I personally love the Marquee. I have always had a good time coming to see shows here. It's close, there's parking, and shows are always cheap. I think maybe I like it so much because it reminds me of the place I went to see most of my shows in Cincinnati when I was in high school (Bogarts). You typically will be paying anywhere from 15-30 bucks for a ticket (for really good bands) and you can push your way all the way up to the front (or chill in the back if that's your thing). There are two bars, one right when you walk in and one the the left of the stage (if you're facing it). I like that everyones paying the same and you get pretty much the exact same experience of the show no matter where you're standing. It's the perfect sized venue. Don't go here expecting it to be some clean place cause that's just not the kinda place it is. It's divey, and you're gonna have to take off your shoes and boots and open up your gum packages before you get in. There's usually some sketchy shit going down in the bathroom, but that's just the name of the game at a concert venue. There's also a huge smoking section/patio/outdoor section when it gets too hot inside or in between bands and they will open up an outdoor bar out there depending on how big the show is/the weather. I hope Minus the Bear continues to come here forever. Â
If you don't like hipsters or college kids just spare yourself and everyone else the complaining and leave it for the rest of us.
I enjoyed the bands playing but the Marquee is ridiculous. Â Seriously...they made me throw away writing instruments because as they stated they don't want people writing on the walls. I know I look young but young enought to look like I'm going to write on the walls? Â Basically security seems to just be a clique...I didn't really see them doing anything besides wandering around in a pack talking to each other.
They also had a random "bathroom attendant" not sure what her function was but basically she was just sitting in there taking up one of the sinks by having paper towels in the sink. I didn't understand why she was there, they have the super cool dyson hand dryers and the girl wasn't offering the paper towels to the people waiting to dry their hands, so she seemed pointless.
The show started earlier then we realized (I'm not sure if this was our fault or if the Marquee just changed the times the day of) so we missed the first band, which was one of the reasons we had bought the tickets. I'm also not sure if this is a Marquee thing or how the Summerland Tour is run but the first 3 acts each only played like 30 minute sets. Â They all at one point have been extremely famous, so I found that odd.
I'm sure I'll wind up at the Marquee again in the future, due to not being able to see the band anywhere else but frankly, if I could avoid them, I would.
If there is a better place to see a concert in Phoenix that compares to this place, I have yet to find it. This is an intimate concert venue where you can see the artist from wherever you are standing. Â The prices for this venue are also great, not overpriced like the big venues i.e. us airways center and jobing. Â This place is general admission which means you do not get assigned seats. Â But you do get the best concert and music experience of any musician that performs here.
Review Source:It's a concert venue, so I don't really know what some people might expect out of it. I don't expect it to be super clean or super comfortable, but it's never bothered me. so it's certainly passable in those regards.
The upside is they seem to always get great shows booked here. The place is big enough to have fun shows with, but small enough to be more intimate and exciting than 'arena style' concerts (no seating here). Drinks at the bar are reasonably priced and most the staff I encounter are usually friendly and efficient at their jobs.
Downside is you almost always have to park across the street (for $7), oh well. The place can get HOT. especially if it's a packed house; naturally, its even worse in the summer.
I have not been to many concert venues so I don't have too many places to compare it to. I saw The Dirty Heads and Matisyahu there and was very pleased with how intimate the show was, it was so up close and personal. I was not pleased that there was really not anywhere to wait out front that was out of the sun, that is kind of a big deal here in AZ. There was no where to get water if needed, again it's AZ, kind of a big deal. I was not happy with the security, they were incredibly rude to everyone both while we were being checked at the door and again while inside. The restrooms were gross and poorly stocked!
All in all, had a great time at the show and felt the price fit the venue
Great place to see a concert. Â Excellent acoustics, drinks are reasonably priced (compared to some places lol), and many quality Bands come here to play. Â Others have griped about the security here, but I've had no bad experiences with them. Â Bathrooms are kind of small, and not that many parking spaces, but you can park across the street in the parking ramp. Â
Overall, a quality venue.
The venue is fine for shows but it's very hot and the staff is so unfriendly and unhelpful it almost isn't worth going to. The box office refuses to help with any problems, although they usually cause them themselves. They will not allow you to change the name on will call tickets and have a completely ridiculous process for picking them up. They are uninterested in helping you and almost seem like they don't want people coming here. I think they search Arizona for the most miserable people to employ. I would skip seeing my favorite band if it meant I had to go to the Marquee.
