As a former native of the region, I've been to PPG Paints arena- at the time it was Consol Energy. I've seen a few hockey games there, maybe even a concert or two, but it was so long ago that I can't review the arena based on any of that, but I was here recently to see a concert so I get to tell you all about that. The best thing about the arena is that it's in amazing shape. It's only eight years old, yes, but for all of the events taking place there, they've really done a great job of keeping it up-to-date, clean, and looking like it opened up yesterday. The arena holds roughly 18,000 hockey fans and anywhere from 15,000 to almost 20,000 music lovers during any given concert, that's a decent amount of yinzers! The seating is comfortable, even for a tall person like myself. I mean, it's not heaven, but it's definitely much more manageable than most other arenas. The seating is set up on an angle in the upper-level that at times, makes you feel like you might be falling off of a ledge if you step in the wrong direction. I imagine being drunk here is rough. And mentioning the capacity, the concert I attended was packed, but I never felt over-run with people. Plenty of food options here as well. You can get a dilly bar from the Dairy Queen in sections 105 and 234. You've got Fox's Pizza (one of my favorites), Turnpike Tavern, Smokehouse, Burgatory, and of course your standard places to get popcorn, nachos, and more. You're able to get a refillable soda if needed for under $10, but it's only one refill so FYI. Oh, and it's RC COLA, which I think is amazing. Always have, and always will. RC is Life. Sorry for the side rant... I think security here is a little off. So you walk through security first, which is great, however, you don't scan your ticket in until much later, leaving, what I feel is a lot of room for exposure. It kind of felt like there was a lot of room for free reign for people who didn't have tickets. I guess I've just not been to a venue that has their security checkpoint inside the venue. Most places I've been to does the security outside and the ticket at the door so I guess it just makes me slightly more cautious that someone, even though they got through security, who doesn't belong here gets inside. That being said, I honestly really like this arena. It's one of those, "no bad seats in the house" type of place. If you get a chance, please go. read more

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I've been to PPG Paints Arena many times over the years for concerts, Pens games, and other events. Even my college graduation was held here! The venue is beautiful and the staff are nice. The one greeter at the top of the escalator (Francine) is the best! The security check can be stressful because people really funnel through. It says on their website no bags are allowed, but I always take a wallet with a strap and haven't been questioned about it. I like that they have a self checkout for drinks! My friend and I went to the John Mayer concert, and noticed the new (or new to us) Get Go inside the arena. You picked your cans out of the cooler (beer, seltzers, water) and scanned it at the self checkout. It was a cool idea and made the line go fast. I also like that they have Burgatory in the arena! It's nice to have somewhere that offers a vegetarian menu item in an arena. The prices for food and drink are very high- on par with Heinz Field prices. I rarely order more than 1 drink here because I know it's going to be so expensive. I went to the Rage Against The Machine concert most recently which reminded me how lucky we are to have this awesome venue. They bring in great shows! read more

PPG Paints Arena - Stadiums & Arenas Near Me - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

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[[HIGHLIGHT]]Amazing place.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Best hockey team in the world. The staff is awesome, food is also awesome, and [[HIGHLIGHT]]the atmosphere is amazing.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] I recommend coming here for an event or hockey game. read more

Wow this major arena is Huge and the seats are very comfy on your tushy and way better than our blue cross arena seats. The confession stands have really good foods like chicken fingers if that's your go to meal but expect to pay big bucks for any foods or drinks. The price for a soda if it's a fountain style or bottle will set you back $7.00 and bottle water is $6.00 so I suggest you eat before you go. There is a parking garage next to the arena with a price of $40.00 ouch! You can park in a lit across from arena as well with the same price.We came to see Maverick city and Kirk Franklin in concert. The arena was on fire for Jesus Saturday night. The back up gospel choir was Lit ! This was a night of Awesome Christian music filling hearts and spirt lifting through all who attended. read more

PPG Paints Arena - Choir was on the view - Stadiums & Arenas Near Me - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

