Knitting Factory Reno

DO NOT GO HERE!!! Security is out of line and manhandles women. Do yourself a favor and see whatever band your trying to see here somewhere else probably sac or Tahoethe next day. THIS PLACE IS NOT SAFE FOR GIRLS!!!

To make a very long story short, I went to a show here with my husband last week (visiting from the Bay Area specifically to see this band).  For some reason, we became a target for a group of about eight local guys, who proceeded to harass and tease us throughout the show.  When one of them approached me from behind and began touching me and tried to grab my breasts, I yelled at him, and the bartender tossed the guy.  Unfortunately, he would not toss the rest of the guys who had been harassing us and egging each other on to bother us.  There was no security around and no visible manager to speak to.  We had to leave the show early.

I had every intention of liking this place, but when staff don't protect women, it becomes a hostile and unsafe environment.  Never again.

I've been to many, many concerts at this Knitting Factory because... if you live in Reno, you don't have many other options. The Knit is, essentially, the only venue of its size in town; therefore, it is the only venue in town that accommodates the majority of touring bands coming through town.

This venue has some strange design flaws. First, the entrance is actually not on Virginia Street but on the opposite end of the building in Fulton Alley. It's not really a big deal, but it is a little odd and counterintuitive. Second, the venue is rectangle-shaped, which does not allow for sound to carry well to the back of the room, nor does it provide for a good view of the stage unless you are front-and-center. They usually do have video screens projecting the show in other areas of the venue, but that sort of defeats the purpose of being there in the flesh. Still, no matter where you are in the building, the sound quality is often lacking.

When the Knit first opened, the upstairs lounge was the VIP area. Now, that space is for those 21 and older, and the VIP space is located downstairs, stage left. It's not a very good spot and certainly not worth paying extra.

That said, the Knit is a good-sized venue, and it's good to have one in Reno. It's small enough to create an intimate experience with the bands, and it's big enough to accommodate some better-known acts with more theatrical stage productions. The staff and security are also great and attentive.