Review Source:I can only speak about my experience here which was good. Â I won tickets from a local radio station to see Prince. Â After reading the reviews on here if it would have been a lesser artist the reviews may have scared me away, but its not everyday you get to see someone of Prince's stature, especially in a smaller venue. Â My sole complaint and the reason for four stars instead of five, was the parking. Â While the venue is close to Mill Street it is not THAT close and is kind of out in the open away from everything, so I see no need to charge for parking. Â Let alone $7. Â We got our tickets no problem. Â Got in to the venue no problem and all they searched was my girlfriend's purse. Â We got to keep our shoes on and everything. Â We got our over 21 wrist bands no problem as well (I do see how it could be a problem if a line formed there since the gate and the line for over 21 are so close). Â Went in and got a beer, which was cold and affordable, not affordable in the traditional sense, but in the concert venue sense and paid with a debit card no problem. Â Stepped outside for a smoke prior to the show. Â Nice open area to smoke with plenty of room. Â Sound system was good for the show (if its good enough for Prince, its good enough for me). Â There is not a bad place to stand in the place and I still felt I had my personal space too which is perfect. Â Overall a great concert experience. Â I think you just have to take in to account who you are seeing and factor in it is in a college town, which with the right artist could make for a pretty drunk and disorderly crowd. Â I would definitely come here again, but I doubt I would come for younger hip hop or rock acts, nothing against younger acts I like them too, with a younger following and avoid the strip search, etc. that others explained. Â
Quick tip, on a side note. Â I overheard some ladies next to me ask the bartender for some wine and they do not carry wine. Â Just thought I'd give the wine drinkers a heads up.
DO NOT SUPPORT THIS BUSINESS!
Went to see Off  With Their Heads two nights ago. While there my boyfriend was pushed from behind. He turned around and pushed back.. turned out it was a security guard who assaulted him. When he pushed the security guard 5 Tempe police tackled him to the ground. He was handcuffed and his leg was broken. To top everything off the band told me the only got paid $ 300. Tickets were $30 and the place was packed. Where did all the extra money go?  This place is filled with nothing but crooks and thugs. AVOID AT ALL COST!
Saw Phoenix in Phoenix on my bday at the Marquee. Thomas Mars interacted with the crowd tons. He stage dived a couple of times and he was constantly in the midst of the crowd serenading us. Â This guy loves and appreciates his fans. After watching them at Coachella on utube collaborating with RKelly. I'm glad I saw their show here as this was a great place for the band to get intimate with fans. Although seeing a Phoenix collaboration with R Kelly live would have been pretty rad.
Phoenix's seizure inducing light show was awesome in the small space. Really helped you get a feel for the music more. The band had a projection of a French style room as a backdrop and it helped  transport you from the drab surroundings of the marquee via your imagination into a fancy French ballroom.
Their show was from 9-11 but we arrived at 6:30 because doors opened at 6 and you HAVE to show up at the venue to pick up your ticket. The main parking lot was full by the time we arrived and had to park in overflow across the street in a huge complex. Â On yelp the pictures show long lines of people waiting to get tickets and not getting into the show until midway through the main performance. I think creating this mess is advantageous to the venue because that encourages people to come early and lounge about and pay for items from the concessions while they wait. You can do a lot of damage to your pocket book fighting boredom for 3 hours waiting for a concert to begin. So pick your evil come early and spend money on drinks or come a bit before the show and wait in line...although I'd have to say our show was sold out and it didn't seem like people were having any problems getting in on time.
Don't pack any gum. They will make you give up your pack at the door as inside the floor is covered in gum and it looks gross and probably hard to remove. If you are chewing gum already they wont make you spit it out. No carabiners for your keys, you'll have to give that up too. Saw a tin bucket full of gum and carabiners at the door.
Great, intimate old school, divey venue.
I would give this zero stars if I could. I have been to about 20 shows at the Marquee over the past 6 years (never again), including working the Merch table at show. This is THE WORST venue I have ever been to! I can't express how much I hate the Marquee! Let me count the ways:
1) Almost every time I've been, they have lost a ticket of mine at will call, or misplaced it, or don't have record saying I bought it. I have gotten so used to this that I bring a recite every time, and every time they just look bewildered and confused. Their will call/ticket sale line is so unorganized. And trust me, if there's a problem, it's always YOUR fault, not theirs.
2) Security to get in is a little bit of a pain. You have to take off your shoes and usually give away everything you own, or make the long walk back to the car to put it away. Thing I've had taken away: gum, carabiner, small hair brush, tiny nail clippers, bag of pretzels, pens). It's just overkill. And the security are a bunch of ASSHOLES. I got knocked over during a show once, and I made eye contact with one of the big apes and he did nothing to help me up. He didn't even move. They are angry and mean.
3) It's outrageously expensive to do anything there. Tickets come with the worst fees. It's now $7 for parking! (It used to be $5). Sodas, beers, drinks, and even water bottles are all overpriced.
4) Most importantly, their sound is HORRIBLE! Jesus Christ, you're a Goddamn LIVE music venue for crying out loud! The audience should be able to hear the band they actually came to see! They are spending all the money on "renovations" when they should be fixing their sound problem.
Don't waste your money going to the Marquee. Now that venues like Crescent Ballroom exist, just wait for a good show there. The Marquee is a waste of money and only leaves you feeling angry and bummed out.
This is my least favorite venue in Arizona.
The security people are terrible, I've NEVER had to deal with that at any venue before. They make you take your shoes off, you can't bring in a backpack (even if it's tiny) but girls can bring in HUGE purses full of crap.
They "confiscate" pocket knives, sharp objects, pens, pill boxes, and... get this... Caribeaners. I have a caribeaner to keep my keys together, it's literally an inch long. Apparently this is the only place in phoenix where every concert goer is a potential ex-con, because that's definitely how we're treated.
