I love small venues! The Criterion is good size, with good acoustics and ample viewing area. Access to bars are everywhere, and the ladies restrooms are rarely at capacity. Security is standard, so bringing a purse doesn't delay your entry too long. read more

The Criterion - Music Venues Near Me - Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

This review is specifically for the owners of The Criterion. I actually have not been to the Criterion but had hoped to see a favorite performer Ray Lamontagne. Due to the MANY negative reviews regarding bad seating, sound, crowds, security, and prices I have decided to skip the show. I know, don't judge a place without going...but YELP has done it's job and to me it isn't worth the risk. I'm sure I am not the only one to skip a show due to such bad reviews. Do some work Criterion, get some positive reviews and I will give your place a try, followed by a great review if it's earned. read more

It was a bit disorganized there where some people sitting in our seats but staff where able to remove them and seat them in there correct seats. read more

First time going, neat venue and good sound. Unfortunately the rows were far too close together and there was a pole blocking my view of the singer which was slightly annoying. Also they are not law enforcement friendly which was very annoying. read more

We came here to see The XX in October. It is a great venue with a decent view from the balcony. The drinks were reasonable and there were plenty of women's restroom stalls to handle the crowd. The acoustics were good and it is a great place to see a concert! read more

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Solid venue. Line to get in went quickly. Plenty of room. Restrooms were clean. Bartenders were quick. I thought drinks were a little pricey and wish the floor was padded somehow not just concrete. Otherwise a solid venue. read more

So they brought a great comedian, Nick Offerman. But man, the bar situation was not great! They closed the bar at 7pm, which is right when the show started. We got there early, but still the lines were crazy long because everyone was ordering multiple drinks. Then the seating in the upper section is not comfortable at all. The chairs dig in to your back and legs like crazy, and they pack you like sardines up there, you can't even sit "comfortably" in the uncomfortable chairs. Do yourself a favor if you want to be comfortable instead of playing keep your cooties away from me with your neighbor, and splurge for the lower bowl seats. Finally the railing in the upper level was right at everyone's eye level that was right behind it. So the whole row I was sitting with had to keep either sitting up super tall or scrunching down to even see the stage. read more

This venue is perfect in many ways. Still recently opened with a great size to truly enjoy performances and with perfectly sized bar that has multiple locations where you can order drinks (only caveat, not the best beer selection - Bud Light, Rolling Rock, Michelob Ultra for the show I attended). Lots of parking options around Bricktown that makes it convenient and the place itself just feels nicer with more quality details compared to other small/mid-sized concert venues. Similar sized venues that attract alternative, regional, and up and coming artists currently seems like a trend and I'm all for it after having been to the Criterion for the first time. Hopefully other national acts that typically stop in Denver and Austin find OKC to be an attractive tour stop thanks to the Criterion. read more

The Criterion - Music Venues Near Me - Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

We went to go see the show "I mom so hard". We waited 40 minutes to get in, we finally got in 30 minutes after the show was supposed to start. We waited through so many crowds, but tried to go the bathroom as soon as the show ended. We had the MOST HATEFUL woman in the bathroom, telling us we could not wash our hands because we had to leave. Mind you, we went in immediately after the show ended, and were being pushed out the door. I am absolutely appalled at their awful business. The woman literally told me to "shut up" when I told her we had come as soon as the show ended to use the bathroom and to give us a minute so we could wash our hands. After we walked out we heard the rest of the staff yelling at people to leave. So absurd to be treated this way. Criterion, you should be ashamed. read more

