Arena Theatre for a salsa concert and I have to say I still love Arena Theatre. I mentioned in my last review how much I like the sitting arrangement at the theatre, I still do. This time I actually got to use their bar, their white zinfandel was pretty good. I got some nachos and pop corn too. As usual, the show started an hour late, but at least you can eat popcorn while you wait. The sound was impeccable, and the lighting was great. I loved the show, it was amazing. I did take one star away because I realized what a horrible parking situation they have going in the garage. The last time I was there my ex drove so he kept track of the spot. This time I drove and lost the car! The garage does not have parking numbers and since there was a lot of commotion on the elevators we didn't even know the floor we were on! There were at least 50 people with lost cars. My sister and I left my mom and my other sister on the first floor and walked all the way to the fourth... that's where we finally found the car!! I know the garage is not owned by Arena Theatre but they have to do something about numbering the spots, that situation was out of control. Meanwhile, YOU will find me at Arena Theatre whenever one of my favorite artists come to town! See you there! read more

parking entrance and lack of traffic control made us late to the show over 40 minutes to proceee less than a 1/4 mile. no excuse for this

I love attending shows at this venue, its built in one big circle with a revolving circular stage in the middle. It is impossible to have a bad seat so do NOT get caught up on the price of tickets and location of seats. There is always some unclaimed seats near the stage that you can slip into, trust me. I had a blast watching my Soul favorites do their thing. I have to put emphasis on the quality of sound, I recall that it was so vibrant I could hear every breath the performers took. There are about 4 bars and 4 bathrooms. Don't wait to visit the ladies room while the intermission is going on.,, the line was so long I had to return to my seat when i was 3rd in line so I didn't miss a second of Dwele. read more

Arena Theatre - Eric Roberson - Music Venues Near Me - Houston, Texas

Saw Stokely/Joe here. Enjoyed the show though the venue had the ac turned way up.. wished I'd brought a jacket. Show started after nine though we got there before 8 to avoid lines. Parking was a nightmare to get out , took at least at least 30 minutes to get back to street, not my favorite venue to see a show but I'll plan better next time to make myself more comfy. Unfortunately have to support this place in order to see rnb acts at a reasonable price. Love the revolving stage.refreshment prices better than most venues, better to eat before you come. read more

Arena Theatre - Music Venues Near Me - Houston, Texas

The theatre is not bad. My problem was security getting in. Being the last in our group and also last in the line I was in made me an easy target I guess. They would not let me take my phone in because it had a camera. It was an iPhone 5 which is very common. It was obvious they just wanted my phone. I didn't surrender it and finally someone came looking for me so they let me in. read more

4/5 Stars (80%). Pros: Every seat is a great seat in this theatre. The stage is a rotating stage, so no matter where you sit, you get to the artist. There are bars around the arena, which was a plus for me. The bartender did not fail me on my vodka and pineapple. My sister and I attended a concert last night. We had seats on the 4th row. Not bad at all, but as I stated before, every seat is a great seat. Cons: The theatre is older. My seat's arm rest was loose, so resting my right arm was not an option. It was fine because 99.9% of the time I was up dancing. The restrooms are pretty small and could use some remodeling themselves. But with a few upgrades, the theatre will be even better. read more

Arena Theatre - Juvenile made it to the stage for the "Mystikal and Juvenile" concert. - Music Venues Near Me - Houston, Texas

We saw Amy Grant last night. She is a class act and we enjoyed what we saw of the show. But, we bought our tickets two years ago and it was cancelled due to COVID. After a year of not being rescheduled we tried to get a refund which proved to be impossible. The Arena said it was a Ticketmaster issue and there was no way (literally) to communicate with anyone at Ticketmaster. Their phone tree had an infinite loop in it and all of the paths on their web site led to dead ends. With over $200 in tickets we were pretty frustrated. We were excited when it was rescheduled but though both our paper tickets and the Arena's web site listed the concert starting at 9PM we arrived to find that it actually started at 8PM and we missed about 40 minutes of her show. Sorry, but we will not be returning to the Arena. read more

Seating is pretty comfy. Sucks when people need to get out-the whole row has to stand up and leave for you to get out. That plus a lot of drinking, just make sure you apologize and smile. Rest is the same as the other reviewers -intimate seating area -stage revolves(it didn't for the comedy show) -mixed drinks and beer(bud light) -popcorn and nachos (cheese only) -bathroom works, not the cleanest but the toilet flushes and there's soap and hot water -sound was good -the tvs worked -ushers very willing to help you find your seat. I think that's it! I would go here again. read more

Arena Theatre - Regular labels, nothing fancy to find your seat. - Music Venues Near Me - Houston, Texas

Beware they cut off the AC to force u buy drinks smh terrible never again ........ could been a nice establishment

Interesting venue..... normally, I would like it but the cons outweighs the pros. The line to get into the parking garage was insanely long, I thought it was because of the number of people in attendance, turns out it was because the garage is cash only with no signs warning. So every one was having to wait for cars to pull up, find out they have to have cash (in 2022 no less), back up, and drive away to find an ATM. ATMs only had 50s which the garage attendant complained about because it's all anyone could get. The entire process of getting into the venue took WAY too long. Get there an hour early. Security had you go through the metal detector (like everywhere else) but then didn't care that it went off. They didn't check at all. Hopefully I never have to go back. read more

The venue is old and definitely smells like popcorn.. But they serve hard liquor and the setup is round so you can see the show really well and the sound quality is pretty good. The seats are older, but it's an older venue. I didn't mind too much. I thought the show was intimate and you can see the stage pretty well on all sides and even in the back! Enjoyed the Ja Rule and Ashanti show and had a perfect view and music was awesome! Throwbacks! Loved it! read more

Arena Theatre - Ja Rule and Ashanti! - Music Venues Near Me - Houston, Texas

Bathrooms are small. I like the circle stage, you are able to get close. Houston we should be ashamed of ourselves. I went to Bun B and Too $hort back in January and it wan't even sold out. It pissed me off....how could we let that happen. Oh well they wrecked shop! read more

Arena Theatre - Front Back and Side to Side - Music Venues Near Me - Houston, Texas

I would give this place 3 stars only because there's no bad seat in the house. Also, the stage rotates, which allows you to see the artist regardless of your seat. The drinks are expensive. Came here in February to see Calvin Richardson and Lalah Hathaway. I was very disappointed with the show. Calvin Richardson was good, but as you can see from the crowd it took forever for Lalah Hathaway to show up. In the meantime dancing, audience entertainment/participation, BS.... then when she finally showed up, she had on a jumpsuit and high top Converse tennis shoes. The jumpsuit look like it could be worn around the house lodging or you could sleep in it. I was very surprised, as I've seen Layla Hathaway before but never in this type of attire??? On the plus side she did a couple of her dad's songs, which was worth going to hear. read more