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The atmosphere is so fun when you are here for a Penguins game. Doesn't matter if you root for them or not, if you're in Pittsburgh just stop in and have fun. The food and drinks are great. I love that they have self-service food ordering. Stadium beers are always pricey but it's well worth it! read more

PPG Paints Arena - Stadiums & Arenas Near Me - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

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The PPG Paints Arena is a great venue to see a game or an event. The staff is very polite and helpful. My only concern is how steep the stairs are one the second level. read more

Great venue ! One of the nicest new venues in the city of Pittsburgh. The Family loves coming here for different events. Easy to get around. Signs are posted and staff is friendly and helpful. Highly recommend coming early and looking around. We will return !!! read more

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PPG Paints Arena is an average arena that is home to an above average hockey team. The concrete floors are holding up well after roughly a decade of overjoyed Penguins fans stomping their footwear on it. The food court, however, is an obnoxious reminder that an affordable hotdog ceases to exist these days. I had to take a loan out just to get a cup of sink water there. I will be back, but I will bring my business to the American Airlines Center until Crosby scores his first goal there. read more

PPG Paints Arena - The Steelers need to get something going. - Stadiums & Arenas Near Me - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

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[[HIGHLIGHT]]Great Arena, Perfect sound![[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Springsteen was amazing! Great food assortment. Easy to get in and out of. Lovely employees thru out. read more

Came to the arena to see Cirque de Soleil Ovo...half the arena was blocked out to make the most of the stage. The show was FANTASTIC....BUT there should have been a description on the tickets when purchasing. We were in 215 and had multiple speakers and lights obstructing our view when the performers were high in the arena. The light bar was blasting right in our faces making it difficult to see and left us feeling exhausted from squinting. Come on now we didn't pay to feel like we were on an airport runway about to take off. read more

PPG Paints Arena - Stadiums & Arenas Near Me - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

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I love attending events at PPG. The entry and exit are always swift and fast. Can't ever go wrong with stadium nachos! I've never been disappointed by a seat in the venue either. Every concert I've gone to I left feeling energized and that I got my moneys worth! Acoustics are great! read more

PPG Paints Arena - John Mayer concert. - Stadiums & Arenas Near Me - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

We have come here for so many hockey games and shows, like Disney on Ice and Cirque du Soleil. The food, the entertainment is awesome and you'll definitely have an amazing time! read more

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Went for a hockey game last night. 70's theme night. The arena was jamming with great music. There was a great home grown live band, November Blue, playing between periods. The Pens put on a fantastic game. Crosby scored the initial goal it his own unique style and new kid Brandon Tanve scored the game winning overtime goal. Great game and fantastic music made for a wonderful night. read more

My main complaint is their door policy. A great many people lined up before the doors opened the evening I was here. Several elderly women were standing in the cold and lined behind one set of doors along side the front of the main doors. The employees knew those would not be opening and could have directed them to the correct doors, but didn't. These older ladies had to go back to the end of the other lines and wait longer in the cold. Two had canes and one was using a walker. I enjoyed the concert and met some nice fans of the performers. My seats were good and expensive, but I had a decent view of the performances. Expect to be gouged on drink and food prices. It comes with the territory. It would be nice if consideration was given to people who aren't familiar with the admission and security process. A security guard or two, could have been stationed outside to direct those who don't frequent hockey games and a lot of concerts. PPG wants to pass itself off as a friendly venue, they fail when it comes to older patrons. read more

PPG Paints Arena - 11/16/18 Josh Groban concert with Idina Menzel - Stadiums & Arenas Near Me - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

My first time seeing the Pens play and got a chance to see them tangle with my team, the Toronto Maple Leafs. I remember hearing that the former home of the Penguins was a bit of a dive, but the newer PPG Paints Arena is anything but that. I found it to be bright, well laid out, convenient, and with not a bad view in the house. We were in section 223 L and even as an upper bowl seat we all agreed that the view was awesome. The tech and A/V was also top notch. Look forward to coming back to Pittsburgh for another game in the future. It's very affordable compared to prices at Scotiabank Arena (former ACC) in Toronto - totally worth the five hour drive. read more