(Part 1 of 2) This was the worst concert venue I've been to in my entire life. I try to not only post negative reviews, but I feel like there should be a warning issued for anyone thinking it's worth attending your events here. One of my boyfriend's favorite singers in the world was playing here tonight, and I paid a very hefty fee to get us in. The day I found out that she was coming to OKC, I started researching what perks went along with the VIP package, because usually a gated off or separate area suits us best as my boyfriend has severe anxiety and Aspergers. However, upon looking into it there was hardly any information about the VIP package. I decided to go for it anyways, as most VIP packages I've read about have either included separate seating, closed off sections, sound check, or early entrance with meet and greets and so on. However, this one vaguely stated the VIP would come with a gift and early entrance. I figured if we could get in early that would at least help keep it a nice and calm experience for the two of us and let him relax into our spots in time for the craziness of a show to follow. When the time came to purchase tickets, I bought our tickets one minute after the sale started, over a month ago, and went straight for the VIP tickets knowing it'd be worth it for the hassle free night! This was a huge mistake. Since the purchase of the tickets, I kept trying to follow the artist's other events and see what all we might be getting with our hot new VIP status, and I saw and read about people enjoying sound check in the VIP area with snacks and accommodations, private bar and bathroom areas, etc.. I was getting so excited. Until I called the Criterion and asked what we could expect for our night, explaining I still couldn't find information on their website about what our passes included, and I was told we'd get in early and have a show VIP lanyard. One of which I'd assumed was for our VIP area. When we arrived to pick up the tickets this afternoon we discovered many disappointments. First of which was that there was already a line at 2pm. We decided to come back later hoping it'd be a quick line, but were told that 300 people got to get early admittance and VIP tickets, and I was furious to find out that while I'd payed for the highest ticket type available, the higher of two, there was another option. It turns out that an even bigger scam, than that which we fell for, was that an email was sent to the VIP group of 300, a few days before the event, that stated for $200+ extra, you can eat and sit in a reserved section and have a private VIP bathroom. Things I thought I'd be getting with my already $200VIP Ticket price. I was heartbroken. Shortly after finding out that our tickets weren't what we all thought, we were told that entrance would be delayed, and that we'd only get 15 minutes before regular admittance to get settled. That's when I found out that we didn't even get a specific closed off area, and that my boyfriend and I would have to crowd in with everyone trying to rush the stage. The gift bag didn't have anything spectacular in it, and it wasn't worth $100+ extra. It didn't even come with a lanyard, which was the only thing the theater could tell me about my purchase. As soon as we entered a rude security guard rushed us through his metal-detecting gate, and my boyfriend got confused getting through, as we were being herded like cattle, and got harassed by the guard. He said to my boyfriend as he tried to follow the gesture to come through, "See, now you've messed up my machine, because I told you not to walk through yet", which he didn't understand, and apologized shyly, and the guard got in his face with, "I'm not afraid of you, boy!" At which point I stepped in to try and usher him through without the situation getting worse, but he was already relatively frantic. It was cruel and insensitive. We rushed up to get a spot toward the front, as it seemed to be the only slight perk to our overpriced tickets. But before we had time to look at the merch, get drinks, or even go to the bathroom we were being bombarded by people. They were ALREADY the general admission group. I was infuriated. We ended up lasting through about two songs before we had to shove through the crowd and get air before my boyfriend had a panic attack. We didn't get to enjoy the show. We couldn't even see half of it. I haven't ever felt so cheated on concert tickets before. But worst of all, the whole way home, while I'd envisioned he'd be raving about how wonderful it was to see his favorite singer, there he sat, a pile of anxiety and frustration, just telling me of all the horrible stressors he'd faced tonight. I just wanted him to get to enjoy Lana Del Ray in person. I would not recommend this event venue to anyone and I would urge you to strongly reconsider if you're debating on paying them any of your life savings for their non-VIP VIP tickets. This was an expensive and horrible experience. read more

The show was amazing but they yelled at you to get out 2 minutes after the show. I went to use the bathroom after the show and I got yelled at to leave the building (while using the bathroom). read more

The venue is located in the heart of Bricktown which is walking distance to hotels and restaurants. The lines to get in were quick. The downstairs bar lines could have been organized better. The bartender we had was fast and the drinks were good and reasonably priced. The girls bathroom had a lot of stalls and moved quickly. We sat upstairs. The view of the venue from my seat on Ticketmaster was not accurate. I thought I was purchasing a straight on view but was on the side on the 2nd row. The rail was in my line of site. The view must have been from standing up. Chelsea Handler was great, but it was difficult to hear her as the upstairs bartenders were so loud that their conversation competed with her dialogue. I just wanted to turn around and tell them to shut up! read more