Maybe for the hipster concerts with the indie stoner crowd, they could tune down the security compared to say, I dunno, some scary ass metal band.
Apparently, I could use that as brass knuckles during a concert and knock a person out. Their sodas are $4 and are served from a 2 liter bottle in a red solo cup with barely any ice. Their "drinking wristband" system is crap, because its right after the strip search line and it gets congested as hell.
Bathrooms are ALWAYS dirty, every single time. Half of the locks dont work. There's gum in the water fountain.
Its just a complete shitshow of management, but the bands still come here. Seriously, everyone. Go to crescent ballroom, you'll have a much better time. Rhythem room, even... Just play the CD in your car. It will be a better experience.
All things considered, it's not a bad venue to watch a show.
The pros:
The sound is pretty good, wherever you happen to be standing. The visibility is also good even all the way in the back, unless you happen to be standing behind "Filming this with my iPhone" guy. I've been to some more violent shows here as well, and the security people do a pretty good job making sure nothing gets out of hand. The restrooms are clean and well-stocked, which is due in part to the attendant. He is basically watching to make sure no one destroys the bathroom or tries to light up in there, etc. One other thing: Luckyman is the ticket provider. Even though they still have a bunch of annoying fees, you can feel good knowing you did your part to stick it to Ticketmaster, which is one of the world's most evil companies.
The cons:
It's always too hot in there, which I think they do on purpose so people will buy water bottles. They also will tell you you can't bring various things inside that wouldn't even occur to you. As others have mentioned, bring your ID, your ticket, and some cash. Otherwise, you might be throwing away what you brought, or running back to your car.
By and large, the worst venue in Arizona, which is a shame because great bands get booked here and having to weigh your decision to attend a show and support the band vs. experiencing the pitfalls of an awful venue is not the slightest bit fair to the band.
Alas, I have furthered this injustice on more than one occasion and opted out of attending a show due to the guarantee of an unpleasant experience.
The Marquee Theater. Jesus...where to start? Well, the first thing you'll notice is that at most bigger shows, you will be greeted by a mob of cops assembled at the entrance of the venue, where they will remain stationed until well after the show has finished. Not sure why police officers are a fixture of Marquee shows (this phenomenon only happens at this venue) but cops and rock & roll don't mix.
So at this point, Marquee and their blue brigade have managed to kill your vibe before you even step foot in the place. After getting searched and accosted (airport security style) by a pimply, high school future-bro, and having to put your shoes back on, you enter a large, bland room featuring an understaffed bar stocked with all of the essential, over-priced concert libations a washed up 80's rocker can fathom: chilled jagermeister, 24oz bud lights, jack daniels punch, and wine coolers for their leather-clad lady.
The next thing you are sure to notice is just how intense and police-like the security and staff are. These people are very very unpleasant, bark orders at concert-goers, and wear PacSun shades on the back of their heads. The only foreseeable way to avoid these meatheads working security (aside from never stepping foot in the place; which is essentially the gist of this and every other Yelp review for Marquee) would be to attend any one of the several nu metal extravaganzas the Marquee regularly hosts because you know these dudes requested the night off from bullying concert-goers to rage to the likes of papa roach and disturbed.
Add the following to the equation...
1. For a venue of this size, the sound is terribly thin, muddy and unsatisfying.
2. They charge $7 for parking (across the street in a commercial parking garage).
3. $10 in service fees on all big shows.
...and there you have it. Arizona's Marquee Theater: Taking every ounce of fun out of the live music experience since 1993. Yeeehaaaw!
The only thing Marquee has going for it is size. Otherwise, it's overpriced, it has a shittier sound system than Yucca Tap Room (and that's saying something) and the staff are mostly a bunch of jerks. I'll give you an example: Standing in line, I hand my ID to the nice young lady, who takes five minutes to stare at my photo. Because my ID is old, I explain that I've gotten a haircut and she snaps at me, saying, "I'm not fucking stupid." Really, princess? Coulda fooled me.
Security is incredibly overdone, but I guess that's because they attract the sorts of audiences that would want to bomb them. No where else in Phoenix (that I know of, not even the Comerica Theater or Chase Field) make you remove your shoes at the door. You're not stopping shit, you guys. My friend still snuck his weed inside (oops!) and I've gotten drugs in plenty of times. Also, stealing my pens so I don't vandalize the place is retarded. I'm a writer and need to review shows sometimes.
The security guards themselves are pretty decent, however. They don't seem like they have an easy job and it certainly isn't an environment I'd want to work in.
Everyone hates on this place because its so small but I like it. You get the feeling that your close to the artis that's playing. I just saw tech n9ne there and yes, it was crowded but it was fun as hell. The only thing I have a problem with is that it gets super hot! Make sure you have money for water because you are gonna need it. Been coming to this place for years and still lovin it ;)
Review Source:It was a bad experience with this place before I even got to the venue. I had bought tickets for Green Day the first time they were set to play in December. They canceled, and Luckyman (the ticket provider for Marquee), gave no hint of rescheduling or suggesting we hang on to our tickets. I thought I would lose my money if I didn't refund, so I got a refund. Three months later Green Day reschedules, and we're told that if we didn't refund our tickets, they would be good at the new show. Yeah, I had a tiny fit about that. However I did get a new ticket, but a little more consideration towards customers would be nice.