PPG Paints Arena - Stadiums & Arenas Near Me - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Attended a concert here for the first time in years. We were on the floor, and the staff was super efficient about getting us where we needed to be. It's a great space for a concert. If you're on the floor and you need to rehydrate, make sure you look for the water fountains if you don't want to shell out $8 for a bottle of water ;) Also great for hockey games. My personal favorite way to see a hockey game is from the SRO seats-- they're always a good time, you have a great view of the ice, and it's significantly less expensive than seats. Highly recommend. read more

The last time I was in Pittsburgh, the Penguins were playing at the Igloo. They now play at the state of the art Consol Energy Center, and from our hotel, it was a mere 2 blocks away, so we walked to the game in 36 degree weather. Brrr to us Californians. The arena was a bit crowded to navigate, as the concourse was a bit narrow. They did have interactive things for fans to enjoy, such as an oversized hockey helmet and interactive tv's. There were plenty of food to choose from, but the condiments came strictly from Heinz. I chose to have the kids version of nachos at a bargain price of $2.75, but sadly the tortilla chips were horrendously salty. Probably for fans to buy more drinks! Their beverage provider was RC Cola, but unlike the Honda Center in California, they offer Diet Dr. Pepper, which was a relief as diet RC sucks. I also tried my luck with the 50/50 drawing, but alas, someone else won the pot. We had excellent seats in the lower bowl, but sadly, my Ducks lost 6-2... which probably sucked for our goalie, John Gibson, who is a Pittsburgh kid. read more

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I'd give this venue 5 stars if they carried either Pepsi or Coke but RC? Really? Who on earth drinks that stuff? (Ok, I do when held hostage at an event lasting several hours and I really, really, really want something that resembles diet coke.) Sigh.... That aside, it's a wonderful venue for hockey. Note that if you get the cheap seats, there are no drink holders, whereas, there are down below. I only know that because of getting free tickets to be able to enjoy the seats below nose-bleed level once in awhile. Those seats also have a bit more leg room, if you can believe there would be less. Food vendor choices are adequate, lines weren't that long, and the restroom line was manageable and the facilities clean enough. Food/drink prices are what they are as in most venues of this type. Deal with it. There are ample parking options nearby, depending on how much you want to pay to be closer to the action. read more

PPG Paints Arena - Stadiums & Arenas Near Me - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

I'm a bad Pittsburgher. I remember when they started the debate on whether to build a new arena in the city. I remember when they started construction on the new arena. I also remember opening day for this venue, such a big to-do. And this is where I am a bad Pittsburgher, I have just visited the Consol for the first time. Shame, shame me. I have driven past this so many times that it's hard to keep track now. Since I have driven past so many times, I have to disagree with all those people mumbling about how "ugly" it is on the outside. It's not going to be the most beautiful building, that is for sure, but I also don't think that it is as grotesque as people are making it out to be. It fits in so nicely in the Uptown area, it gives you the continuation of the street that doesn't make you feel like there is too much space with nothing there. I mean, heck, they even have street level eateries, albeit they are chains. I love the glass front facing the downtown area, it gives the building this grand feeling when you walk in. It also gives you a false notion of how tall it is from the outside. When you get inside heed this advice, take the escalators. Unless you are in tip-top shape, the stairs will murder you by the time you reach the top. I love the options they have for food in here, however I did not take part in any of it while I was there (I had ate before showing up). I did drink while in here, but it's your typical drinks you can have at any bar outside this building (and at a cheaper price). I've heard from numerous people that there is not a bad seat at all in this place. I have to agree. You have perfect line of sight no matter where you are sitting (unless you are here for a concert and sitting on the floor). Sound is amazing in this place, the concert I saw (Maroon 5) I did not have a problem making out anything. I also love how they have curtains at the top of each section to block out light from the concourse area. That way you can enjoy the show and not have light glaring from behind you. I also love that you cannot get lost in here. Seriously, if you keep walking, it's just a huge circle and you will end up back where you started. Bathrooms are sufficient for a place of this capacity with more than enough stalls for a rush or people. The only thing bad about this place, and it's no fault of theirs, is the parking. We chose to park at the Greyhound Terminal and walk up. Upon leaving for the night we didn't have any problems with traffic, vehicular or pedestrian. I can't wait to return here for another event, it is so welcoming. read more