I was so excited to finally go to The Criterion for the first time on November 2, 2017 to see Kid Cudi but it was not like how I thought it would be. We had to wait in line for a long time because the first line was for the security to put wristbands on the people who were wanting to have alcohol beverages. Even though we did not want a wristband, we were forced to wait in the line. Finally only three people were in front of us until security announced out loud that if we do not want wristbands then skip this line and move forward... That really annoyed me. We waited in that long line for no reason. Security should have announced it multiple times or at least have signs up! After all that, we made it inside! The place looked so nice and clean! Even the bathrooms were clean. I believe the only reason I would not come to this place is because the sound for Kid Cudi was AWFUL! I could barely hear Kid Cudi's voice. The bass was too loud that made everything rattle. If The Criterion fixed the sound for their bands/artists then this would be a great place! read more

My first time at the Criterion last weekend for the William Clark Green/ Josh Abbott Band shows. I really enjoyed myself. The upper side balconies were shut but there was plenty of room on the floor. The bathrooms were plentiful and clean. I loved the attendant working in the ladies room- nice touch and kept it tidy all night. I will definitely go back. read more

We saw dashboard confessional and Jimmy Eat World there and the setup was excellent for the show.

I wouldn't go here unless it's a band you are absolutely dying to see. The slowest security line I've ever experienced, it's baffling how slow it moves. Venue is decent, sound quality is about the same read more

I have been so excited for the Criterion to open, but because I'm a newish mom, I haven't had the chance to get here yet. And, honestly, Jason Isbell was the first act they've had here that (for me) warranted the work associated with getting a babysitter on a weeknight. However, after attending such an awesome show, we will make it a point to get back here sooner rather than later. There is so much to love! This venue is the right size for so many of the bands I love, who have too small of a following to play places like the 'Peake, and too large of a following to play bars, and too old of a following to play at the Diamond. So I kind of feel like the Criterion was built just for me. And on Jason Isbell night, it definitely felt like that - I saw several really good friends, about 50 acquaintances, and (let's be honest) a veritable land mine of ex-boyfriends, including one who gave me a weird side hug that ended with his beard in my eye. But back to the five stars: lots of close, easy, affordable parking. Lots of fun places to walk to here in Bricktown, of course, for dinner options. Spotless facility - no smoking thank god! These restrooms make me unsure if I'll ever be able to step foot in the Diamond Ballroom again - maybe I won't have to! This feels like a first class facility bands must be happy to play, and I think we get a better performance from them as a result. I'm thankful to all the people who made this venue a reality. I feel like I'll be getting a little bit of my youth back by being able to go see bands that otherwise might only have played Cain's! read more

I pretty much fell in love with The Criterion immediately upon entering. My eyes lit up as I scoped out the still new smelling space. It isn't tainted by cigarettes and spilled booze. Its bathrooms are wonderful. These are the kinds of things to appreciate about a new building. Hopefully it stays this way for a while! I really love that there are so many bars. The two upstairs didn't have the insane lines like the downstairs, and you didn't even have to compromise on the view for the great service. The view from the top is actually better in my opinion. I'm never a pit person, so I'm perfectly happy being upstairs with room to breathe. It's all standing room and general admission which I think is a pretty good set up. The sound was booming (in a good way), but I have to wonder how far it carries. If you live around Deep Deuce, it's very possible you'll know every time there's a show. I can't wait to come back and hear what other awesome bands OKC can attract now! read more