The night of the concert, I expected the line to get in to be long, and it was. However, there is no way it had to take 2 hours to get inside. I found out why when we finally reached the door. One table, in 4 sections (A-E, F-L, etc), and security desperately trying to wrangle hundreds of people to the correct line. Right in front of the entrance. So, my being a C last name, after I got my ticket I had to fight my way through 3 other lines to get inside the venue. Definitely could organize that a little better. A big name concert is no excuse.
Now there are good things to say. The venue itself is good. I liked the set up. It's bigger than you think, and there are no bad places to stand (side note- be prepared to stand. No seating at all). You will get a decent view of the stage. We stood by the control booth, and since it slopes down to the stage that was the best place for my short self to be.
Their security was impressive too. I was rammed into by one very intoxicated person, and it was very obvious he could barely stand up. Within a minute security was there and taking him out. Good on you, Marquee.
Once inside, the Marquee is a good place to see a show. It's also right off the light rail, so that is nice and convenient. They charge $7 for parking, so if you can light rail it do so. $4 for light rail and it supports Metro. Just beware what you could encounter leading up to showtime!
Man... really rough reviews from most. As I always say, what do you expect? Lets delve into the Marquee..
~What To Do~
You listen to a boatload of music, from primarily indy acts of numerous genres.
~The Good~
There is some good, like the fact that its relatively cheap to see some acts that in other states would cost an arm and a leg to see... I got to see Ben Folds up close for around $20...that would've been around 2-3 times that in other places. Its a good location for a band like Ben, not too loud, something a bit less acid rock or death metal. The sounds from the band were pretty on, considering what I was expecting. For this reason, this location fills my need for a low cost venue to see my niche bands.
~The Bad~
I HATE STANDING FOR 3 HOURS. I am sorry, but I hate standing. Its not fun. My legs killed me, and that pisses me off. Besides the legs, there are a bevvy of bad things, like waiting in line. I happened to be waiting in line as a Haboob approached... They had the common sense to let us go inside as the Haboob came, but they took too long reacting to get people through security and it enveloped some of the late comers. So thank God for being early. Still, the lines are unnecessarily long, and it makes no sense when they want us to drink...why we are waiting outside. The service was OK, I think the bouncers get more intense depending on the group playing. Please do not tell me that the types of crowds that come in do not vary depending on the genre...of course they do. It was way too hot in the main area, too many bodies pumping in oxygen...seriously where is the AC, no kidding. Drinks were too much, I expected that, but they have no selection, it really didn't make sense to buy a beer for that much when there is no selection. Also, unless you are blind, you can tell ahead of time that given the structure of the inside of the place, it will have bad acoustics for loud metal bands... its a small venue, what do you expect?
~The Down Low~
A lot of things would need to change to make this venue any better than a general 2 star higher end dive for acts. They deserve 2 stars for booking some talented bands and for low cost general admission, but they get 3 for making my dream come true of seeing Ben Folds in the flesh. But still, way too many issues for me to go back to here on a consistent basis. A majority of the acts are simply not my cup of tea.....ever. Also, people who come here seem to be super stupid. They get here late, and are upset when they have to wait in an endless line to get in. Punctuation, my friends...be punctual and early and it will make you a better person, let alone on time always. And stop being a crazy wild drunk who deserves to get hassled by the bouncers. OK, I have said my piece.
Man this place is hammered with a lot of mixed reviews! I have been going to this Venue for years now, so I may have a biased opinion because I know what to expect. Its not a venue for Celine Deon, Adele or Brittany Spears, its more local bands, rock music, alternative.... it draws in different kinds of music and a different kind of crowd. So when people are complaining about how its dirty, the bathrooms are disgusting, its small, its just a concrete slab...... yes, yes it is...... but your there for the music right? Your not there to hang out in the bathrooms all night are you? I have been to nice bars with worse bathrooms; I have also been to worse and dirtier venues. Everyone complains about the rules and regulations about this venue also (some other venues don't have the same restrictions) but honestly its all for your safety and something has happened in the past which is the reason they probably enforce the rules so much.
Marquee is older and small, it definitely could use a remodel. Will call and the ticket line definitely need a lot of work. They need to open the windows sooner, or add a few more windows, so people waiting in line don't miss any of the show. The drinks at the bar you should expect to be expensive, just as if you were going to the ball park for a baseball game. The staff is friendly enough, for most of them are there to make sure no one gets hurt, this place can get a little rowdy.
In the end it's not the best venue, but for a concert hall, I like the atmosphere it puts you in! The stage is small, but the artists are still able to put on a good show. I've seen big names like The Used, Unwritten Law, Skip the Foreplay, Falling in Reverse at this venue. Along with local bands like Bent Self, Anomaly, Arvins Garden.... all great shows! Smoosh together, rock out and have a great time!
Went to a show on Jan 19th. The will call line and the regular ticket sales line were one in the same. We waited 55 minutes to get in even though our tickets were in will call. We caught the last half of the last song of HoneyHoney. At least we didn't miss the headliner, but there was a good 45 minutes worth of line behind us, so certainly someone did.
