I saw John Mayer here on 10/1/13. We had lawn tickets with a premiere parking pass. The only reason i did lawn was that I was taking my 3 year old; otherwise, i like to actually see the artist while they are playing. We waited until the opener had ended to even drive to the concert thinking we'd avoid that horrendous traffic going to the venue. NOPE. Took us 45 minutes from exit of highway to parking lot. We arrived JUST as John took the stage. The premier parking pass was the bomb as we were just 2 seconds from the entrance of the entrance AND at exit, they let us use a back way in that took NO time getting out and home. AMAZING! I had to use the potty immediately and upon getting there we entered from the lawn side. There were only dark, gross port-a-potties up on the lawn side. I had to use my cell phone to see what i was doing. It was an awful experience. I did not know that they had lit, civilized flushing toilets at the bottom of the venue. SOUND - Maybe i'm spoiled, but lawn sound was awful. And without binoculars, the band look like ants. Guess that's the last time I'll be doing that. Even my 3 year old was whining that he wanted to "go down there!". The only great thing about lawn seating is spreading out and dancing! :) Yes, the prices of the vendors are outrageous. I brought a bottle of water in and they made me dump it out. Then had to pay $7 for another bottle. And if you get alcohol, prepared to go through one line for a bracelet and then have to show your ID AGAIN when you get to the vendor. RIDICULOUS! read more

I recently went to the John Mayer concert at Isleta. I carefully checked the website and even called to ask about any new restrictions. In the past I have been told no sealed water bottles and other silly things. This show took the cake for silly and badly enforced restrictions. I was told my tiny purse was not allowed in the venue while I watched people bring in larger bags,folding chairs and many other items. It was so random and there did not appear to be any reasoning behind it. When I asked why my tiny purse was being shunned I was not given any reasonable answers. Aperently a tiny purse can be a dangerous weapon where a metal folding chair is not. So Isleta if you want my business stop making up rediculous rules and not telling anyone about them till thay are at the gate and forced to walk a mile back to their car missing half the show. I am not a happy customer and don't plan on coming back. read more

DONT READ THE OTHER REVIEWS ABOUT THIS LOCATION! It's sad this place only has 2 stars! I don't think people realize that it keeps bigger names away. I saw Mumford & Sons and will DEFINITELY BE BACK! I HAD AN AMAZING TIME! The staff was great, the seats were amazing for the price, and the crowd was really frigging awesome. It was as clean as any other location hosting 15k+ people for 3-4 hours. Reading the other reviews I was concerned about the venue. When I got there, I realized that these people just need something to complain about. I can see the $18 beers being an issue. That does kind of suck... But, to break it down... 1. You like the band, or artist, or performance that is heading to this venue? 2. You like to have fun? Then skip all the other reviews, don't listen to the nit pickers and go! Have a wonderful time!! Also, just a side note..Uber from Isleta Resort & Casino was less than $15 and totally worth it! read more

I really want to like this place because I've been here a few times over the years and seen some amazing bands, but the venue is incredibly mediocre. The first thing any attendee will encounter is their ridiculous parking lot that is practically impossible to get into unless you arrive really early or really late. Good luck trying to leave, it's a nightmare. Then, you have to trek through a dirt parking lot that lacks any sort of pedestrian walkway, so you are then forced to either walk down into the glass-ridden patches in between each aisle or walk along the narrow road. The large guitar structure is what one would think is the entrance for the venue, but that only leads you to the steep path you must also trek to reach the box office. One of the only redeeming qualities about this place is that the women's security line is reasonably fast and I've gotten some great coupons that were being handed out around there. When it comes to portable toilets, I really don't expect much. I understand that they really can't keep those clean enough for a busy night after thousands of people did who knows what in there. My biggest beef is with the actually restrooms that flank the stage. They are extremely dim and leave most of the stalls impossible to see in and a good chunk of the stalls are perpetually out of order. During sets, the bathroom is completely deserted, so I don't understand how a few people can't just go in there to refill the toilet paper or make sure that a toilet or sink isn't overflowing. The food is okay, but pretty expensive. I think I spent about 10.25 on some chicken strips and fries. I also think that the pizza was 30, which is just ridiculous. The lack of courtesy from the people that work here is also a huge minus. I was shoved by a rude security guard while tying my shoe because he claimed that I was blocking the walkway. It was just after they had started to let anyone in and hardly anyone was there. Plus, the security really can't be all that good because every time I go, the place reeks of pot. The only redeeming qualities are that they let you bring in one bottle of water (unopened) per person (seemingly no size limit) and that they get some amazing artists to play there. read more