They HAVE to get this together. They just have to! OKC needs this! They're bringing in GREAT acts. But right now, it's amateur hour and it gives me a sad. Line around a city block to get in because they only have like four doors at the main entrance, and not enough people scanning tickets/checking IDs. Took 45 minutes to get into the place. Some people naturally formed lines, but because they didn't have any ropes or railing outside, other people just rushed the door and got in without waiting. Totally lame and frustrating. They have other side doors they need to utilize and they need to direct the crowd outside. Men's room ran out of paper towels before the show even began. The main downstairs bar was understaffed. An entire section of the bar was not being serviced, and a point of sale screen was going unused. Meanwhile, the line is long and slow. The bartenders were working hard; not their fault. There were almost no trash cans anywhere on the first floor. People had to just pile up their empty cans in a corner, which of course resulted in liquid on the concrete floors that needed to be mops up. I mean. Wut. One weird thing I can't remember if I've ever seen at the number of other venues I've been to around the region was that OKC PD were hanging out inside the venue before and during the show, in addition to private security. To me, having the OKC PD, fully uniformed and armed, inside the venue made me a bit uncomfortable. I don't know if they have to do that or what. The sound is a bit echoey. But there's lots to love about this venue. But they have work to do. read more

The positives: Great sized venue, conveniently located bathrooms and bars within, great bands coming. The negatives: It has no heart, no history, no authenticity. It feels sterile and stuffy in there. It looks like they designed it phenomenally well and forgot to add anything in there to make it interesting. I'm obviously comparing it to Cain's Ballroom, Oklahoma's premier music venue. Cains has history and eclectic touches that make it unique. I'd love to see the owners commission some local artists to fill up those empty walls with badass art. Not Hobby Lobby art. Real, cool, weird art. Make this place more than just a great building. Make it a great venue. Make it weird and cool, and unique. read more

Great venue! Very nice place. They definitely have some kinks to work out, but they are a brand new place so that is to be expected. First off, they need signs at the top of the stairs to let people know they can't stand near the railings. I got there right when the doors opened and went straight upstairs since that is where I knew I wanted to be for the concert. I did get a spot at the front of the risers. But the only reason I didn't get a spot by the railing is because I had happened to see pictures from the Ben Rector concert and noticed that no one was standing by the railings. And then the more I thought about I figured that made sense because it could potentially be a safety/fire hazard. But for other people coming to the concert they wouldn't have known that. By having signs up (and maybe putting a statement on the two screens upstairs before the concert starts) it would keep the security guards from having to constantly walk up to people and tell them to move. I didn't drink when I went, so I can't say what the bar experience is like there. I will probably check it out next time I go to a concert there though. There are a total of 3 bar areas. One downstairs and two upstairs. The risers upstairs have designated walkways for people to enter/exit the risers. I was standing at what is supposed to be the end of one part of the front row, so whenever people at the top part of the risers left to go get a drink or go to the bathroom, they would be walking right by me. Totally not an issue. But what was an issue was when a group of people showed up to the concert (kind of late), complained about there not being a good place to stand upstairs to see the stage, and then decided to just stand right in the walkway of the riser. Technically they should not have been standing where they were. I would've figured that would be a safety/fire hazard as well. So, since they were blocking one part of the entrance/exit, anyone that was on that side of the riser had to go to the other side to enter/exit. But people shouldn't have had to do that. From what I could see, it didn't seem like any of the other risers had an issue of people blocking the entrance/exit walkway. Security didn't really seem to care that they were standing there. But it's whatever, that's more on that group of people not being courteous to other concert goers, and not the venue's fault. Overall, it's a nice venue. Definitely some kinks to be worked out. I would still recommend checking it out! //went April 2 for Third Eye Blind concert// read more

The Criterion - Music Venues Near Me - Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

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Me waiting for drinks at Third Eye Blind: 5 minutes: *waiting calmly* 10 minutes: *growing impatient* 15 minutes: *screaming internally* 20 minutes: *actually screaming* Figure this part of it out, and I'll be back. Suggestions would be to make an actual line instead of the free-for-all thing going on and to have specific people for beer only or liquor and beer. Location kinda sucks, but it's new and big, so not many other places to put it. East Bricktown area will fill in eventually with the new apartments going up over there. Venue was pretty dope otherwise. Stage height is perfect and I love the side screens. read more