Here are some good ideas when planning a trip to the Marquee;
- Don't be spontaneous.
- Purchase your tickets in advance - online or during box office hours at the window right at the Marquee.
- Don't bother trying to print out your tickets online, you can't.
- Make sure you physically pick up your tickets from the ticket window - hours, if not days, before the show starts. This will allow you to walk right up to the security line. Yes, they will pat you down. But, you won't be waiting for your pat down for an hour! Woo!
Also, if it's possible, ride the Orbit (drops off right in front of the venue) or take the light rail and walk across the bridge or have someone drop you off or pick you up.
Hey, Marquee! Here's the thing to take from this review if anyone there reads this stuff; get a will call line or more windows!! Get those drinkers in your venue earlier, they'll spend more money!
I know everybody hates the Marquee, so it would seem a bit redundant to write a review on this hell hole. Â But with its approaching the very highest echelon of suckiness, I think it warrants further comment.
Before last May, I hadn't been to the Marquee since 2010. Â Back then, I just noted that it was drab and soulless, but a venue being nothing more than a large concrete cellar is not enough to warrant consideration for such a title as worst concert venue in America.
Let's count the ways in which The Marquee Theater sucks.
First, and this probably seems like a small gripe compared to some of the major problems with this place, you might have to pay $7 for parking. Â I know a lot of venues charge $4-$5 for parking, but $7 is pretty steep.
Second, they obviously don't know how to run a will call line. Â Someone else has already mentioned an hour-and-a-half wait for will call for Trampled By Turtles. Â I was in the same line - OK, I know they're unexpectedly mainstream considering the fact that they're a progressive bluegrass band from Duluth, but still, they're a progressive bluegrass band from Duluth. Â That's not exactly a recipe for a long line. Â The Marquee created that by having will call and sales IN THE SAME LINE. Â Way to treat your customers who have already paid, you douchebags. Â I attended about 35 concerts in 2012, some of which are more popular bands, and similarly sized venues. Â I didn't wait longer than 10 or 15 minutes to get into any of them.
If you manage to make it through the combined sales and will call line without going postal on the venue staff, then you get to be patted down by security! Â I understand going through this procedure to get into a hip hop show. Â But when is the last time a gang fight broke out at a Trampled By Turtles show? Â Again, this is something unique to The Marquee - last year I attended shows at The Crescent Ballroom, Rhythm Room, El Rey, House of Blues LA, Royce Hall at UCLA, The Great American Music Hall, The Independent, Mesa Arts Center, The Neptune, Benaroya Hall, The Bowery Ballroom, and more - and at exactly zero of those venues was I patted down. Â Music festivals? Â Not patted down. Â Bluegrass show at Marquee Theater? Â Prepare to be violated. Â This is not about safety, it's about stupidity.
Finally, the most egregious deficiency this place has is the crappy sound. Â I noticed this when I saw Of Monsters And Men last May. Â Over by the side wall it sounded like a mess. Â I kinda wanted to hear the band, so I went and stood directly in front of the sound board. Â It sounded OK. Â So, this is how it works: directly in front of the sound board, you can at least hear what they're playing. Â Anywhere else, it sounds like you're listening to someone's audience recording over the loudspeakers. Â At Trampled By Turtles, I stood near the sound board, and it took me a good 30 seconds to identify the first song (it turns out that it was one I had heard a good three dozen times before). Â How hard is it to mix five acoustic instruments? Â Either the acoustics here suck, they don't want to pay for a decent sound guy, or maybe both. Â If you run a live music venue, your most important job is to make it sound good. Â The Marquee is like going to a movie theater where they sit everybody down in front of a 1985 Sanyo CRT television.
I have attended concerts in Phoenix, Tucson, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Boulder, Telluride, Seattle, and New York, and I think now it is safe to say that this might be the very worst mid-sized concert venue in America. Â Even the corporate Comerica Theater is better. Â Theodore H., who is probably invested with this venue, says these complaints are all "standard stuff." Â Again, I have been to venues across the United States, and this is all unique to The Marquee. Â At this point, I think I can recommend staying away from here, even if one of your favorite bands is playing here. Â Because it will just make you sad that you didn't really enjoy seeing one of your favorite bands.
Well, Well, Well! Â Seems like a lot of complaints about a lot of standard stuff. Â Let's start by shooting some of this crap down:
1. Being patted down and taking shoes off are pretty standard practices. Â The last thing I want is to be closed in a venue with a couple drunken fools with guns and or knives on them. Â Get a grip people, this is for your safety! Â I was in line there and because of the searches a guy got out of line and went back to his car. Â I later heard him say that he felt naked without his blade on him?!?! I get it, skip the searches and let this asshole in!?
2. Security is looking for crap all the time because the place is heavily monitored by several police agencies. Â The big one that's usually there is the department of alcohol! Â They're simply following the laws set fourth by this over baring state! Â Sure, those guys can be dicks but at the end of the day I'd rather have them there doing their job instead of the freaking cops!
