Marquee Theatre Tempe

Pretty solid place to catch a concert. You’ll be shoulder to shoulder with people you’ve never met, but hey, that’s part of the charm. Think of it as forced friendship… or at least forced proximity while you both scream lyrics off-key. The sound’s good, the energy’s great, and yes, drinks are expensive, but that’s the universal law of concerts. Nobody’s shocked. Now here’s where it loses a star, no snacks. Not even sad nachos or a lonely hot dog rolling in a warmer. There is a vending machine, but plot twist, it took my money and gave me nothing. Not even an apology. Just chewed up my cash and kept on glowing like nothing happened. And if you know me, you know snack theft is personal. So yeah, Marquee is worth checking out, just eat first. Or bring a granola bar and hide it in your shoe like a responsible adult who refuses to be defeated by snackless venues.

This venue reminds me of one of the old school venues from back in the day (in a good way). Just big enough to not feel overly crowded and small enough to feel like a local show. We were in the balcony so the view was perfect. The sold balcony seats, which were stools against the rail. We had balcony GA which meant we could stand behind the stools. That said, there was a large gap in the stools right in the center of the stage. We asked if it was OK to stand there and the security guy said as long as there were no stools, we were good. We ended up have the best view in the entire balcony. There was a bar and bathrooms on the balcony so it was very convenient. Only complaint was the vocals were a bit low/muddy but I don't know if that was the band gear, the venue gear, or just being higher up in the balcony.

The venue is nice and intimate with great sound, making for a good show experience. The downside is the sketchy neighborhood, which felt a bit chaotic after the event with cars revving and doing donuts. It was an odd end to an otherwise great night of live music.

Always good shows, Cory Kent and The Kruse Brothers were great. Love that the shows are early and done at a decent time.

We've been to several shows here, now. There is always a good crowd in attendance. Saw Suicidal Tendencies last night. This place was packed! The AC couldn't keep up, and it was really warm inside. This place has the main floor, which is general admission and has no seating. There is an upper level balcony that does offer stools to sit on only against the railing. There are bars on both floors with the upper level way more accessible. We heard a rumor there was food, but never found any.

I have been coming here for years and this place never disappoints ❤️😎 the staff inside and outside and friendly and helpful , clean restrooms and delicious drinks at the bar 😎🤠 they have recently added the balcony area to accommodate more seating , and the lower level is always standing room only .

Caught a show at the Marquee Theatre and had an awesome time. Standing room only makes for a fun concert experience. Sound quality was solid. The staff handled the crowd well, and security moved smoothly. There’s a bar inside with quick service and decent prices for a concert venue. Parking was not super easy, but the location is convenient. One of the better spots in the Valley for live music.

The Marquee is always a great venue that has some of the greatest artists performing of all time! They're personable and also help keep all its patrons safe and secure, I've NEVER had a bad experience here, the people, the venue, the artists, they all are amazing to experience! I recommend this place to anybody and everybody. If u have an upcoming show here anytime soon, you will NOT be disappointed 😁

This is a fine place to see a show. I went for the Sam Fender concert and liked that it was on the smaller side. It is really nice that the venue is right on the Valley Metro line and close to Tempe. Getting in wasn't too bad as we just had to go through security and then scan our tickets. The merch area was pretty small and the line for it kind of butt into the rest of the entrance space. The venue was pretty hot but maybe that has to do with being in a big crowd. Even Sam Fender mentioned how hot it was. The sound was my biggest complaint here. It sounded kind of fuzzy and not clear.

MARQUEE MARKS THE SPOT A treasure of a venue tucked away down the street from Downtown Tempe. This humble building has had a metamorphosis during its long history on Mill Avenue from whence it was constructed as the Red River Opry in 1993. This is the first venue I went to as a college kid. At that time it was grungy and dank. It was not well ventilated, the floors were concrete and giant floor fans were the only way to cool off. It was not comfortable inside. They had cheap admission and cheap drinks; a college kid's dream! Since its meek beginnings, it later added the balcony for extra seating and a new view for shows. It now has proper air conditioning. The lighting effects have been upgraded and the floors are no longer the same as the pavement outside. The giant speakers on both sides of the stage blast your eardrums and the bass can rattle your bones. Do not discount this small venue. There is no seating, it is General Admission, standing room only, so you get a close-up and intimate experience with a great view anywhere on the floor which would cost you hundreds at an arena or stadium; now that's value! The actual floor is slightly sloped to help the views of the vertically challenged folks to combat the tall people in the crowd. The patio is a great place to get fresh air or hang out and drink. The entry has security gates and staff using security wands. This can cause the line for entry pretty long so get there early. There are lockers by the security check that you can use to put your stuff if they do not allow certain personal affects in the building. Check the website for permitted and prohibited items. If your you favorite artist happens to make a stop here, Marquee Mark your calendars because you'll get good vibrations when attending shows at this place!