Let's go Penguins! Clap, clap Clap, clap, clap Even though I'm a Leafs fan, I do have a lot of love for Pittsburgh even though I think I'm a jinx to the team. It seems the Pens are in the playoffs when I'm in town for the marathon and I've caught two games over the years. The first, they lost to the Canadiens at the Igloo. This time, they lost to the Islanders at Consol. Sorry about being bad luck for the team, but I had fun at both games. Plus, I got to see Sid come back and score two goals, so that was awesome. The Igloo was cool but not very fan friendly. Consol Energy is awesome. From the delicious pulled pork to the plentiful beer, everything about this place was great. The sightlines were amazing, the energy in the place was great. Sound system and electronic signs were just right. This is definitely one of my favorite arenas in which to watch hockey (I hate MSG!). The design is clean and flows well. The only negative was getting out took a long time. Not as bad as MSG but I thought they could improve on the outbound crowd flow. They do it great at ACC in Toronto. But that's a quibble. I love Consol Energy Center and hope to return again. Let's go Pens! (Unless you're playing the Leafs) read more

PPG Paints Arena - Stadiums & Arenas Near Me - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

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Awesome venue. I always enjoy coming here to watch the Pens play! The arena is clean and well-planned, with lots of options for food and drink. Bathrooms are generally clean, and the local staff are always helpful to us. I've sat in several different sections to watch the hockey games, and haven't yet felt that there was a "bad seat" in the house. I hope to be back again and again! Please note that the above review doesn't include my impressions of their parking arrangements. I docked two stars from my really favorable impression because of the way things are. Being gouged for parking sucks - I hate paying $20+ to leave my car in the middle or back of an empty lot. With ticket and concession prices being what they are, parking could be more reasonable. Middle class families will soon be unable to enjoy Pens games (many are already unable to do so because of the cost...) and we will all suffer. Build an adequate parking structure and offer reasonably priced parking, and fans will flock to your games and buy expensive fan items and food. read more

I had an opportunity to go watch NHL while I was visiting Pittsburgh in May. We had seats at one of their suites, which is always a great experience. I have only seen NHL game from a regular seats, so this was going to be very exciting! The arena was right in downtown, easily accessible. Legends Suites comes with food and drinks. They had nice lounge area with comfy seats, counter seats facing the arena, and of course, stadium seating as well. They had water, beer, and soda cans in the refrigerator. If you want to drink something different, like some wines, we could simply request them to the staff in charge of our suite. The staffs were very attentive and nice. They had some food prepared on the counter, such as fruits, subs, chips and flat bread. It is not the best food out there in the world, but with the awesome suite experience, food is not the main focus. Watching the game from such relaxing, fancy spot is the focus. One thing was that their suite did NOT come with a bathroom. The bathroom was located right outside of the suite, and you must have your ticket with a bar code in order to come back in. There was a scanner right by the door on the outside, where you simply scan your ticket, and the door unlocks. However, a really cool gift that is included in this suite is their team, Penguin hat for everyone. I certainly got my yellow Penguin hat, really cute! This was a fun experience, we had a totally exciting time here watching the game while lounging, drinking and eating. read more

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My first experience here was meeting Heavy Metal gods Disturbed! The arena is ridiculously easy to find when driving in from out of town and parking in the garage was part of my package. I have health issues, but had no trouble going through security or accessing my VIP experience. I can't explain enough how friendly security was and that takes a lot. The band's had incredible lighting and sound. The pyrotechnics and lighting during Disturbed's set was perfection. The opening act was Three Days Grace and they got the entire stadium on their feet. My only complaint was the embarrassing price for a bottle of water. read more