As a professional in the event and entertainment industry, I really love this venue for live outdoor music. The sound is great and the lawn section isn't a bad spot either. The box seats and near stage seating are great too.. Now for the bad: Parking and traffic into a large concert is a nightmare, give yourself at least an hour for travel and parking. Beer and liquor prices leave a bit to warm up to as well, average drink price I would say is about $12-$15 so bring some cash if you plan on drinking.. But all that being said, it's a great place to see live music! read more

Went to see Tim McGraw. The show was outstanding. The traffic to get in almost at a standstill. There are two lanes going in and two going out from the north side, and a paved lane on the side for law enforcement and emergency vehicles. Why don't they shut down the outgoing on the north side and make it four lanes of incoming to better handle the volume of traffic coming in? We were in traffic for more than an hour and a half and missed the opening show completely. Had to park way on the southeast and the entrance at the road bordering the east side was completely blocked with a huge metal gate. It remained locked for the exiting traffic which was even worse planning. We were rerouted back to the interior lots and then routed either north or south. Traffic was rerouted onto Broadway with no freeway access until Gibson. Broadway is poorly lit and the train crossing is not well lit at all, only flashing red lights and no gate. With all of the police vehicles it was hard to determine that it was actually a train crossing and we should stop for the train. That in itself is an accident waiting to happen....at least post an emergency vehicle there. In a city the size of Albuquerque, the traffic situation needs to be significantly improved. " Four lanes in" guys...it doesn't take rocket science to figure that one out. read more

Not bad for an outdoor venue. They need to work on their vendor sales, the lines for t-shirts were ridiculously long, but other than that it wasn't bad. We were standing up most of the time, so we didn't get a chance to get uncomfortable in the seats. The folks up on the lawn looked like they were enjoying themselves. We parked out near the road and high-tailed it out of the arena before everybody else, so the traffic getting out wasn't bad for us either. I could see how it would be a really bad problem for those leaving even just a few minutes after the show ends. This is probably something the amphitheater definitely needs to improve. read more

Expect 30 minutes to get to the parking lot, a line to be searched, a line to scan your ticket, a line to take a piss, and a line out. I found myself literally running out of one of my favorite concerts so I could get to my car and beat the awful traffic that's been caused by a stupid two lane incoming outgoing design read more

Having to pay full price for a child is a bit ridicules. We wanted to see Tim Mcgraw, but $40 dollars is a lot of money for a child that is 2 years and will not sit and watch the show. read more

Traffic is terrible and the security lines are extremely slow. Give yourself 1.5 hours to get there and get in.

Great TV venue l Been to several concerts here and have never been disappointed. The VIP parking is worth the price. Will be going back and seeing more concerts and other events. read more

This venue has been hosting concerts for years now, and they still can't get it right. There was zero order to get in the gates, just a huge mob of people with no rhyme or reason. Took over 30 min just to get into the venue and that's after 30 minutes waiting in the will call line while competes are freezing, workers are slow and they seem to not know what they're doing. People missed half the show just trying to get in. Concession stand prices are ridiculously high. We go to concerts in other cities and they are all run so much better than this. I'd rather travel to another city to see a show then have to come here. read more