The venue is amazing. Love the upstairs. I was really hoping for a Cain's Ballroom experience and almost got it. OKC people are pushy! Was surprised by the rudeness as that does not happen in Tulsa. Do better OKC. We are there to hear music and relax! Plan to take out a small loan to have a couple of drinks! The prices are unbelievable. Again - we can do better here. $7 for a Corona $8 for a Horny Toad and $9 for a cocktail. Price gouging at its finest!! read more

The Criterion does not even deserve one star. If you want to go to a concert where you are able to hear the band over the noise of the crowd.... this is NOT venue for you. Every concert I have seen at this venue has been awful beyond words. No matter where you are standing in the venue, you cannot hear the music. It is a special kind of terrible. Trust me when I say, it is worth it to drive to another state to see whatever show it is you think will be good at The Criterion. It's a JOKE and you will leave disappointed. read more

Clean restroom. Clean venue. Friendly staff. Poor air conditioning. A little overpriced. Great venue for concerts. Close to IHOP for post event snack. read more

This is just what OKC needed...a concert venue that isn't located an hour and a half away from OKC...seriously I cannot properly explain to y'all without dropping F bombs how frustrating it was to always have to drive to Tulsa (usually on a Tuesday night) to see a band I like. I love love love the layout of the criterion! The bottom floor, which is basically the mosh pit area, has 2 nicely sized bars to serve patrons. However, I've never been a mosh pit fan and usually stand towards the back of the crowd, so the Missus and I ventured upstairs. The second floor is fantastic and I love the inclined standing areas that offer an excellent view if the stage. There are also 2 bars and on my visit, a My Morning Jacket show, I didn't have to wait to get a drink. Service was friendly.and quick. The Criterion also was well maintained. I didn't see a bunch if beer bottles, trash, etc lying around. I attribute this to staff that I constantly saw walking around tidying up. Overall, I had a great experience and look forward to seeing more shows here!! read more

The sound system sucks sound muffled cant hear artist sing any song and the bar charges your card for more than the actual charge every time it's a scandal read more

I went to see a show back in July, and was excited we finally had a venue like this. The space was large, and it was cool to see they had an upstairs VIP area where you could view the stage from the balcony. Things I want in a music venue: good bar selection and service, clean restrooms, good A/C, large space, and good sound. The only (and most important) thing that the Criterion lacked was the sound. The sound was awful!!! The sound was awful for the opening band, and they still didn't fix it for the headliner. Hopefully they've fixed it since. read more

I'm excited to see that OKC has gotten a venue of this size. I'm new to the city, but it seems as if this was what OKC needed. I hope this venue sticks round! I came here for the first time to see Disclosure. The box office employees were really nice and the security at the entrance we kind too. This venue is really awesome. its beautiful. I love how there is a balcony area and a main floor. The concept of opening the balcony where necessary or when its too full downstairs makes a huge difference! the sound was great for the show and like that the venue is wider set up rather than long. just a personal preference when i'm at a venue. The lines for the bar were outrageous and it took quite a while to get drinks, but I also dont think they were expecting that many people for Disclosure so I can cut them some slack on this. I guess i'll see how it is when i'm back for Taste of Chaos at the end of june. I can't wait to come back here for more shows! read more

I was impressed with The Criterion from the moment we stepped inside. It's probably similar in size to the Diamond Ballroom, but about five million times nicer, cleaner, etc. I saw Dashboard Confessional and Taking Back Sunday here and it was a blast. I know it's fairly new, but it was super clean and the size and layout is perfect. It wasn't packed shoulder to shoulder and it was very comfortable, and we had a good view from pretty much anywhere. The upstairs area seemed cool too, but we were a bit confused on if the bleachers were reserved "seating"/standing? There were rows and numbers assigned to the bleachers so I'm still not totally sure. Bars were conveniently located and were really fast. I know we'll be back to The Criterion, and hope to see some good acts come our way now that we have a small, nice venue! read more

