Cricket Wireless Amphitheater

I haven't been here in over 10 years and it's EXACTLY as it was then.  I think they have replaced the seats closest to the stage with white folding chairs.  Luckily, we had seats one section up so they were still the "built in" blue fold-down seats.  Actually much more comfortable than the little white folding things that people paid more money for.  

I liked that as I entered, I didn't have to go through a turnstyle; those things bug me and they are just pointless.  LOL  After entering, I was given several free tickets for some small shows in the coming weeks.  Since I live about 15 miles from Sandstone/CapFed/Verizon/Cricket/"who knows what next year", it was a sort of nice treat.  I might just head back out for something.

I had to laugh that I was sitting in an Amphitheater owned by a mobile phone company and I couldn't get cell service to save my life.  Granted, I don't use Cricket service but that shouldn't matter that much.

The price of food and beverage were average.  I got a pretzel and it was under 5 bucks.  The alcohol was reasonable too and pretty typical of what is generally offered at sporting events and such.  

I really wish the screens were larger.  I wasn't sitting that far away but if the Amphitheater could make one upgrade, I would suggest bigger and brighter screens.  I would hate to be at the top of the lawn.. I'm not sure I could have seen them.

All in all.. not a bad place to go.  I like that it's "low frill" and still getting used considering it "out of the way" for most people who live in the KC area.

All the big towns have amphitheaters and Sandstone is Kansas City's amphitheater. The old girl doesn't host as many shows as it used to, probably because of some newer venues and also because some of its production specifications are a little bit outdated, but when the shows do happen this place can be a lot of fun.  

The new owners, who have been around for a couple of years now, have cleaned and fixed a lot of things that made the place feel a little run down. I will never say the bathrooms here are fit for royalty, but at least the water works in them now.  The food is still processed venue food, but there are more and better options than every before.  The beer lines still run long, but now they have vendors who make their way through the lawn and up and down the walk ways for your over imbibing pleasure.  My favorite thing that the new ownership has done is remove the front seats which allow for a good amount of people be down close to the artists.  I think this adds a little more atmosphere and lessens some of the disconnect from the stage and the crowd.  There are still reserve seats available, with a decent view too, if you're someone who wants the option of sitting down in between acts. Parking is going to cost you $10, but the staff is real good about getting you in and parked quickly so you can get yourself into the show.

Now, there is a reserved lot in the back which costs more, but there is only one way into the main parking lot. GET TO YOUR SHOW EARLY.  If you think you're going to arrive 15 minutes before the show starts and get in then you are sorely mistaken. Like I said earlier, the parking staff is good at getting you in and parked, but you have to remember 17,000 other people are also attending and they're entering and leaving just like you are. Show up a little early, bring a couple of chairs and a cooler and enjoy yourself.

So all local bruhs got some sort of intoxicant fueled story about his place that takes it to an "11".  Bottom line, the place sucks to see a good show if your there for the performance.. if you are there for shakedown street, people watching, etc then not bad at all.  That said, if you get a chance to see a smaller act that can't sell out lawn, then give it a shot..