Cricket Wireless Amphitheater

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  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.

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  Posted on 07.18.13 Mj J.

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  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used to, probably because of some newer venues and also because some of its production specifications are a little bit outdated, but when the shows do happen this place can be a lot of fun.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.

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  Posted on 08.23.12 Charley B.

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  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..

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  Posted on 07.28.12 Rodeo G.

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  Sandstone is what it is. I've been attending shows there since it's beginning. Until Livestrong, it was all we had I attended Blink 182 last night. This is not a review of the concert, but a review of the venue. I go to one to two  major concerts, atleast, every year. I saw the Grateful Dead at Sandstone, and Foo Fighters, Kid Rock (3 times) Blink 182 (twice now). I saw Pearl Jam there and many many other bands.
  
  From 2009 to now, things have changed. When I tried to record from my phone at the 2009 Blink 182  concert at Sandstone, the employees were snappy and edgy, even for a crappy phone recording, all the way back in the seats. Give it up, man. They tried to confiscate several of the crowds  phones and cameras (not mine, I was slick). I have a tiny purse camera I have with me....crappy pictures, give it a rest.
  
  Last night, I had a great experience. I paid 17.00 (yep, 17.00) to park in premier parking. I'm scared I'm going to forget where I park, and that is how I retaliate. I arrived about in time for the parking lot to open,and I parked in a parking lot, marked with numbers, 2 spaces from the opening gate....well, that problem was solved.
  
  They first you at the door, just doing their job. I walked in,and noticed the vibe had changed. Went to the merch ten. I passed on the food, yuck, barbeque pulled pork sandwich or cheeseburger. I don't drink beer at concerts, unless it's above 90 degrees. I had a sealed bottle of water with me,and my purse. My camera, my phone, and my wallet.
  
  I found my seat easily, by being directed by very pleasant staff. For this show, they had lifted aa-vvw seats out, and it was an area destined to fit over 10,000 people strong mosh pit. I've always had a seat. I'm short, and that is my complaint. I can't see over the bozos who stand in front of me. Honda Civic Tour productions solved the problem,by cramming everyone in the mosh pit.
  
  Bored with the first two bands, once the main attraction hit, I was able to see clearly,and even record 4 songs, as everyone else was doing, too. No one spouting to put the phones away. The sound was really good. The show and seating, and everything, even parking, was easy. Organized, and great staff. The bathrooms were clean, and it was another great experience. My only issue is that it is so far away from where I live.  I know most shows, someone  will stand a few rows up and never sit down, and my view might be blocked, unless they cram everyone into a 10,000 person mosh pit. Just remember, everyone behind you paid for their ticket to. I'm glad they had the huge mosh pit, this time.

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  Posted on 09.10.11 Rhonda S.

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  I went to this venue recently to see Jack Johnson and ALO perform. The show was the best I've ever seen, but that has little to do with the location!
  The amphitheater is actually a great place to see shows, with the stage visible from any angle, and every seat having a great view.
  It is open air, which is both a blessing and a curse. When the weather is beautiful, it makes everything better, but when the weather is bad, the place can get nasty pretty quick, particularly in the lawn seating.
  Parking was easy, and relatively cheap ($10) with people guiding you all the way. You can come and go as you please, since they provide you with a receipt.
  Concessions are pricey, but that is to be expected, and the service is great.
  All in all, a great venue. Just check the weather before you go!

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  Posted on 10.10.10 Samuel H.

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  No problems with Sandstone.  We had "will call" tickets (paper tickets were lost in the mail...blah blah blah) and there was a slight delay and some confusion over that, but they handled it well and got it straightened out.  I was actually waiting for an argument because I was expecting them to say they couldn't help us.  So that went well.
  
  Parking was a snap...although a little pricey.  10 bucks?  Really?  Fine.  They do have guys directing you were to go and even how far to pull forward in your imaginary parking spot (it's in a field)... that's helpful for people like me.  
  
  They allow cameras and bottled water, provided it is sealed when you enter.  There are also water refill stations.  Beer and water was being circulated by vendors that come to you...and there were even servers that would bring you fancy drinks if you flagged them down.  
  
  We saw Jack Johnson and really enjoyed the show.  Only complaint was people won't sit still.... up and down from their seats.... I had to stand up each time someone wanted to go do whatever was so much more important than the concert. Grr.....

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  Posted on 08.19.10 Marie F.

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  I really like Sandstone, they were where I went to my first concert ever- *N Sync! hehe. They have a good venue for seeing large acts, since they have lawn seating and that makes for some pretty cheap seats. If it rains, it can get pretty muddy, so watch out for that. Otherwise, I enjoy sitting on the lawn- it makes for the perfect summer concert.
  
  The parking is pretty good, they have it really organized. The concessions were a little overpriced for what we were getting, and the food wasn't that good either. But then again, I was there for Justin Timberlake, and not some nachos, right? I also saw Maroon 5 and John Mayer here; they were good too.
  
  Although the Sprint Center has probably taken away a lot of business from Sandstone, I still think it's a great venue and I hope that good concerts will continue to come to Bonner Springs. They need it!

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  Posted on 10.30.08 Kelsey C.

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  Regardless of the name changes (Sandstone-Verizon-Capitol Federal @ Sandstone), this amphitheater has always been special to me.
  
  Gone it seems are the days when going to a concert in KC meant you were probably headed to Capitol Federal (that seems weird to say) and some random small town called Bonner Springs for an outdoor show.
  
  My first time at Sandstone had me sitting in the lawn section - the section at the back behind the stadium-tiered seats. And you know what? I loved it. I still thought I had a good view, even if it was for some pop princess who'll remain nameless. And nothing quite compares to a concert under the night sky for this concert-goer.
  
  Now with several shows under my belt, I still miss the idea of it all. The  all-day road trips or hours spent in that vast open parking lot, just hoping to be at the front of the lawn if I didn't have ticket. As sun set, the lights came up and the music hushed the crowd.
  
  Great acts will surely be coming more to the new Sprint Center now, and somehow it seems a little of the romance has died with Sandstone. The up and downs of ownership and waves of commerce have taken hold but I hope it returns to glory, cause I miss it.

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  Posted on 09.20.08 JJ W.

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