I had box seats and I walked around but had left my phone in the box section. I had already shown several of the security my tickets on the phone and they had seen me come and go multiple times. An hour or so into the set I tried to get back in and showed my VIP wristband, explaining that I had left my phone 20 feet away at my seat. They just kept saying no and they would have made me lose my phone and my seat for the rest of the night, but eventually my friend happened to find me and gave me my phone. Then I showed it to them and this was after three or four attempts to get them to allow me to get my phone and show it to them, including me offering that I'd walk with a security guard to my seat and get my phone. I was stuck away from my seats for at least fourty five minutes of the set. Then they let me in and the other security confronted us as if we were trying to "jump the fence" and saying my ticket wasn't valid because they saw my friend give me the phone. Then she just says she can't read my phone, hold it closer and I do and she allows me to go to my seat. I had shown my tickets to the same people earlier, and there was no signage saying to keep the tickets with you for re entry. I went back like 2 minutes after I left and they had seen me in that section. It makes no sense, what is the concern that someone with a VIP pass on their wrist would then try to steal a box seat? And why did it even matter when there were lots of empty seats in the section. This was absolutely deplorable behavior from the staff. Music and sound were great though. read more

I have been standing in a line for women only for over 45 minutes. My husband got in the gate 30 minutes ago. This is ridiculous. I will never come here again. It's discrimination to treat people like this. read more

Super amazing concert, the artists were fantastic and put on a great performance. I really liked how there was a bunch of different food and drink choices, expect a 24oz beer is going to cost you anywhere from $12 to $20 depending on your preference. For the most part, staff was super friendly and helpful - until the concert ended. We were standing around about 10 minutes after the show concluded to avoid the mass insanity in the parking lot when several staff members started hassling us to leave and that they were now "closed". People were still standing in lane to use the restrooms... read more

They have all the great rock bands and I've been able to see many of them which I wouldn't have been able to see if it weren't for the Isleta. I'm able to rent a lawn chair on their website ($8) at the same time that I buy my concert tickets, which I love. The sound is great and most of the concert goers seem really happy to be there and it's good vibes all the way around. Drinks are Outrageously priced but all in all, it's been a really good experience for me. My only real complaint is they keep running out of hand sanitizer in the outhouses, which are disgusting on their own. read more

Only one star because Zero is not an option. First, the cell reception is either blocked or just terrible. The parking is by far the worst experience I have ever encountered especially upon departure. Plan ahead or leave the show early if you need to get somewhere. It took over an hour to get out. The attendants do not have a clue and look frustrated and bewildered at the same time. Even under operation of the Journal they would hire more staff to assist in parking. The crowds walking up the exit, get herded into a narrow "kill" zone that is extremely dangerous. Add in a few idiots on Liquid courage and it is not a matter of if, but when someone get seriously injured. To the Isleta tribe, wake your asses up and get with the times or sell it to someone who can handle the responsibility of running a quality venue. read more

Once again Isleta Amphitheater parking is a freaking nightmare. Last time I said never again, but I had to see Chris Stapleton. Great concert, parking sucks, exiting the parking lot is it a dead stand still. We may never get out. Live Nation and Isleta Amphitheater get your act together!!!!! read more

Worst F$&king venue ever! Hardly any police presence to direct traffic in and out of the venue. Only one way in that funnels down to one lane. Then not to mention one gate that funnels you through metal detectors to get in the venue like cattle. Absolutely no organization. You will spend $20 dollars a beer. Main bathrooms were broken so were closed half way through concert. So that left the nasty porta potties. read more

I was not anticipating getting injured when I purchased tickets for Dierks Bentley. I broke my ankle and saw two other girls on crutches try to make it up and down the hill. This place is not accessible for wheelchairs or the injured. While walking in the golf cart out in the parking lot said another one help when I got to the entrance. There is only one golf cart and it was taking out someone who was passed out from alcohol. I barely walked in and was hungry. We paid 18.00 for a cold burger and french fries (over priced for the quality). When we asked for ketchup the girl behind he counter said we might fill the ketchup container but I don't know....WTH. When the concert was over the golf cart never showed up where security said it makes it stop. No one cared that some people like me needed extra help for once!!! read more

