I've been to the Sleep Train Amphitheater twice- once for the Anger Management Tour yearsss ago and earlier this month for the Maroon 5 / Kelly Clarkson Concert. Thinking back to the chaos of getting in and out of the parking lot last time, this time we left for the show earlier but couldn't really do anything about 5pm rush hour traffic.
Surprisingly, after exiting we drove a few miles up before we had to stop in the line of traffic to get in. The security did a great job with controlling and moving traffic so it didn't take that long to get in. We got in sometime during the middle of the opening performer. Even leaving we didn't have too much of a problem. We left right before Maroon 5 ended their last song and beat the traffic. I guess we timed things just right!
Pros:
- Free  parking
- Short walk from parking lot to amphitheater
- Good traffic control going in
- Plenty of drink venders
- Tiered Seating
- Still a great view from the lawn
Cons:
- Traffic to get in and out of parking lot
- Concessions were just okay
- Most drink venders were cash only
- Even in our seats I had a hard time seating because I'm short! They need to tier those levels more!
Went to see Maroon Five and Kelly Clarkson....the show started at 7....we were just 2 miles out in a huge line of cars, and by 8:30 we hadn't gone a mile. Â
  Decided it wasn't worth it to keep waiting to park, and waiting to get in, and waiting to use the restroom, and waiting to get a drink or food.   From what i read we'd be waiting to get out after the show.
  I was excited it was close to home, and i thought out in the middle of nowhere parking would be a breeze....what a disappointment. We won't be back, and definitely won't recommend the venue to anyone we know.
This was the most chaotic place I have ever been!! Â Probably only about 5,000 people in line ahead of us! Â I agree that the music was turned up too loud at Keith Urban's concert last night and you could not understand the words! Â The amphitheatre itself was nice I thought, our seats were fine...but ALL of the people in line to get in was mind boggling...We did not arrive 2 hours early...But somehow they need to organize the entry better...We left 1 1/2 hrs into his concert so as to beat the other 12,000 or so persons whom many were drunk or high coming in, can just imagine how they were coming out 3 or 4 hours later!! Â No thanks!! Â No return!
Review Source:ok so I bought country megatickets at the beginning of the summer for five concerts at this venue....... Â
The first concert was Miranda Lambert, Â Dierks Bentley, Randy Howser and Joanna Smith ... we wanted to make sure we got good seats up in the lawn so we bought a fast-pass ticket which lets you in before the other people in line.. we get up to the stairs to go up to the lawn area and Joanna Smith was still doing sound check and didn't want anyone seated or so we were told.. anyways one of the employees then took some of the people chairs and blankets to save their spot on the lawn but wouldn't take everyones which was crap and I was already pissed that we couldn't go get our spot even though we had bought fast-passes.
the Luke Bryan concert was last month and I know his concerts get pretty crazy... but the crowd was out of control ... there was at least three fights in the lawn just in the area I was in... I really didn't go to see bloody guys fist fighting and stupid girls pushing each other onto me and the people I was with.. had there been any security around maybe it wouldn't have escalated to this. At one point Luke even had to stop the show due to a couple of guys fighting up in the front, now that's just ridiculous security should have kicked them out so others could enjoy the show..
The other couple of concerts so far have been good with no problems... and I don't expect Keith Urban to get bad .. but I know the Jason Aldean concert is gonna be the same as the Luke Bryan concert was.. I'm just kinda dreading even going which really sucks since I just wanna go have a good time without all the drama.
Free parking! Â Love the groups that come to Sleep Train. Â Diverse. Â It is a great way to spend a hot summer night. Â Be sure to bring your sunscreen until the sun goes down, it is very hot in this neck of the woods. Â There is regular seating and open lawn seats. Â Concession stands are pricey, but they do offer cash and credit card options. Â The concessions closer to your seats only take cash. Â You can rent a low back lawn chair for $5 and just leave it on the lawn when the concert is over, or bring your own (they do not allow you to bring in a standard lawn chair but there is a place to check it in if you forget and bring one that is too tall. Â You can pick it up after the concert). Bathroom line runs quickly. Â Come early and you will not have to deal with traffic. Â We didn't even really have a long wait to get out of the parking lot after the show. Â A great place to see a show. Â Sometimes Groupon has a great deal on lawn seats. Â We got to See Train with The Script and Gavin DeGraw for only $10.00!! Â Our John Meyer seats in the 10th row cost $90 each.