3. What business/bar do you know of that does not gouge the crap out of you for a drink?????? Nothing new here!
4. Sitting on cement tables that are not bolted down is a good way to have a 300 pound slab of concrete fall on your dumb ass. Â Also, I'm sure they have all these crazy rules in place for insurance purposes and, YOUR FREAKING SAFETY!!!!!!
5. Security can be a buzz kill when it comes to kicking people out. Â I did a little research and found that AZ law states that a person cannot remain in a public place if they're over intoxicated. And, the law states that a person can not be asleep in a bar or establishment that serves alcohol.I realize that for some, being hammered at a concert is fun... AZ law doesn't agree! Looks like security is just following the law here!
At the end of the day the place could use a tune up, and they could get familiar with organization as far as the line entering the building. Â The venue is old and needs a remodel but I'm from the east coast where everything is old and needs to be remodeled. Â The drinks are expensive and some are weak....drink your shit before you get there! Â
There are very few places like this left in this country and I think we should embrace the ones that are left. Â Where I'm from (New Jersey, Washington, DC) places like this have much bigger problems. Â I love this place and others like it because I'm not worried for my life while I'm there. Â Lets keep it real for a second---when is the last time someone got murdered here? Â when is the last time someone was severely beaten here? Â when was the last time someone got mugged here? Â Lastly, when was the last time you were here and didn't feel safe? Â
I don't work at the place and nor do I know the staff but, I'm glad to defend the place. Â The need to fix it up, clean it up, and get a little more organized but that's about all. Â Overall, they're doing a good job of keeping the place safe and keeping some happy with being able to see their favorite show! Â Take a trip to the east coast and try a small venue before you judge this one so harshly.
Love the acts I've seen here but hate the venue. As others have said, security sucks, and the bathrooms are gross.
Would it kill them to turn on the AC? It is crazy, stifling hot in the Marquee. Is this a way to sell drinks? Plan on wearing as little as possible so you don't faint from heat exhaustion.
I don't get their super-long will call lines either. Why make most shows mandatory will call if you only have two windows to distribute tickets?
Don't worry if you have a long wait though. The band won't start without you because no one ever starts before 9pm. Again, another way to sell drinks.
I would strongly discourage any woman from buying a drink at the Marquee. I know of at least 3 women who have had very strange reactions (including blacking out) after having a couple drinks here. Â Just play it safe and stick with bottled water.
A decent, medium-sized venue that books shows good enough to keep you coming back, but just has a few annoying aspects that prevents me from becoming a fan.
First of all, whoever promotes for Marquee needs to stop bullshitting about ticket prices. All over the internet, I see ads for local shows at just $12. It's $15 when you get to the door. Guy in booth claims to have no clue what's going on, which is actually worse than saying it's a "service fee", which it is.
Also, WTF @ Security? No wonder you're so nonchalant about half-assed, TSA-style pat-downs. You're capturing images of my ID, too. I've seen either of those practices before, but never both at the same time.
When you get inside, you'll see a sloped concrete floor. Pretty cool for people standing in the back. The sound system is great. The lighting is pretty nice. Step outside and have a drink.
I won't complain about $7 beers at a show. I have paid $5 for a bottle of water in similar environments, so it's nothing unusually high. My issue is that the beers are not cold enough. It doesn't quite hit the spot. Also, WTF is up with it being $7 for Kiltlifter and $6 for PBR? Makes no sense. If you wanna drink, that's about the best you're gonna do, unless you like vodka/cranberry.
So 3 stars because I'll go to shows here, but nothing about my Marquee experience could be described as exceptional. It's a bare-bones venue that will book music just good enough to make you not hate the music business.
Love the venue. Loved the music.
The security they have here is out of control.They make it very difficult to have a good time. From the invasive harassment at the front to the constant, in your face presence once inside the show, the security is there and they make sure you know it.
We all want to be safe at a show but when the security workers are complete dicks to everyone, it makes the venue suck. We want to come here, have fun and spend our money at your establishment. Management/ownership should take a look at whoever is in charge of security. They're driving your customers away!!
Parking is crap. I had to pay for parking. I couldn't find a spot initially because the lot was so full. I sharked for awhile before finally finding a spot. I can't believe I had to pay for this. It isn't like the property is worth so much that they lose money on the lot. Whatever.
Service fee at the box office. What up with that? That is "Bait and Switch" because there is no cheaper way to purchase the tickets. They advertise one price and then you learn there is an unavoidable fee. Bait and switch. Â
The security line is a joke. You get the full pat down. You need to empty your pockets too. I felt like I was entering some jail at a 3rd world country. I hate being treated like an animal.
They scan your ids and retain the photos. Feel violated much?
Alcohol is expensive. The AC must be broken because it was hot like a mutha. There are virtually no seats in the entire venue; including the bar and the outside area. The only place to sit is a low brick wall outside, in the heat with the smokers.
The theater has no seating as well. The floor is concrete so that is super comfortable for any show over 30 minutes. Nothing like standing for hours on a slanted concrete slab.
The security are jerks. They seem to forget we are the customers paying for their part-time salaries. The Marquee is one of the few businesses that don't want to cater to the customer. I have skipped out on several shows hosted by the Marquee. My decision was strictly based on the venue. I hate that place and hate giving them my hard earned dollar.