DO NOT waste your money on VIP, absolutely no benefit. The tent had "light appetizers" that were the poorest quality ever, they had been sitting out for at least a day. Oh and the section one up from the pit, considered VIP tickets, are all blocked by the people in the pit. It's not actually a pit, it's actually the same level as the seats. So all you get to see is the back of everyone's head. I realize prices are high at concerts be ready to pay $16 for one beer. The best seats in the house are in the grass, now I know why the grass was section was full and the seats were empty. Pathetic read more

I went to this place when it was called Mesa Del Sol and the first act was Steely Dan. Had fun, in and out easy. Since then saw the Eagles, Huey Lewis and Chicago, among others when it was the Journal Pavilion and Hard Rock. Again, had fun and in and out. Went last week, for I believe the first time under Isleta Casino's control, and it was a cluster f&5k. It was Journey and Def Leppard. The wind was a problem, which no one could control, but getting there and out of was totally unacceptable. When it takes over two hours to get from Sunport exit to the venue, and over 2 hours to get out from the Isleta exit, yeah, there's a problem. What if there was an emergency? Don't get me started on $14 for the cheapest beer. I spent over $800 for four tickets and I couldn't wait to get home to get a refund, even though they said they would honor them for a later date. For what? To sit in traffic for 5 hours again? I love the bands, but not that much. And especially looking forward to those prices? I considered buying season tickets years ago, and I'm glad the little voice in my head told me, 'Ah hell no!' I won't go there again until it's confirmed Isleta has their cheap-ass-shit together and do something about the parking and the traffic. It's a waste of time. People go to see the acts. Not wait for hours in and out and pay outrageous prices for the sub-par food and drinks. They better pull their head out before they close like everything else in the Mesa Del Sol area. Just sayin'.... read more

What do you say about a place that is difficult to get to, expensive as all heck, and sometimes feels is not worth the trouble? I have been here a few times over the years and have the same experience with the venue. Not enough bathrooms, majorly expensive and the bands are somewhat hard to hear. Your best option is to eat prior to coming. They do have a new bag policy so read up before going, though I saw some people with bags that didn't meet the new policy. Parking sucks.....and it's difficult to navigate the lot trying to find your vehicle. Sometimes you have to miss out on some of the concert in order to get out at a decent time. And ladies please pay attention to your surrounds. At the Iron Maiden concert I attended , which was cool, I was approached by a man that was drunk and trying to corner me. Make sure you use the buddy system or at least make sure you are paying attention. Bad thing about the security is they are few and far between and sometimes blends in to easily with the crowds. read more

The venue itself is fine but I gave only two stars for four reasons: 1. Traffic to and from can be horrendous. It took us over an hour to go the last 2 miles. 2. Once you get in the area, pandemonium prevails and it is very difficult to figure out where to park. 3. Food and beverages are terribly expensive. 4. Extremely long lines for concessions and bathrooms. read more

I purchased a ticket to go see Snoop and Wiz on August 23rd, I am in a wheelchair and had to go alone. First I had to wheel myself across the parking lot, then becouse they are so I'll equipped as far as having necessary aids to make the experience of attending a concert enjoyable, I rolled downhill so fast I but my hands trying to stop my chair. I purchased a handi caped ticket with a good view directly behind the VIP boxes. I thought buying this ticket would ensure me a good show. This did not happen Strike three, four, five and on... Two Polish girls sat next to me ( they would not have attacked yet allowed the seats next to me. Because of their dancing and jumping and hitting me I moved to the front of my box where security told me I had to move back to the back cuz the fire marshal wanted the front open. Did not tell the 2 women a damn thing. They continued to dance jump in front of me and take up all the space that the security he had told me to leave open. I will never ever no matter who is playing return to a show at this place it is not worth the drama heartache and pain I had to go through. Before the concert ended I had to leave because I still have to roll up here for about 1 mile. Now while trying to leave no one could give me proper instructions how to get out of the Arena. Once again there was no help to get me to the top of the hill my arms neck and back are in extreme pain. If you are disabled and want to see your concert it is best if you do not do it at Isleta Amphitheater they don't care if your disabled they only care about your wallet... read more