Review Source:Went to the Brad Paisley concert last night and had a great experience at this venue. Now for the venue: Overall it was a great concert-going experience. The venue was easy to find, the parking lot attendants were friendly and organized, the bathrooms were clean, and the venue (grass and seated areas) were kept up and clean.
Tips for the best experience:
Come early! For minimal traffic and easy parking. The concert was at 7:00PM, we showed up at 5:00PM. We hit no traffic coming in and parked in the front row.
Be prepared to stand in line. We stood in line until 6:00PM, and that's when they opened the gates.
They rent out lawns chairs for $5, so if you forget your blanket or don't want to carry one in, this is a great option.
Bathrooms can get a bit backed up, but what do you expect at a concert?
Food prices are a bit high, but it's what I've come to expect: $12 - 24oz Blue Moon / $10 - 24oz Coors. $8 Garlic fries. $4.50 waters. $6.50 kettle corn.
The concert was amazing, and the venue's operations were fantastic. I will definitely be back.
If I could give this place 0 star I would. We get into the place, and me and a group of my friends buy some beer then go to the t-shirt stand to buy shirts when we are approached by security who says they need to see my ID and then proceeds to ask my friends as well, which was fine, a tad annoying but since we're all in between 24-27 we did show our ID's. one of the girls I was with had a passport and they said that wasn't a valid form of ID which is completely untrue seeing as she can  use It in Vegas, and everywhere else we go. We ask to see a manager and she brings over another security card who also proceeds to say we cannot use the passport. Then continues to tell us we need to dispose of the beer. Disgusting rude people that work there.
Review Source:Came fere for a Train concert, and after reading the reviews I thought, "Oh crapppppp, this is going to be a huge mistake...parking, waiting in line, no security... FML..."
The only thing I found true from the bad reviews was the idea this place is literally in the middle of nowhere...
We got there about 2 hours early, on the way up we actually took the exit just south of the main exit to the venue and came up a small backroad (GPS lead us this way). We got to the main parking and were greeted by the parking folk, they had a lot of helpers in the parking area and you basically followed the line of orange vested folk, who quickly and efficiently guided every single car into a spot. We got to the front gate and found the line was only about 30 yards back, and remained that way until about 30-40 minutes before the show started, then the line got super long. We were in the gates, and at our seats in about 5 minutes, it was quick and easy.
When the concert ended, we left *after* the very last act (after the encore...), we made it to our car in about 5 minutes (again), and out of the parking lot in the same amount of time, again easy peasy.
In the end, I was shocked at how easy the process was, especially after the horrible reviews I read. I might add, we saw Gavin Degraw, The Script, and Train, I add this to say it wasn't like we saw some 2nd rate magic show, this was a big concert and the process has, either, been greatly improved, or the other posters got their 10 minutes before the show started and had unrealistic expectations... Either way, if you plan properly, in my experience, it'll go smooth!
Andddd...there was a ton of security around, they were even dealing with seat stealers, pot smokers, drunkards nearby, I saw about 15 of them at the actual stage, and a ton of them simply walking around, not sure what happened at the other concerts...
The stage, bathrooms, etc were amazing... great place for a concert... Don't be scared to give it a go!!
I'm really not sure what everyone was whining about in the other reviews - I went to see Train in August and the entire experience was a pleasure.
First of all, Train was awesome.
Second, the venue was clean and every seat was a good one. Â Yes, beer was $10, but unless you've been living in a hole for the past five years, you know that beer is overpriced at venues like concerts and ball parks - seriously, get over it.
Third, we got there an hour early and walked right in - there was a short line but we never stopped moving - plenty of folks to help. Â When we left, it took us 20 min from the time we left our seats until we got on the freeway. Â Not bad.
A few things to note - parking is free (good news - and I guess that offsets the beer price, eh?), you can bring in one sealed bottle of water, and they sell lots of different kinds of "fair food" at the venue. Â No one will starve.
The reason I didn't give the place 5 stars is that it is way the heck out in the middle of nowhere - and there isn't a place to eat or really even get gas in the near by area. Â Plan ahead.
I'm looking foward to seeing another concert there soon.