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I LOOOOVE Consol Energy Center. I was here for a Katy Perry concert and a Maroon 5 concert; I had a blast at both of them. I've been in the pit, and sat in the 100s. I can't wait to go back for my next concert. The bathrooms were clean, and there was never a long line in the bathroom. I've never had a problem finding parking. There is a parking lot across from the venue that costs $20 to park, and a parking deck on the other side that also costs $20 to park, I believe. read more

PPG Paints Arena - Maroon5 concert. Full house! - Stadiums & Arenas Near Me - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

PPG paints arena during a pens game is just ELECTRIC. The atmosphere is crazy, so much energy vining through. Workers here did a great job at expediting the ticket scanning process. Everyone had a mask on and they were handing them out outside in case someone came unprepared. Prices for food are high but that's typical/ to be expected. Due to covid, they have moved towards a mostly touchless drink/ food sales system and its great! No more waiting in long ridiculous lines for a beer. read more

PPG Paints Arena - Beer, $11-13 a piece. Expensive but typical. - Stadiums & Arenas Near Me - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

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Hands down one of the worst venues regarding a bag policy. They do not even allow a clear bag, just a small wallet the size of a cell phone. For someone one has to carry an inhaler, it does not fit in a purse that size. I have been to many venues in different states and clear purses make it easy to carry feminine products, inhaler, etc into a venue. I truly hope they enjoy sweaty boob cards at check out since that is where us females will need to keep our cards. read more

Food is awful and overpriced. $15 for some small tenders and fries. Drinks are also ridiculously priced. $16 for a small can of high noon - come on! read more

It's always more enjoyable to see a win here, but it's a fantastic arena! They have put some great Pittsburgh food options in here too. Certainly worth going early to grab a bite to eat for an event or game. read more

I've been to PPG Paints Arena a number of times for many different events including Pens games, concerts, and shows. This is a pretty nice arena. It's well taken care of, lots of food and drink options, and plenty of clean restrooms. It seems like every year there is a new food option, so that's always nice. The drinks however, are severely over priced. $9-$10 for a beer. I guess that's the going rate for arena prices, but it's still a total rip off. read more

PPG Paints Arena - Stadiums & Arenas Near Me - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

I've been to PPG for hockey, concerts, ice shows and basketball games. There isn't a bad seat in the house! I was here most recently for the City basketball game. Had a great time. Lots of food stands open with decent options above your typical nachos and soft pretzels. Plenty of bathrooms in which I did not have to wait in any sort of line. At the end of the game they opened up several exits so everyone wasn't stuck in a long line for the escalator. My only issue with PPG is parking. Its all over the place and price is ridiculous. I typically park on Forbes Ave and walk. read more

I was a little disappointed when I attended a Pittsburgh penguins game on a Saturday night. People had always told me that hockey games are crazy and the fans get really into it. I don't know if it was just an off night but I was disappointed in the fans interacting. They would barely chant. The arena however was cool and well kept. It had plenty of eating options and a cool setup where you walk down into your seats. However, drinks were crazy expensive as usual. read more

Okay, okay, okay. I may be a tad bit biased. I'm a Penguins fanatic. Therefore I'm automatically going to think this arena is awesome. As you can see from the less enthusiastic Yelpers, it's a popular opinion that this is a nice place. PPG is on the opposite end of the business district, closer to uptown and the universities. It's placed on a hill, so if you come through the main entrance it looks much larger than it actually is. The gift shop is located up the escalators, and out of all the arenas I've been to, it's one of the nicer ones I've seen. It has a good selection of affordable items plus specials you can't get anywhere else. Every time I've come here, I've always had a good view of the ice. I typically sit in the lower level, either in the corner or on the side where the Pens shoot twice. I can still see action at the other end of the ice so I don't miss out. The concessions, as other people have mentioned, are subpar. I can get my primantis and an IC lite so I never have issues, but if you're not the type that enjoys French fries in sandwiches you may have to stick to an over cooked burger or chicken tenders. One Yelper mentioned a chicken sandwich on the upper level that sounds tasty. I may have to venture over next game. PPG will earn 5 stars once the rest of uptown is built up. When you attend a game at PNC park or Heinz field, you have a plethora of options to pre & post game at. The area around PPG isn't quite there yet. I will always give the Penguins arena at least 4 stars, and I can't wait until they're ready for 5. #letsgopens read more