This venue is where all the 'bigger bands' go in New Mexico and it SUCKS. The traffic is TERRIBLE, get it together !!!!!! This place has extremely over priced drinks. Awfullllllllllllll read more

If you can get past the dirty porta-potties with no toilet paper, you then get to deal with lack of security. We had excellent seats in the front row, so no reason to complain, right? Would've been great except that security kept letting people down there the entire show. I paid for that space and there was always someone trying to stand beside me that didn't have a ticket in my row. Security did a horrible job and I witnessed the one security guy let his friends down to stand beside us for 3 songs. In our WC section, front row is actually Row D and you aren't allowed to stand up by the barricade, which is stupid because there aren't any rows in front of you, but security had no problem letting other people down there. By the last 3-5 songs, it was a free for all down front and security was just standing there letting it happen. How embarrassing for the venue. Get a real security team. read more

The venue itself is a great place to see a concert. All of the seats are good and the sound quality is good as well. Even the lawn seats get you pretty darn close. Only complaint here is the price of food and drinks. The alcoholic beverages are absolutely outrageous. read more

i only gave it 1 star because the sound was good. due to not getting my country megapass tickets that i purchased in the mail, i had to go to the box office day of the first concert to recieve them. while at the box office i had an encounter with a very rude and nasty lady. she was very unprofessional and not helpful. i was told to pick up all tickets from her and she kept telling me they didnt release all the tickets at one time. once i got finished telling her that ticket master is the one that sent me she gave me half of the tickets for the megapass, and said she will mark my account to not print or make any copies for in the future if i was to lose my tickets. (both are things that i had no interest in doing once i had tickets). due to not getting all tickets at one time and the possibility of having to deal with the box office again i chose to get a refund. the staff in the room with her were just as rude and no one was helpful. i am very dissapointed and upset with the money that i paid to see these shows and the rude sevice that i recieved. i made it a point to show up very early when it was not busy. this was my first time at this venue and i will not be returning and i will not reffer anyone to this place. read more

Went to Kenny Chesney on Cinco De Mayo at the Isleta Amphitheater. The Staff is rude!! We got to the concert right before Kenny came on, We had pit tickets. We walk in they check our ticket and scribble on it and let us in. We listened to a few songs, then went out to get a beer, the staff saw us walk in and out. After we got our beer they would not let us back into the pit because they never gave us a wristband!!! Then a lady told us to go to the customer service and tell them that they are out of wristbands and its not our responsibility. Well if it was not our responsibility the lady could of walked over to customer service and told them. When we got to customer service they made us wait, what we were waiting for I have no idea because they also did not have wristbands. SO we had to wait for 3 songs before they finally had a security guard escort us in, and since we never got wristbands we had to stay in the pit the whole time, because they wouldn't let us back in without a wristband!! read more

I'd give zero stars if I could. Tonight's concert planning at the Isleta Amphitheater was a nightmare. They had three of the slowest human beings known to man working their merchandise stand nearest to the stage, and as a result me and my guest along with hundreds of others waited for over an hour to get shirts. We missed the entire opening act and by the time I got to the counter, someone cut in front of me and when this pointed out to the staff, he told me to be patient. I told him I'd been patient for over an hour, and tried to keep my place in line and he threatened to call security. He did not however threaten to call security when someone rudely pushed my guest out of the way and tried to start a fight with them. This is fucking ridiculous, and unacceptable. I'll definitely think twice before going back, some bad concert goers mixed with apathetic and lazy staff really hurts the experience. read more

I've been going to metal concerts here since this place has opened I love going to concerts here but it could use more access to come and go . read more

went to see uncle keacer me and 1000 other people waited out side for???fools??? ??and missed follow me. spent over $200 . poor venue . take a lesson from sandia.... run by fools.NO we were the fools. Kid rock was good. read more