Parking is Horrible-the lots are gravel and there were MANY detours. Â It took us 45 min to get into the parking lot. Â And for no reason-there were many ways to enter that lot and 2 lanes doesn't do it.
Additionally, there was no cell service at this venue (AT&T). Â They are out in the middle of nowhere-they need to provide a cell tower for their customers. Â
We were going to buy tickets to other shows there, but not anymore. Â They have lost our $$.
I have been to this facility three times now and all for Country artists. Â I have to say that last nights Luke Bryan concert was probably my worst experience. Â Now granted we only had lawn seats and expect it to get a little crazy up there but seriously, people dropping their pants and peeing right behind you? Â
For a crowd that is going to be large, especially sold out, there needs to be more security and they need to be available. Â Oh, and the "no smoking" rule - whatever - you could smell the pot all around.
Personally I think this facility is nice, good location and they have an awesome variety of performers...with that being said, I think they need to reevaluate the security and make it more available and OUT IN FORCE amongst the crowd.
Shout out to all the BORING people in section 201 last night at the Luke Bryan concert whining and crying because people were STANDING AT A CONCERT. Oh my god! You uptight losers should just stay home and watch concerts on TV. Who the heck goes to an upbeat country/rock concert and just sits there staring at the stage? Â
Just stay home next time and save yourself some money. We don't want your boring a** there anyway.
Otherwise, amazing show and venue!
Went to my first show at this venue last night, Luke Bryan. Â This venue has the potential to be great, however it is poorly run and managed, resulting in a sub par experience. Â
We arrived in, what we thought, was plenty of time, to see the whole show. Â However, much to our surprise, there was a line that stretched nearly around the entire amphitheater, Â I was amazed at the length of the line, the lack of staff in the area, and the number of intoxicated people drinking, in violation of posted warnings. Â We used a GPS and the line was .48 miles long. Â Due to this line, we missed Florida Georgia Line and part of Thompson Square. Â There was only one entrance to the venue, causing this line. Â We have attended concerts at a similar venue, SleepCountry Amphitheater near Portland, OR. Â We had to wait for 10 minutes one time, but there are several entrances there. Â
We finally got into the show, to find beers costing between 10 and 15 dollars. Â Food was also expensive with the added pleasure of a long line. Â The poor women had crazy long lines to use the bathroom. Â
We finally found our seats. Â The venue is nice inside. Â The weather was great. We saw the last 1/3 of the Thompson Square set. Â They were very good. Â
Luke hit the stage and was putting on a great show. Â Much to our displeasure, he had to stop his show due to a fight in the front rows. Â The lack of security and poor management of the facility resulted in the fight situation stopping the show, there was a several minute pause. Â Security did not appear to be handling the problem. Â Luke Bryan had to settle the dispute and would not start the show again until the situation was calmed down. Â Finally the fight stopped, there was no sign of police or security in the area. Â
The show continued and Luke was very good. Â
We knew, from previous shows set lists, that we were approaching the end of the show. Â We made our way to the exit. Â We had been told, by a deputy on scene, that it can take up to 2 hours to exit the parking lot. Â We left the venue and drove back to Sacramento before the show ended. Â Arriving home by Midnight. Â
In summation: Â This is a good place to see 1/2 of a concert. Â A good place to practice standing in line. Â A good place to overpay for food and drink. Â
Good
Nice venue
Weather was great
Bad:
Poor management of the facility. Â More entrances and exits really needed.
Long lines, for everything including: entrance to the concert, bathrooms, and concessions.
Lack of security, fights stopping the show is unacceptable.
The obvious over consumption of alcohol resulted in the previously mentioned fight. Â Add to that the vomit which was near the concession lines, not only unpleasant to see but unpleasant to smell. Â
It is a bit of a drive from Sacramento.
This could be an amazing venue. Â The idea of watching a concert under the stars is amazing. Â I have been here twice now. Â The most recent time was for Miranda Lambert we were in the front row in the pit. Â Could not have been closer. Â The problem was the security. Â They are behind a gate and not really able to help much to get all the stupid mouthy drunk girls in line. Â This needs to be better. Â The prices for food and drink were very expensive but that is everywhere
Review Source:I hate this place, I hate this place, I hate this place....did I mention I hate this place. I would rather drive to Shoreline or Concord to see the same band rather than drive the 45 minutes to this place.