I was here tonight for a KNIX secret show concert and it was sooo much fun!! This venue however is small and can hold up to 2,000 people I believe. It can get hot in here but they honestly do an amazing job keeping the place cool! I will give a heads up on the bathroom situation - there were lines each time I had to go (long lines) but they did move quickly luckily. I think there was only one area for the bathrooms (That I'm aware of) that was the only downside but other than that everything else was amazing! The staff were also very sweet!

Great venue! Recommend getting balcony tickets, bar upstairs pours better drinks and there are some barstools to rest your feet during the concert!!! Get there early and have a blast!!!

Saw Collie Buddz last night . Sound quality was horrible . Whoever was in charge of sound check needs to be fired couldn't hear him singing at all

I've been here a few times. Recent experience was great. Parking was a little rough, but the attending gave me a great workaround. Got in line and it seemed long but went really fast. Sound was great, intimate setting, drinks a bit pricey but to be honest expected at an event. Decently priced tix. Would go again!

So I just went for the first time to this venue for the Prof concert and thoroughly enjoyed my experience. I am not from phx and don't go to a ton of concerts there but I would definitely go back to this venue! It reminds me of the Rialto theatre in Tucson (which I do frequent) , similar in size and they both have a balcony section. I had excellent service at the bar each time I went, lines weren't too bad either . Bathroom clean and spacious. Security was on point as well inside the concert. I felt safe and really enjoyed the show!

It is a basic music venuel with average acoustics. General admission is standing only. Fortunately, the venue has a sloped, cement floor to help with viewing once past the first few rows. Nothing special about venue architecturally, besides being a round building. There is a small smokers patio. Events usually have parking fee for the lot next to the venue, but some free parking down by Tempe Beach under the Mill Ave Bridges.

First time at the Marquee ever. Nice place. Pretty typical for venues like this, but it has a nicer upper deck than expected. Hope to visit again sometime soon!

If you're considering coming here--don't. This was hands-down the worst experience I've had at any venue, ever. As a new Arizona resident, I was excited to check out the local music scene and came to this venue to see an artist with my partner. We grabbed a drink and headed to the dance area, trying to enjoy ourselves despite the staff already giving off an unwelcoming vibe. Things took a sharp turn when my partner went to grab us a second round and handed me my drink. Within minutes, we were approached by staff and aggressively told we had to leave the premises immediately. The reason? They accused us of giving drinks to minors. We were completely stunned. Not only is that accusation ridiculous, it was delivered without any real explanation, evidence, or chance to clarify. The staff made no effort to handle the situation professionally--they were rude, dismissive, and frankly seemed more interested in flexing authority than managing a safe, fun environment. If you value your night out, your money, and being treated like a human being, do yourself a favor and go literally anywhere else in the Valley. There are plenty of venues that won't rob you of your night with false accusations and hostile treatment. Avoid this place at all costs.

Buy the tickets. Go to the concert. I was pleasantly surprised by how clean the bathrooms were at this venue.

For over 20 years, I've visited this establishment for various shows and events. The parking can be a bit of a nightmare, so arrive early! There is no food at this location, but a bar for drinks if you would like to enjoy. It has a pretty good layout, but is a standing room only type of theatre which can deter some people away. The security and staff was very friendly at the Phoenix Rising Kit Reveal Party, and I'm sure when the right event comes I'll be back.

They have a nice venue, but I'm standing outside at 7pm when doors open at 630 for no good reason. Always hear about issues here.

My friend & I came here to see a concert for her birthday. She is diabetic and we needed to take a second in the bathroom to be away from all the people before the band started. Her blood sugar was getting low, we were in there for like 30 minutes and went outside to get fresh air. security did not less us back in and we did not get to see the performance. Super disgusting and rude people working here, especially the "boss" of security... Do not recommend u guys suck

Went to see yachtley crew, way too crowded fire hazard felt like a sardine. Going to bathroom or getting drink impossible. Do not recommend,

This is the absolute worst place ever the security is absolutely ridiculous rude and they harass you my best friend and I waited to go to this concert to see Yelawolf for months my friend is sober and they threw us out because I ordered a double shot and a seltzer which they sell there completely ruined my first Mother's Day gift to myself don't sell alcohol out a venue. If you don't want people drinking I will never ever go to a concert at this venue ever again thanks a lot for ruining my friends and my Mother's Day. Worst venue in Arizona and if I was an artist, I would never book it because they treat your fans like shit.

