I went to the Atlantic Civic Center last weekend to attend tapings of Family Feud. It was only my second time at this facility, the first being Bodies: The Exhibition, during its pre-Atlantic Station days. My first thought about this place last week and when I first visited years ago was that it's old. Really old. From the outside in, the Atlanta Civic Center looks outdated and obsolete. The architecture and design just looks boring, drab, and dreary. It reminds me of the gloomy, archaic buildings at Georgia Tech (e.g. the old library and the Bunger-Henry building), built in the 1960s, most of which were eventually demolished. In fact, the City of Atlanta considered demolishing the Civic Center several years ago, but somehow, it's held on. I will say the Civic Center did a fine job handling both the Bodies exhibit and the Family Feud studio. The Family Feud set was like its own colorful, energetic, and lively bubble inside the cavernous, lifeless, and militaristic confines of the Civic Center. The doors, the walls, the tile, the bathrooms with its gigantic, floor-mounted, porcelain urinals, all made me think I was taking a time warp back to some windowless government office when smoking was still allowed (in the office). I do like how the Civic Center has ample parking with easy in-and-out. I don't know how much longer this place will be around, but it's a safe bet to say it's seen its best days. I give it 2.5 stars generously rounded up to 3. read more

I used to come to the CC at least 4 times a year, back when we were opera subscribers, before the Atlanta Opera moved to the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Center. This may have been a beautiful facility when it opened, but now it's mostly just old and sad. There's a beautiful mid-century glass orb chandelier in the lobby of the concert hall, attesting to the building's former glory. Unfortunately, the old and sad feeling rubs off on many of the events - the opera, the concerts, even the exhibits. The exhibit space hosts some great exhibits. I've seen Bodies, Egypt, and Princess Diana, and all were easy to attend and enjoy. I would definitely attend another exhibit here, though I'm not sure that I'd really want to see another performance in the concert hall. The one plus is that there's plenty of easy parking, and it's relatively just as cheap as the other lots in the neighborhood. The one time that I parked across Piedmont, my car was broken in to, so I always parked in the CC lot itself ever after that. #Yelp365 - 260/365 read more

Although I've been here several times for various events, my experience last night prompted me to write a review. Any time I've been to a concert here, it was a one-time show. Last night comedian Mike Epps performed 2 shows in one night...7pm and 10:30pm. I got downtown and to the venue at 9:30 and the Civic Center had not yet let the first show out yet! I sat in a long line of cars, that wrapped around the block waiting for them to clear the parking lot from the first show. They didn't start letting cars in until 10:50pm, so of course, the show didn't start on time! Overall it was an unorganized hot ghetto, hood mess, in more ways than one! I must say, Mike Epps was funny as hell! He had me laughing so hard, my stomach and head hurt and I could barely catch my breath, at times. And yes, I was looking "Gooder den a Gubment check"! read more

I've been to this place twice, once for the King Tut exhibit and for the America I Am exhibit. While I enjoyed both of the exhibits immensely, the layout and format was identical. Once you paid a fee, you walked through a corridor which led to many rooms that held historical items and artifacts. Nothing stands out about the Center. It seemed like the run-of-the-mill place. The place totally lacks in decor. Don't misunderstand me, the place isn't a dump, it's just ordinary and casual. You don't go here for the venue, you go for the event being held there. read more

The Civic Center is an odd venue to me (and no, I won't be retyping the full name of the place again...it's just the Civic Center, and I apologize to the long named peeps who paid for their names to be on the marquee). I've seen everything from opera, comedy, music, dead things preserved in plastic (the "Bodies" exhibition last year...) here. There's not really a defining theme or quality to what you may see at the Civic Center. As far as sight lines and acoustics, it's not a bad venue. It's newer than the Fox, but it has none of the personality and charm that the Fox has in abundance. It's defining feature is the gargantuan parking lots surrounding the place for me. I've never had to park off-site when attending an event. Then again, if you're on the outer edge of the mammoth parking lot, it might feel like you're practically parked in another city. Conclusion: not a bad venue, but not one I really get excited about going to in comparison to other places in Atlanta. read more

I went there for the King Tut exhibit. On the afternoon I went, apparently the staff had been told to allow white visitors in first, while Black visitors were told the exhibit was not open yet. After watching scores of White people enter, I asked the customer service supervisor about the blatant racism. She refused to offer any explanation, but responded by having security follow me around the exit until they became bored and left. Evidently questioning racist behavior was taboo but the actual racist behavior was okay. How ironic that it was Black American employees following racist policies on an exhibit of artifacts created by dark complexioned Black Africans. read more

Star for location! Star for parking (plenty usually free or really cheap), star for exhibits (been here for bodies, titanic, king tut, and family feud). Probably could give a star to management of this place... Cause they are riding this venue into the ground! Brining it nice exhibits, acts, etc. but the building is tired! Realtor speak for a dump. Honestly though the rent must be low, keeping costs down! Never been to anything here I'd say was pricey! And likely as long as it is standing I'll be coming back. Can't lie. read more

i think I could have had a better design for a venue for concerts and shows. It reminds me of a high school auditorium. If you are attending a concert or show, please try to get FRONT AND CENTER only the side seats are truly side seats. I have sat all over the place and if you are stuck in the balcony please please bring binoculars. read more

As far as Atlanta venues go this one is average. It doesn't boast a huge amount of concerts for mainstream artists, but you'll find many a gospel play on tap here as well as some special events, including comedy shoes and fundraising galas. I used to live right behind the Civic Center in an apartment complex so that made it convenient for walking over to catch a show on a Saturday evening The last couple of times I went I felt like the lobby lights were a little too low. It seemed too dark in there or maybe I was late and that was just a sign that I should have had my butt in a seat! The Civic Center keeps a rotation of events so keep up with the calendar and you will probably find one or two shows a year worth checking out. read more

Went to see Mike Epps here Vday weekend. SECURITY! WTH is security. My weedar went off. As soon as the smoke filled the stage somebody fired up the blunt! What kinda rachet mess we got ourselves into!? I mean really, where was security. We were close enough to high five Mike Epps and security shouldve been somewhere, anywhere around. Anyway, the inside of the building was, eh. They should do a little renovating in there. I can believe the BET Hip Hop Awards Show is held there. Its so small! read more

I'm only giving this place 5 stars because I had an awesome time at the taping of Family Feud w/ Steve Harvey. The grounds of the Civic Center are a bit outdated and can definitely use a makeover. The water fountains didn't work and the bathrooms left much to be desired. But, I had a great time with Steve and that's all that counts. read more

Went there to see a taping of Family Feud. The show was great I hope the Civic Center gets up to speed.

Attended a music concert here last weekend. Originally it was supposed to be held at The Masquerade Music Park, but due to the forecasted bad weather it was moved to the CC. Never been to the CC so didn't know what to expect. Show was sold out and upon arriving I could not find parking. The parking lot was huge but I ended up having to drive down the street and parking in a sketchy looking residential area. Outside of the building looks old and worn down. Ended up sitting in the balcony. First time at a seated venue for a music show which I was not a fan of at all. Would not go back just because of the large size, seats, and location. read more