I have seen a lot of concerts here over the years, but what didn't seem to matter when I was younger has become annoying in my old age. Like sitting in traffic for 1.5 hours and missing both opening bands because the people they hire for parking are just a cut above a carnie. Paying ten bucks for beer isn't very amusing, but when the beer is warm, that just rubs salt on the overpriced wound. And waiting in line for half the concert to use a bathroom that didn't have any soap! Like I said, I would rather drive to the bay for a better experience to see my favorite bands.
I used to think buying lawn tickets for a concert were a waste of time and money. Not so at Sleep Train. The venue is small enough that even a lawn seat has a good view. And if the show isn't sold out, there is a good chance that a staffer at the gate or roaming the lawn section will upgrade you to a seat for free. It does get cold after dark, so be prepared to sweat profusely under that sweatshirt you brought for later. You can bring in food- sandwiches, bottled water, snacks and keep your trip on the cheap. We brought in snacks, drinks and sandwiches for six and they did not bat an eye. They did make us take the caps off our bottled waters (stupid policy) but did not care when I put all the caps in my pocket. Your experience may vary- I have been told in the past that blankets are not allowed, but the policy clearly states that they are.
On the downside, it is in the middle of nowhere- hwy 65 winds through Lincoln and the traffic can be awful. Hwy 99 is a better option. Out of towners will hate the distance to lodging. Tends to smell of cow pies.
On the upside, it is in the middle of nowhere- parking is free, the air is clean, and live music under an open sky full of stars is pretty freaking awesome.
I came here on Sunday night to see Blink-182 and while their performance was awesome, the venue was not.
I've been here a few times but what's annoying is that it's such a far drive. Â It takes a good 45 min. - 1 hr. drive coming from Citrus Heights. Â
I do like that the floor area is relatively small because my friends and I had general admission tickets and we were standing in the back but we still had an amazing view and it wasn't annoyingly crowded. Â
However, what really killed this venue for me was the horrible and I mean HORRIBLE parking situation after the show. Â My boyfriend and I seriously sat in gridlock for close to a half hour with NO cars moving - and we weren't even out of the parking lot yet. Â Not to mention, there was NO one directing traffic. Â I think they need to reevaluate how they have their parking lot set up because even though parking before the show went smoothly, it all fell apart afterwards. Â Maybe they need to get some dudes out there with some light sticks or something to help. Â Anything would be nice! Â
If a band that I really want to see comes through and they're only playing at this venue, then maybe I'll suffer through it again. Â Maybe.
The Sleep Train Amphitheatre is THE perfect venue for concerts.
I went here for the John Mayer concert in August and had an amazing time. I went a little concert-happy in 2010 and went to 7 concerts all over the Bay Area, but this venue stood out and caught my attention. First of all, it's in the middle of nowhere so there's little to no traffic and plenty of parking spaces. I also enjoy the drive out of the city and onto the dirt road and open space to this innocent little town. It's such a sweet vibe - windows down, wind blowing in my air, anticipating a concert and then arriving in this hickville amphitheatre that happens to be so awesome!
The Amphitheatre itself has LOTS of open space. Upon entrance, you will find rows of vendors selling food, drinks and memorabilia. You can wander freely without being bombarded by crowds. Another welcoming surprise is that the bathrooms were clean! And there were so many bathrooms and stalls that waiting wasn't a problem - this is always appreciated when you're anxious to get back to your seat and not miss a minute of the show. As for the snack bars, the food was decent. Concert food and drinks tend to be pricey and this was no different but at least the lines were short.
But by far my favorite, absolute best part of this venue is the fact that it's (relatively) small (compared to other venues) so you end up sitting THAT MUCH CLOSER to the stage. We had lower-level seats to see John Mayer and this usually means sitting a few hundred feet from the stage at other arenas, but at the Sleep Train Amphitheatre, I could practically touch him!! Okay, so I'm exaggerating, but lower level seats at this venue are the equivalent to floor seats at other places, so you get to be REALLY close to the stage! It was such an amazing experience based on the venue alone (even if I didn't love John Mayer). It's the perfect summer concert spot because sunlight just pours in, the open air and breeze relaxes as the music envelops you, throw in a couple drinks and great company, and what more could you really ask for? I love this place. Sooo worth the drive, so worth everything!