Good venue. Horrible booking agent. Just the size OKC needed but, the person who books the bands must be a 20 something millennial pop fan. Saw Gregg Allman. Great show. Not one band since has inspired me to go. Don't get the seats on the wings. The poor slobs who did, were so pissed their view was blocked. Enough with the syntho-pop one hit wonders. Gets some blues-rock, rock, southern rock... Something other than the crap your booking. So disappointed. read more

A wanna be bougie Diamond Ballroom. Air ventilation for a 3 year old establishment is beyond terrible!! Beers are so overpriced. Sound system was embarrassing at Vampire Weekend. After others noting the same it's obviously an issue with the venue. I hate they aren't taking feedback and correcting issues. I love the bands that come here but honestly I'd pay more and travel farther for a better experience. read more

Stormy Carbajal of Shockefx Group/BSWEG, TeamBreakerbox TBGCAF, and @rtbwweekly says: FINALLY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! OKC has an intimate entertainment venue (500-2500) that you can go and experience a kool concert or vip event. For the longest time, promoters would not event bring concerts through OKC because of the lack of venue selection for an artists tour (smaller shows in smaller markets sometimes called "fan experiences" or "PROMO DATES"-when artists are promoting an album & doing radio interviews and/or as press-prep for big tour) Mostly getting routed to either Tulsa or Texas. OKC also did not have any intimate venues for local promoters/show producers to produce an local event and/or show and be able to get a ROI and/or also that provides a big market experience and flare. We do now. BRAVO GUYS & THX! Stormy Carbajal @shockefx1 #weexpresslife read more

It was a nice and clean venue. However, $3 for a bottle water is ridiculous. The sound was ok until they blew my ear drums when they blew the sound board!?! The worst experience ever at a show. read more

Great place for live music. Lots of room, wet bar in the middle of arena and balconies that wrap around looking down to the stage. Saw the Deftones at the Criterion and loved it. Great spot for just about any type of venue. Pretty easy to get to as well with places to park on the north and south side of building. read more

The worst venue I have ever been to. Sitting on plastic folding chairs for 2 hours, crammed so close together, I only got to sit on half of my plastic chair. You could not see over the heads of the people in front of you and even if you finally caught a glimpse of the stage, it was between the bars of the balcony railing. When you go to see a comedy act, it's pretty important to be able to see them and not just hear their voice for 2 hours. All the funny expressions and acting out stories was completely lost. If your band or comedian comes even a few hours away, I would recommend driving that far rather than waste your money on this venue. read more

I freaking love this venue. I wish more touring acts would come here. It has this kick ass cat walk with giagantor tv screen so you can get an up close and personal experience with the band. The sound was great, the drink lines weren't awful and they have a fairly decent drop off and parking situation. read more

The people who run this venue have absolutely no clue what they are doing. I saw Travis Scott here on May 12. They opened with a DJ who really excited the crowd and caused a heavy mosh, which ended up damaging the barrier in front of the stage. Understandably, they needed to clear the area to repair it before they could continue. But for this they insisted we evacuate everyone from the building.... which was a complete cluster. People were very drunk and they were not effectively relaying instructions. Some security was doing nothing while others were literally physically throwing people out. And tons of people just stood around inside and faced no repercussions. All the while the area near the barrier was completely clear and being repaired, meaning they did not need to send anyone any father outside but they continued to do so. Horrible. Horrible communication with both the customers and the team, and no plan at all. To top it all off, once we got back inside they closed the bar even though there were still 2 performers left to play.... Obviously if a performer you like comes here there's nothing you can do, you'll have to come, just be aware that the people who run the place are clueless. read more

Nice venue for smaller bands, but ridiculous alcohol rules. You can only order from half of the bar top.

WOW!! The Criterion staff carries the best energy. I've never not been pleased with the way they've treated my friends and I.