This place is awful! I was here on business and decided to go to the Def Leppard concert. I had never been to the venue before, but having been to many, many concerts in many different states, I assumed this would be just another typical venue. WRONG! First of all, what should have taken 19 minutes without traffic, took 68 minutes! i get traffic would be heavier, but really?!? Traffic was backed up for days!! Then once I got to the venue, it was very dark and there was a huge line for women for bag checks. Once inside, the alcohol lines went on for days!! Ridiculous! I went to a shorter, premium beer line and when I finally got up there to order I was told I needed a wristband. What?!? Here's my ID! What in the heck else do you need?! So I said forget it and went down the hill towards my seat. The lines were shorter at the bottom of the hill, so I decided to wait. This time they served me without a wristband, but wouldn't serve the guy next to me. WTH?! Made it to my seat and after awhile, the alcohol kicked in so I went in search of restrooms. They only have porta potties and not nearly enough of them....another line that went on for days!!! Again, ridiculous! If you're only using porta potties, bring some more in, cheapskates!!!! The sound was decent, but other than that, what a half-assed, joke of a place to see a concert. Save your time, money and frustration and go see your favorite band at a proper venue. read more

This used to be a good venue though it has gone downhill the past few years. First off, the parking! For the last time, I made the mistake of parking another $20 for VIP Parking.The parking part is nice, you get to park in the first few rows. The second bennie of my $20 was never realized. VIP Parkers are supposed to be directed out the back way for a quick exit at the end of the show. This didn't happen, and it didn't happen the last time I paid $20 for parking. Where were the parking attendants? We ended up waiting close to an hour to get out of the parking lot. Worse yet, it was each car for their own. OK, my other beef is the sound. I used to enjoy concerts at the Pavilion though the sound is too loud and not done well. Find someone who can manage a soundboard, please! Shame on you Isleta and Live Nation. It will be a while before I pay for another ticket at this venue. Really!! read more

I don't know why all the negative reviews. It is a concert. The key is to be prepared as for any event. Went to the Rascal Flatts concert last night and it was awesome. The venue was great and the view incredible. Even on the lawn seats we had a good view of the stage and the screens plus the sound was perfect. I did not experience any of the problems other wrote about. Getting into the venue from the general parking was easy, We got there about 6PM. They were checking IDs and handing out wristbands prior to going through the security checkpoint. That also was painless, I just had to shake out the blanket I had and my friend's bag was open and searched quickly. After a quick pat down around the waistband, we were on our way through to have our tickets scanned. Then a quick stop to purchase our adult beverages (yes they check your ID again but so what) - we were the first in line- then we found our spot. We enjoyed a nice evening and watched the gorgeous NM sunset while we waited for the line up to start. It took us about 15 minutes to get out of the parking lot. That is the one area that could use some more structure in terms of funneling concert goers to the exit as people were trying to jump in from the side and pedestrians were dodging in and out of traffic. read more

Unable to locate a contact e-mail for either the Amphitheater or LiveNation. Shocker....I'm guessing they would get more complaints than they could handle, and they very obviously do not employ a WebMaster. Attended the Motley Crue concert-- what an ill-run venue. The Isleta website information did not match the event information that we found out about only after we arrived in 96 degree full sun. The Isleta website says gates open at 5, the staff onsite said 5:30 and the gates did not open until 5:50. A young girl fainted in the line I was in, and the LiveNation staff was unprofessional in their handling of the situation. Once inside, we could not go to our seats, as an employee said the seating wasn't yet open. There is no consideration for handicapped ticket holders, even paying for whatever premium pass they have requires standing in line (which not all folks can do) until whomever decides to open the gates. There needs to be a seating area for handicapped people to wait out of the elements, and the gates need to be opened on schedule. (we did purchase seating to accomodate mobility impaired-but there was really no benefit...) Whatever the venue seats, it was sold out, and there was one golf cart -supposedly to transport those with mobilty impairments. One cart. Thousands of people. There was so much activity in the aisles (which may be unavoidable) that it was distracting. LiveNation ushers constantly running after people to check tickets, and etc. It can be run better, it's not rocket science. LiveNation should be reviewed as a contractor if the Isleta Pueblo cares at all about this venue. And make yourself available to hear consumer concerns. read more