Saw Dave Matthews Band less than a week later. Â Was initially excited because I was in the pit. Â But they might as well had just called it the bowl. Â As in stoners everywhere. Â Now I'm not nieve, I know that people would probably toke it up at DMB. Â But usually people aren't as blatant about it and most of the time us non-stoners can safely coexist. Â I didn't like moving away from my prime spot bc some loser decided to toke it up next to me.
Plus the ridiculous prices have to go. Â $5.50 for a vitamin water? Â Obviously Mr. Train, Sleep never learned about product pricing elasticity in Economics 101. Â He might sell a few hundred more at $3 a pop.
This was my fourth time attending a concert at the Sleep Train Amphitheatre. My first couple of times were memorable both in good and bad ways.
The concert I attended was the Toby Keith and Trace Adkins concert. The staff was OK, the security was tight, but they we not too pushy. There is plenty of lighting and it feels like a safe environment.
The Beer is about $10.00 for a Bud or Coors and a mix drink runs you about $12 bucks. The food is greasy and will make your butt get big if you eat too much of it. Its best to get there early and have a tailgate BBQ and Drink Pre-party before you enter the gates.
Parking is a pain in the butt. I would recommend upgrading the parking for an additional $20 if you can afford it. I waited 3 hours to park on day due to there being a shortage on parking and I missed half of a concert. Arriving a few hours ahead of the concert is also a good idea.
If you can avoid driving up highway 65 from Lincoln I would advise you to do so. When there is a concert on a Friday night, the traffic is is non stop bumper to bumper for the distance from Lincoln to Wheat land.
We drove out here for Warped Tour yesterday because we were unable to attend the one at Shoreline. The two venues have a lot of similarities. The way the amphitheatre is laid out is very similar as well as the food and beverage options. Here are my pros and cons:
Pros:
Parking is a lot better than Shoreline. Since it is in the middle of nowhere it is easy to get in and out without facing major traffic. The ATM fee was only $2.50. At the Shoreline Warped last year it was almost $5.
Cons:
Its literally in the middle of nowhere. The hotel we booked was almost 30 minutes away because there was nothing else around. Also, it was extremely hot and there was barely any shade.
I don't think I'd go to another concert here if I had the option because its just way out of my way.
It's a good place...
Lot's of seating, can't exactly get lost...
Driving here and gettin' outta here isn't any fun just like most venues...
I've been to events here a handful of times and have left early the last two times to avoid traffic. The last thing I want to do after a long night is sit in a car, with ringing ears, probably having to use the bathroom too, and/or hungry for fast food.
The food here is mediocre, the bathrooms are pretty thrashed but okay, and the lines for food and drinks are acceptable.
I've been to several concerts here and I've always had a good time. The venue is nice (I think much better than Arco Arena). The stage is nice and even if you don't get front-row seats there's always a pretty good view.
 As for the traffic situation I never had much of a problem. Mainly because I left early. As should always be assumed, when a huge band is playing people are going to come in droves. If the concert starts at 6:30pm you ought to leave at 4:30pm. Keep in mind, you have to go through traffic, security, and of course they have to make you stand in line for some reason for a minimum of 30 minutes. But frankly, I expect this kind of thing. I mean, going to a movie at 7pm pretty much guarantees you a 30 minute wait!
 Snacks are a bit pricey but again, that shouldn't come as a surprise to anyone. I like this venue and will go back.
Is there an option for no stars? Here is my cathartic review:
The exit for this venue is called 40 Mile Road. We got off the freeway and then we parked - two hours later. This is not an exaggeration. It took two hours to get from the freeway to the parking lot, and it's only like 1.5 miles. It literally took so long to park that we heard the opener start his act from the line of traffic. We also heard the opener finish his act...still, from the line of traffic. The parking situation is so awful I never want to buy anything from Sleep Train or Live Nation ever. Except that's impossible because Live Nation owns all music ever made. Â
If you're going to a show here, bring something to entertain yourself while the concert is going on. Cause you'll be in the car.
Nice venue or was it seeing Blink 182 and Weezer that was so great about this place. It is FAR FAR away! Get there early and come from the southern route. It is basically a replica of the Shoreline except way the heck out in nowhere, the country drive is nice with the wheat fields and cool clouds - try to enjoy it!