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I soooooo enjoyed my first experience at PPG. I went there for the Janet Jackson concert. And she was absolutely amazing!!!!! As for the experience at PPG--the staff were wonderful. I got a bit tripped up with the seating and the ushers were calm and patient with helping me to find my seat. But before that, my bestie and I stopped at the Tako counter to order chicken nachos. Oh my goodness, it is heaven on a plate! I've been to the actual restaurant before but I am not certain they serve that there. If they do, I would be there all the time! I do like that they have several restaurant to go stations in there, instead of your old generic hot dog, nachos, and slurpee. I am very pleased with my first experience at PPG! And Janet rocked it out!!!! read more

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I went to see the Transiberian Orchestra over the weekend. I have never in my life encountered a more disorganized way of getting people into the building. It was a clusterfuck. Hundreds of people weren't even in the building before the show started. We arrived at 2pm and didn't get to our seats until after 3 pm. My advice is to get there way earlier than you think you would need to be there. It was a nightmare. read more

What a great arena. Been here for concerts and hockey games. Not much that I can say that it's really nice, has nice places to eat at the arena and overall worth visiting for an event. read more

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Wow what an arena! We visited from Detroit for a concert. This arena is set up and designed so well. Plenty of concessions within easy access, bathrooms well placed. Escalators between levels! Plenty of parking options within walking distance at an affordable price. We were highly impressed! read more

Although I only visited the PPG arena to enjoy a very very good Katie Peary concert I have to say that this arena is very well put together. I am very glad that I had the opportunity to visit the PPG arena. It's very accessible from the hotel that I decided to stay in and it's easy to maneuver around. There are plenty of different types of refreshments that you can purchase before during and after whatever performance you are there viewing. I also liked how there were ushers standing a round and happy to guide you as this was our first time visiting the center. I do recommend that you bring some cash with you. I wanted to get my daughter someCotton candy however they were selling it in those boxes that go from row to row. So I recommend that you bring a little cash to make your visit a tad sweeter read more

I've been to multiple things at PPG, and what was Consol. Rock concerts have not been my favorite at this venue, seems like the reverb and echo is muddy. For sporting events specifically hockey it is an awesome venue. Not a bad seat in the house, every seat has an awesome view of the ice. Coming from a city that used to have the Civic Arena is limited view seats, where you were literally parked by the 4 foot wide concrete pylon, this is an awesome change. There's enough bathrooms, entrance and egress are smooth and easy even for the most crowded games. The box seats are lovely, and the closer you get to the ice the better. read more

PPG Paints Arena - Lit up extra special for the holidays! - Stadiums & Arenas Near Me - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Went here the other night for the penguins home opener and it was packed. Parking was $25 which wasn't bad. The arena was pretty nice too, had many food options. I got a beer for $14. The game was very fun, penguins won. read more

PPG Paints Arena - Stadiums & Arenas Near Me - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Went to see the afternoon matinee of the Trans Siberian Orchestra on 12/16/24. First of all, the parking areas nearest the arena cost $40. We found a parking lot a few blocks from the arena which cost $20. I was using a cane, so the walk was a bit difficult. Then we stood in a "line" to get in. It was complete chaos. The lines were blocks long, people kept creating new lines because the originals were way too long. We got to the arena more almost 40 minutes to give us enough time to find our seats for the 2:30 start. We weren't even inside the door by then. The event had to wait for 15 minutes to start the show and people were still trying to find their seats. I was upset before the show started, which didn't bode well for watching the actual show, which was okay. I had to leave a little early because of the loudness and the flashing and strobe lights. Altogether it was a bad experience. read more