Lack of response for accessibility to request for an ASL interpreter for a show that's in April 2025. I've tried calling but their voicemail box is full, no one is responding to my emails or social media DMs or comments. It should not be this hard to simply request for an ASL interpreter. Get it together guys.

We came to see Duane Betts and for this show they put seats out (FYI Duane was amazing). We bought balcony so werent worried. I have been to a few shows here and there is no give on the floor so standing for hours can kill you but the sound is good and the price for drinks is reasonable to the other music venues. Marquee is a good place to catch the different acts that run through the city.

Grew up lining outside this venue and have so many good memories here so it pains me to write this. We just got kicked out of the venue (not drunk, not under 21) because my friend was holding a glass of water. They are 26 years old. Would not take their legal ID through an app or in person and escorted us out through the crowd, at our friend's show. This venue has always had the most aggressive security, I will never forget being 16 years old being yelled at to evacuate the premises after a Fall Out Boy show when the security was SCREAMING in my face that nobody was coming out, when the singer tweeted that he was coming out. Fuck The Marquee for real lol

Great venue for sound and lights for 'Music of Pink Floyd-Laser Spectacular' Very professional, safety conscious (think blindness from direct or reflected laser beams!) The service at the bar was excellent too!

This place is godawful. Sketchy people hawking beverages in the parking lot. A "bathroom attendant" standing over some cans of hairspray ("Be sure to tip your bathroom attendant"), insanely priced beverages, a tiny parking. Listen to me---DO NOT PURCHASE STANDING ROOM BALCONY SEATING. That does not mean you'll have room to lean over the railing. Instead, you're paying a ton of cash to stand behind people who are sitting on stools at the balcony railing. You might as well be on the floor, as every inch of the railing has a stool at it. You WILL be staring at the back of someone's head either way, and you'll be paying a premium for the privilege. And good luck getting one of those balcony seating tickets in the first place. They were somehow all sold out before we even had an opportunity to buy tickets. This place is genuinely and truly terrible, and it'll take a lot to get me here again.

Went to see my first concert at the marquee. We went to see Destroy Lonely and I got kicked out because security assumed I was intoxicated. I hadn't had anything to drink that night. But they kicked me out because i was throwing up a little bit. By far the worst experience I had at a concert I only was there for lil 88s first song. I will never be going back to this theater just because of how shitty security was. They were not worried about anyone's wellbeing they were just worried about kicking people out. I don't even care about the money I spent they took that experience away from me.

This venue is pretty large in comparison to other small venues. The floor area is roomy which is cool. The staff was friendly and helpful. The Collie Buddz concert was great. The bad: security was not helpful at all. A guy kept grabbing all of us and touching us. I told security he was really messed up and fondling us. They said , yeah, we know. And they did nothing about it. I physically pushed him off me 3 times. We finally moved to another area. The worst: the parking! It was really bad. My dad has handicapped placard and there was no Ada parking available. We had to park extremely far. It was brutal!

I have been to a handful of shows here over the past few years. It is a small venue which is awesome, easy to access, large parking lot and drop off area for ride share. This weekend, I attended the Vince Neil and Stephen Pearcy show and was very impressed with the security procedures here. Well done. Plastic purses only - NO GUM! Also, the upstairs balcony seats are the way to go......if you can find them to purchase. They are hard to come by and a little pricey for most shows. I did appreciate the fact that the security upstairs checked and made sure that people who did purchase the few seats on the balcony made sure that they did HAVE seats. Seperate bar and restrooms upstairs. The one thing they need to improve is the sound was not very good on Friday night. Not sure if not all speaker stacks were functional or what was going on but the sound was very front heavy for most of the shows (4 bands total). It did improve once Stephen and Vince Neil came on but the openers were not good from up in the balcony. Definitely a cool spot to see some great acts. Also want to mention that I did see Great Van Fleet/Dorothy here a few years ago and THAT ROCKED! The sound was awesome that night. Love a small venue like this! Thanks for bring ROCK to the valley! ROCK ON!

Brothers and sisters, I have been going to the Marquee for close to 20 years. It sounded bad back then and sounds the same or worse now. Way to take great bands and turn their music into mud. Literally every other venue in AZ sounds better. The Van Buren for instance is about the same size and shape, but sounds so much better and you can enjoy the music of artists you may not even know. At the Marquee, you probably won't even recognize your favorite songs from the band you're there to see play. My friends and I couldn't even understand someone talking into a microphone with no one else making noise, the room is tuned that badly. And its not just one night, it's all the time. Also, don't come hungry. You'll have a long walk to find food. Parking is easy and affordable and the overall operations side of the venue is great.