Review Source:I was here yesterday for a COLDPLAY concert and the venue is literally in the middle of nowhere. Kinda weird how this big ass place that facilitates concert needs for bands such as COLDPLAY, Blink 182, The Killers, etc...
Onward.... the Sleep Train Amphitheatre is pretty decent... their sound, lights, speakers, seating, and staff are very well orchestrated. Expect about $8 for a beer, $5-6 for popcorn, water, lemonade, and other snacks EACH! This is the one thing i hate about concerts man. They rip you off.
So the parking was FREE for us... but it was tricky because about 20,000 cars were there for the concert and a much smaller staff trying to harness the logistics of it all.
TIP:
-Parking was on a loose gravel/dirt ground. So don't wear white pants/shoes.
-It gets hot over here (close to 100 degrees)... so bring water.
Nothing to eat besides OVER PRICED and GREASY food.
-Do your self a favor and pick something nice and healthy.
Overall great concert experience since I was there for COLDPLAY.
Ohh and they have this water thing which blows light mist around the entrance so for those of you that get really hot!
Enjoy!
I was thoroughly surprised at this venue. My boyfriend got us VIP tickets to see John Mayer & Colbie Caillat in the dead of summer - so naturally, even at 7:30 pm - it was a blazing 95 degrees out. Whatever. We got to go into the catered food tent - which was delicious and had a full bar...always a plus. The amphitheater was nice, the VIP seats were definitely decent, except if someone tall sits in front of you - you're fucked. The seats aren't positioned in the arena as all the others are - they're on the same level.
We had our own personal - and a little over-friendly waitress who was attentive and brought us delicious nachos and a coke. The sound was impeccable and I would definitely go back for another concert anyday.
The down-side is the bugs at night, especially during set changes with all the lights turned on - it was nasty. To top it all off, this place is in bum-fuck-nowhere. Still the concert rocked my socks off and we had a blast.
When I saw my favorite band was going to be in Wheatland, I figure I'm already going to Mountain View, Irvine, Concord, might as well as make a stop in Wheatland and check it out. Â THIS IS HELL. THIS IS BRUTAL. The place is is in the middle of no where. I thought, if I make it out alive and back to my hotel, I'll be a good girl.
You don't pay for parking, and the parking is better than Concord's which is basically a free-for-all. This place is the only place to ask if I'm bringing in a gun. They asked with such a straight face and with such concern, I kinda wish I did just to see what they would do. The really cool thing about this venue is that right when you walk in there are these HUGE water towers which spray water, so all the kids who are dying about the heat can cool off.
I would like this place, it's easily 10xx better than Concord but not as awesome as Mountain View, but the place is filled with scene kid - bleached blondes who are so worried about how they look, they totally ruin the show. I don't pay attention to girls but when it's my favorite song and the three people close to you are checking out their makeup with their compact, you kinda wish you had a better crowd with you. Plus the guy behind me asked "You aren't going to stand up, are you!?" I didn't sit down once that night.
Think Hell.
To sum up what has been presented in prior reviews: if you wanna get an idea of what a concert would be like in Hell, go here during the Summer months. Heat, bugs, and a long drive to get there (and back) have all been confirmed by the hubby and me as fact. BUT, if you have no curiosity whatsoever regarding concerts in Hell, then you'd better either REALLY love the group performing, or at least the person who has decided to drag you way the hell out in that direction in the first place--in my case it was both. I mean, who else would you see at a concert in Hell, but none other than Judas Priest? Apparently they rock pretty hard in Hell, and it was good. *bursts into flames*
Holy crap this place is out in the middle of fucking nowhere. However the venue is not too large and it attracts a decent amount of larger acts when they make their way through california. Good on those warm summer nights when it's too hot during the day but perfect for after the sun has set.
Review Source:Worst place to travel to--quite past Sacramento, and much of the drive is a one-lane road. Â I know there are backroads you can take, but I don't know what they are. Â The venue is seemingly in the middle of nowhere. Â Parking is terrible if you get sent to one of the dirt lots with NO lighting (good luck finding your car after the show). Â The first time I went there, the venue had just opened...and they ran out of water (in the 100 degee Sacramento summer no less!). Â The place itself was modeled after the Shoreline (I think), so looks very similar. Â I think it's gotten better, but the drive there is still crazy...
Review Source: