This isn't the nicest theatre in town, but it is a cool place to go for some of their events. I went a couple of years ago to a fundraiser they hosted for St. Baldricks, and that was pretty cool.
More recently, I went to the Molly Ringwalds concert they presented. First, I grew up listening to almost everything they played, so it was really awesome getting to experience a live performance of something I grew up with.
I had a couple of drinks from the bar, and I have to say that each of those bartenders deserves a good tip. The drinks were all delicious, and they were strong without tasting just of the liquor. It really made the whole experience even better. But when won't good drinks at reasonable prices make an experience better? NEVER!
Overall, if a band you enjoy or an event that
The Varsity's location is ideal. Â It's situated just outside the gates of LSU, next door to The Chimes, and just up the road from Louie's. Â I've only been a time or two without the sole purpose being to see a concert. Â As many posters have mentioned before, the concerts would benefit greatly if the upstairs seating was opened more frequently. Â I did manage to grab a table there for The Veronicas, which made it far more comfortable and gave us a good view. Â I can't say that I've ever been disappointed in my experience. Â I haven't dealt with terribly late starting concerts (i.e.- Snoop Dogg), and the seating is really only a mild issue for me, personally. Â Overall, I find The Varsity to be a cool venue with a good deal to offer.
Review Source:I wish they would open their upstairs for seating. Â They HAVE added tables to the downstairs 2nd tier, an improvement. Â Large stage, still intimate. Â Reminds me of House of Blues. Â A great live music venue. Â The best part is Chimes right next door... drop in for a quick bite to eat. Â We had various friends playing last night at Varsity. Â Watched the opening band.. ran over to Chimes for some grub... then ran back to catch the last 2 bands. Â It was an ideal situation.
Review Source:This is a cool place to see a concert. I imagine back in the hey-day there were a lot of smaller bands that toured the country and made a pit stop here. It reminded me a bit of both the 40 watt club in Athens, GA and a bit like Eddies Attic in Atlanta, GA where you could see a great show, grab some cheap beers, and be close to the stage. The sound system is solid as well.
We saw Better Than Ezra last night for a charity event and I imagine they rocked this place probably 10 years ago as well.
As previous posters have said, the venue itself is pretty intimate, separate levels allow better viewing of the stage and the soundboard is right in the middle of the audience and there are two large bars (one on the side, and one in the back) making getting a drink no major issue. You can also walk outside to get a breath of fresh air and then head back in which is cool.
The Varsity is a decent-sized venue. It lacks some of the charm of a place like Spanish Moon, but the convenience can't be beat. There is an upstairs area with tables/chairs, but I've only seen it open for a few shows. Â I agree with the previous posters complaint that there is no seating - this could easily be alleviated by opening up the upstairs area for a place to sit for those that want to, but I'm sure the staff views it as a liability because the patrons would be unsupervised up there.
I do appreciate that you are allowed to leave the venue after getting your wristband. Â If I want to buy a poster, or a t-shirt, I can purchase these items, run them out to my car, and come back in. I've even grabbed a quick bite to eat at Chimes if I arrive early enough and the venue isn't packed. For those who smoke, I have to imagine it's nice to go have a smoke and come back in. Â Many venues in places like Southern CA balk at the idea of allowing patrons to come and go, even with wristbands. Â Used to piss me off to no extent, so it's nice to be allowed to come and go.
Also, they do a lot of events that probably make them little to no money, but help out other groups. Â It's nice that they provide the space for these events, usually run drink specials, and (usually) put them on the marquee. Â I've been to a gumbo cook-off, a few rugby events, and I appreciate the use of the space for those events. They also took the time to apologize after the Snoop Dog debacle, and I thought that was at least a nice touch recognizing the frustrations of the patrons, so the managers. I've also found that the prices are pretty well adjusted to who is playing or what is going on.
Ok, I love the idea and concept of The Varsity. Location is perfect! Ample bar access and a killer sound set up.
I guess my beef may be somewhat of an age consideration. There are surely not a good amount of seating here which comes into play with my other issue. Every time I have gone to see a concert here, whether it be a small local act or a major recording artist, the show NEVER starts on time. I am not speaking of 15-30 or even an hour after the start time. The Molly Reinwald's never start more than 3 hours after. Snoop Dogg started 5 hours after door opened. The Varsity artist promo folks need to work with these to have these concerts start at a decent hour. I know it may not be a big deal to some but for someone who has to work early during the week, it is a big deal.
Recently the Varsity has been more of a concert joint and concerts aren't really my thing but when DJ Elevate is there it is totally awesome! I would highly recommend going then because the music is awesome and everyone is having a great time dancing! So if you love to dance I would go then!
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