Mark-Keyed My Car
By The Rue
It's Friday night with nothing to do,
How about a show, maybe The Who,
Got in the Jeep,
Hit the street,
Drove out to Tempe,
And went to the Marquee.
Psychostick was the band I went to see,
They sing a funny song about boobies,
Tacos and Beer,
Both songs I did hear,
Watch out for the Narc,
Five dollars to park.
Fully stocked bar is good to know,
Go with friends, take home a ho,
Steal toed boots,
Dyed hair with roots,
Get into the pit,
Deck the guy who hits.
Snoogen!!
Came here on a Wednesday night to see Cage the Elephant. When we arrived (just before headliner) there was exactly one parking space that had apparently just opened up. Parking was $5. Carpooling seems to be a good idea. I was disappointed to find that when you buy tickets at the window there is a "$3-$5 service fee" whatever that means. For two of us the total was $56. We were then directed into a security line. Didn't know I was going to an international airport. We were asked to empty our pockets and then patted down. Then our ID's were scanned, and all pictures from the licenses of the 21+ are saved on their computer. Seriously, what?
Inside we went to the bar and our buddy asked what they had in the arena of cheap beer. The bartender said "Nothing." Turns out the cheap stuff is $6 for what looked like a 14oz cup, decent stuff is $7. Apparently now we're in L.A. Decided to wait on drinking until after the show. Â
The actual theater is an arena style, standing-only, big cement floor that gradually slopes down towards the stage. The show was fine, sound was a little meh but seemed to improve throughout the night. I wish the most memorable part was the band, but instead we spent most of the time watching the power-trippy security team descend on their prey and kick out person after person. Put a big damper on the atmosphere. We've never been to a venue where security was even that noticeable, much less this overdone. In general the whole vibe of the place was something along the lines of "YOU MUST FOLLOW ALL OF OUR MANY RULES. FUN COMES LAST."
Yeah...we'll be sticking with Club Red.
I was skeptical about going here after reading ALL of the reviews...AND it wasn't that bad! Â
Bar - they had a great selection (even had Patron!)
Bathrooms - its a concert hall...they aren't going to be great, but they weren't as bad as I read.
Parking - $5...its part of going to a concert. Â I guess there is parking near by, but we didn't want to walk that far.
It was HOT inside. Â They do have fans to circulate air, but definitely should have had AC on that night.
Bottom Line - I think your opinion of the place is going to vary depending on what concert you see.
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I can't believe that no one has commented on this very important note (totally worth mentioning again if I didn't see it)! We were 1st timers (our mistake, I guess, but one that should be duly noted) & didn't see the INSIDE "signage" before stepping through the gates of hell...
* SORRY NO RE-ENTRY * SORRY NO RE-ENTRY * SORRY NO RE-ENTRY *
We had to take off our shoes for some bullshit pat down. Whatever. Cockroaches all over the place. Gross. Bathroom disgusting. Gross. Beer expensive. Whatever. One time run on credit card, so must open a tab or bring lots of cash or get banged at the ATM. Whatever. No seating. Fine. Security hopped on hopes of "catching" you. Whatever. Shitty pizza offered. Whatever. Doors opening & show starting are NOT the same thing. Whatever. Limited parking. Whatever. Size inside. Not bad. Outside patio. Not bad. 3 bars. Not bad. But let me re-state the shittiest thing again... Once you're in, you can't leave!
* SORRY NO RE-ENTRY * SORRY NO RE-ENTRY * SORRY NO RE-ENTRY *
We were excited to see Steel Pulse, who were awesome BTW, but were very let down with all the 'RULES' at this place... and we are hoping that we don't have to go back there to see another great band. We can appreciate grunge, but try again Marquee Theatre.
* SORRY NO RE-ENTRY * SORRY NO RE-ENTRY * SORRY NO RE-ENTRY *
A 5-star performance in a 2-star venue - that's what it was when I recently went to the Marquee.
To be fair - there was some good. Â It's conveniently located and, as far as I know, I didn't contract any strange diseases while there.
Now, the rest.
First strike - our experience trying to park. Â First led into the tiny parking lot then told it was full by staff who seemed like it was their first day on the job. Â How to get out? Â They weren't sure. Â What?
Okay, parked across the street - still plenty of time for the show. Â Then - the clusterf*ck that was the line to get in, aided by the total lack of signs differentiating between those there to buy tix and those with tix. Â No rhyme, no reason. Â Strike two.
Inside now - to the bar for a refresher. Â $7 for a warm, flat beer served by a guy that acted as if it were solely my fault he had to work that night. Â Strike three.
The show, as mentioned, was solid. Â There are no bad seats (standing spots) in the place, though the acoustics are sort of like playing a stereo in a large closet.
It would take a band I really, really want to see to bring me back.
Getting in is a cluster fuck. Search my purse, fine. Expected. Take my shoes off, what is this the fucking airport? Am I boarding a plane? I'm not a terrorist. I just want to see a band play.
