AVA Amphitheater

Visited the first time for the Billy Idol concert and overall enjoyed our experience. I was not impressed with the ticketing process. .The box office did not have any seats together, but the secondary market was full of them at a huge mark-up. The venue is small enough that any of the seats actually provide a decent view and sound. The sound system was good enough to hear clearly. The video screens are small but big enough to see the performance clearly. Security staff, ushers, and food vendors were professional and courteous. Parking was free and easy to access, and after the show, it was easy to exit. We would see a show there again if it was somebody we liked.

AVA has a capacity of 5000 people. It has reserved seats and open lawn seating. Lawn seating is a really good price if you are on a budget but it comes with its gotchas. First of all, you can only bring a cushion of blanket or just sit on the grass. Speaking of sitting, that's only temporary anyway because once the show progresses everyone will stand up. The policies for what you can bring in on are the AVA website. They are very strict as I saw several people getting turned away. They do allow you to bring in a sealed water bottle. I'd suggest you read their list of prohibited items ahead of time so you don't have to make multiple trips to the car. Speaking of which, parking is completely free which is great but plan for a little time to find a spot.For lawn seating get a spot on the hill halfway up and not in front of the sound booth. Be aware there are both people smoking cigarettes right next to you and also vaping pot. That is common thing these days at any outdoor music venue. Also know that people will encroach your space both in front and behind to where they are 2-3 ft from you. Having said that, the location is great as the evenings cool down and the sun sets. 75 F evenings are perfect. You can spend time before or after the concert in the casino either for dinner or drinks and some gambling. They also do hotel + concert combo packages.The price of food, I thought, was reasonable for a music venue. I've seen much worse. Lawn seating had at least one bar available for people but also concessions coming around in the lawn area. You need to get a wristband for alcohol which you can do once you get in.

Not a bad seat in the place. We saw Alice Cooper and it was a great experience. Parking was easy, entry was fast. All of the employees were very friendly.If it weren't for the drunk couple right in front of us, falling into us, making out hardcore... it would've been a perfect night. (Obviously not the venue's fault for that).

I recently attended Banda MS concert and they performed nicely and they gave a great show. My bestie and I attended the concert this past Friday. I loved the weather and there was even a cool breeze. I enjoyed Banda MS so much and so glad I got to see them as i missed them when they came to phoenix. Also it's nice they give a military discount. We were able to secure a discount bc my besties son is in military.

The AVA is a nice place to experience a concert. It is easy to get to, the system is easy and clear. I saw quite a few people having to return to their car to store a purse or bag that was not within the size the venue allowed. I just read the rules for the AVA, and brought a little clear bag to store a few things. I was second row, and security did a great job making sure not a million people were crowding the stage. The first two rows got colored wristbands so security could easily tell who had tickets for that area. Plenty of places to get a beverage and a lil snack. The prices are average for a concert venue. (that means you will pay a HIGH markup for most items). The sound was excellent and Shiela E as the opening act BROUGHT IT! Chaka was the main event and to be 5 feet from her was AMAZING!

Nice amphitheater, but absolutely ridiculous venue policies. Prior to attending I had searched the website for items I could and could not bring...website states you can bring a small clutch, so I brought a clutch and was turned away at the gate. Okay no big deal, but then I had to go back again for bringing an instant camera when the site states they only prohibit professional cameras...I come back again and now then they tell me my belt isn't allowed in...insane!

Great place to watch an event! The fresh air, fantastic sound system, clean and big bathrooms, easy parking, decent prices make for a super cool place to enjoy a concert or show.On the grounds of Camino Del Sol hotel, which is a nice place to stay, I might add. I'd definitely take advantage of the 80s Hair Band nights again, plus any other band that piques my interest. Very happy with my experiences here.Thanks and CHEERS!!

When the summer heat retreats and the fall evenings are ushered in by earlier sunsets and cool breezes, the AVA shines as one of the best venues in the Desert Southwest to catch a show. Get a meal before at the world-class PY Steakhouse inside the Casino del Sol! And when it's time to leave, exit by driving behind the Amphitheater. It's usually much less backed up

First off, free parking right up front, what venue has that nowadays. Easy in and out too. I saw Alice Cooper there in Oct. and the weather was great, laid back crowd. Only holds about 5K, so even the grass has decent views.

I know I'm not the smartest bulb in the box, but I'd imagine that if you're constructing an outdoor theater in Tucson, you would at the very least put out some fans. Seeing a show here was a satanic nightmare. Everyone was so visibly uncomfortable from the heat. I was so distracted from how much I was dripping sweat that I couldn't truly enjoy the show. Even the comedian, Jim Jefferies, made a comment about how he couldn't take being there.