I like this Amphitheatre..I think the size is perfect. It's not too big and not too small. You can see the show from pretty much from every spot at this amphitheatre. Plenty of parking and even tho the cost is $5, it's pretty convenient to get in and get out.
We saw The Avett Brothers performed here and it was an amazing concert. The security people are on top of everything and like any other venue, no outside food and drinks are allowed.
It's definitely one of my fave venues to see concerts outside of Portland.
I'm new to Oregon from Atlanta so I am used to larger venues, but that doesn't bother me much. I am sitting here for the opener for the Avett Brothers and have already been aggrevated by the staff several times. Every person we walked by tried to tell us where our seats are - we walked by 6 saff members on the way up to the red section a we figured it out between the first person and the direction on the ticket stubb. At the 5th staff member my husband was walking with his ticket out his is hand because wed already been hassled by 4 previous members for our seating, and that 5th staff member tried to literally take the ticket out of his hand as we passed by to tell us out seats!! Then our friend was texting as the opener came on and a staff member came up from behind amd told him not to record the sound on his iPhone. As if an iPhone is going to record sound at a live show that would be worth reproducing! And we also saw her talk to a couple other people about thweir phones (surprised shes not at my side now). This review isnt to stop you from attending this venue - thats your judgement - but to warn you om the annoyance of the staff. I know i wont come back, I'm sure the shows in Portland are better, but like I said I'm new here.
Review Source:This mini-Amphiteatre is located literally in the Oregon State Fairgrounds and is usually the most active during the fair season. Â Most people might hear the name and think this is a massive venue for a major musical act, but is very small in reality. Â I'm not entirely sure of what the capacity is for this place, but I am almost certain it won't hold more than 5,000 seats. Â In fact, if it holds more than 3,000 seats I will be incredibly impressed.
The seats are all color coordinated to show various sections and prevent confusion.  None of these seats (or benches) are comfortable enough to sit in for long periods of time.  I cannot stand  It is however, part of the city's historic landmarks and for the Salem faithful this tends to be a fun place to enjoy a concert.  There was some issues a while back on it being closed due to poor ticket sales, but hopefully it will be able to stand the test of time while getting more acts to come in and rock the fair crowd.