The convenience fee is ridiculous, more like a hassle that you can't print your own ticket at home anymore and you have to go to will call. How is that convenient? $6.75 a ticket? plus a $3.50 order fee? What a crock of shit.
The bathroom is filthy, bring your own toilet paper ladies and don't wear open toe shoes as the bathroom floor is soaking wet by the end of the night.
barf.
Went to see Jackyl and Dirtnap on 01/22/12, had never been to Marquee before. I've rated this a "3-star" for the following reasons:
1) unaware of $5 parking charge. Yes, you can park elsewhere but they do not include this on the ticket information or their website. It's an inconvenience.
2) NO GUM allowed inside. Maybe others have experienced this at venues before, but I've never heard of it. I had to walk back to my car to get rid of it.
3) Security was definitely rude. I had to be screened twice. I saw one woman being kicked out for intoxication, but she hadn't done anything wrong and had a DD present with her.
4) $7 for standard draft beer. Selection was limited. I got there early and they were "out" of at least 3 types of draft beer.
5) Sound was "ok"-- really loud and ended up just echoing off all the walls, floor and ceiling (all cement except for padded ceiling).
All in all, not that great of a venue, I've been to better and I've been to worse. If it's a must see concert, go ahead and spend your time and money on Marquee.
Fees, fees, and more fees. Â They get you coming and going, and then are understaffed so you get to stand in line for at least thirty minutes. Â You'd think with all these fees that they'd be able to have a couple guys frisking people, or hose the floor down more than once a month. Â Apparently not! Â I'd considered giving them two stars, but then I remembered the fee to PRINT OUT MY TICKET AT HOME, and realized this place is truly evil. Â Not that these crazy fees are such a rare thing, but I don't have to give them extra stars if they're evil. Â
I'm just waiting for the inevitable "fee to administer additional income related to fees" to pop up.
HIM -- Sound was terrible. The band actually sounded better when heard from the lobby. How do I know this? I had to spend the second half of HIM's set in the lobby because I was banned from the actual "performance space" when I punched some kid who had knocked my mother over while moshing...by himself. Yes, I go to concerts with my mother. She just has this thing for Scandinavian guys. She just loves boys in makeup. That probably explains why she was so enamored with my younger brother. Until I decided I wanted to be a girl. Now we're best buds and my brother hates me. I have family issues.
CKY -- Security got me good on this one. I was like "I'll get by with no problem. I'll leave my wallet chain in my car." Then I get there and they're all like "all that loose change in your pocket? It's gotta go." Um, gotta go where? Certainly not the trash. That would be ridiculous, throwing money away. Oh...I get it...you mean it's gotta go in YOUR POCKET. Well, normally you wouldn't, you know, EXTORT money from a patron, but it's either that or risk me hitting a guy in the face with three dollars worth of quarters and dimes, right? Well, okay, if you say so. If it's really for safety purposes...HEY, I DID NOT JUST SEE YOU BUYING A FUCKING SODA WITH MY FUCKING QUARTERS!
Mindless Self Indulgence/Kill Hannah -- What do you mean 26 dollars a ticket? What? Kill Hannah's not the headliner? We were told it was a Kill Hannah show, not a, who are these jabronis, Mindless Self Indulgence? Oh shit, I said that out loud, huh? Everyone's looking at me funny. Are they famous? Fuck, I'll just buy the ticket anyway. We'll just pretend I'm being facetious.
Me -- Ashamed as I am to admit it, deep down I dream of playing at the Marquee, so I can know that people loved me enough to put up with these shenanigans to see me make an ass out of myself on stage. There's always hoping.
It's such an insult when you go to a place that's got amazing potential, but you find that the proprietor's idea of a music venue is worse than a whore's idea of intimacy. Â They must think that a bulk of monitors pointed at the cement floor and the misty stench of beer kegs is all it takes to make something special. Â Good lord. Â The sound guy(s) there likely couldn't distinguish the simple sound of a chiming six-string from a herd of farting stray cats. Â They make the vocals sound as though it's all one 30 minute sustaining blur, the bass sound like you happened to catch Chanting Monks Night, and the snare sound like a plastic spoon hitting a mound of mashed potatoes.
Me and a couple pals laughed ourselves silly during the last show that we attended there, after watching about 5 guys distract the crowd with their scurrying about to wrestle with one rack of lights... only to have each light end up being pointed at the bottom of the entry door at the left side of the hall. Â Watching those "technicians" all walk away giving each other hi-fives and thumbs-up just about caused me to laugh up my pancreas onto the floor. Â Downright hilarious.
The parking arrangement is stupid, to put it plain and simple. Â The venue is about the size of a 2-screen movie theater, with about 30 parking spaces available. Â Really. Â They actually place orange traffic cones and a couple guys out there to direct parking,
It's all about as asinine as equipping a straw with an engine.
Last little tidbit for all you folks out there who've gotten fed up with their security, and rightfuilly so: after experiencing a type of harrassment attitude from security one of my female friends civily acknowledged to their door staff that the club's ability to manage their security staff is in error, along with a public safety risk present within the venue were both matters enough to halt operation then and in the future. Â Thus, my friend was obliged with about 5 free shows at the venue.
Sound still sucked though, as I was told.
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