We came here to see a standing room only event. I liked the general layout; the stage area with the slanted downward floor area for an easier viewing experience. The parking was coordinated well by the staff as well as the security at the entrance. The bathrooms tidy and the vendor, outdoor chill and bar area seemed well placed. It all made for a nice time.

Dear dopest bands of the 2000s. PLEASE CHOOSE A DIFFERENT VENUE. The most important reason is the sound, this venue was an old theater (which is usually really cool) but they took out the seats and carpeting and never appropriately addressed the change in acoustics. The other reason ( not important to the band) the venue itself is dangerous. They give out drinks and when asked, can provide no lid. Tonight we could smell hard drugs being smoked and like this wasn't even a tweaker type show. If I wanted to be there any longer I would have asked for a refund. I don't want to feel my lungs being tight after a show because of drugs I didn't even use. Messed up. Like realistically they go harder for vapes with nicotine or weed and like this is why people bring hard drugs. It won't set off the metal detectors and then they mess up the show for everybody else. PLEASE BOOK YOUR NEXT SHOW AT THE OTHER FANTASTIC LOCAL OPTIONS THE VAN BUREN THE CELEBRITY THEATER DO NOT BOOK THE MARQUEE

I use to love the Marquee, always a fun open GA venue and have been a patron to many shows, heavy metal, hard hip hop. This place has become inadequate, a security staff that are afraid so they take heavy measure quickly. It's like the high schoolers that got bullied standing up for themselves. If this venue is gonna stay legit; I suggest legit staff and security. Your concerts would be much better without the egoistical power trip y'all are bringing.

Food was terrible. Service was awful. Ambience was ok. This issue here is, we came to see Yngwie Malmsteen today. Tickets and ads all said "Doors open at 6." Stood in line outside in 105 degree heat since 5pm. At 6:20pm, someone went up to ask and they said they would not be opening the doors until 7pm. Show is supposed to start at 6:15pm!!! No one came out to tell us what was going on or that there would be a delay. Absolutely unprofessional and perhaps the worst venue in the entire state of Arizona!! I will NEVER attend this venue again, and I have blasted by 7000+ social media followers to avoid this place like the plague.

Great venue. I wouldn't hesitate to go again. Not much parking though. Not cheap parking either. But a good show venue

They are stealing your debit/credit card numbers here. Do not go here unless you got cash for the bar. Do not go here!

Went to the Streetlight Manifesto concert with my Granddaughter. Our First time on the Baricades together The Security staff was OUTSTANDING in keeping us and everyone safe. The Sound was Great! Definitely will be going back to see another show!

I've been coming to Marquee Theatre for years and haven't been disappointed yet! I have seen so many great bands here that I've lost count but here are a few that I really enjoyed: Thrice, Circa Survive, Coheed and Cambria, La Dispute and Taking Back Sunday. No matter where you are inside the view of the stage is great, sound and lighting are always on point and you're never far away from the bar. They added balcony seating a few years ago. Marquee Theatre offers limited parking on site but there is a parking garage across the street. The price for parking is typically $10 (wouldn't be surprised if it's gone up). It's also located along the light rail route if you'd rather avoid driving. All in all, Marquee Theatre is a great venue to see your favorite artists perform.

Came here tonight to see Social Distortion. It was my first time there. The small parking lot leads to the entrance. You can only carry in a clear purse so be aware otherwise you're walking back to your car. The concert was standing only so wear comfortable shoes. 1800 people is sold out and it's packed. The beer soaked floors & dark stale air gives the perfect combo of a dive bar and concert venue. I love the vibe & look forward to seeing more bands there!

Always a great venue to see a band. Tonight I saw Burn'd Bridges opening for Faster Pussycat. Great show and as always very good service. I went with a bunch of friends and I was able to stand right up by the stage. The crowd was fun. Everyone had a great time. Afterwords the bands came out and took pictures with their fans. Pretty cool night!

Was asked by a security girl if I was pregnant while in line for an event. I told her no, I was not pregnant, and asked her what on earth possessed her to ask such a grossly invasive question that is in no way relevant to security screening for a concert. She was apologetic but my experience was stained for the rest of the night by this offensive and grossly incompetent security girl. I'm very choosy about what to Karen about in this world and I'm in the process of lodging a formal complaint against the venue for this incident. Honestly, don't go here. Aside from their grotesquely rude and incompetent staff, the venue is pretty trashy. The speakers are garbage quality and you have to download an app to pay for drinks, and hey! Maybe you'll also get asked if you're pregnant by security, when you are clearly not pregnant! I never ever want to come back here because of my horrible experience.

Went here last night and as we're waiting in line to get into the venue, a group of 5 security workers (not using guards on purpose as it was far from that), approach us demanded that we move our Lexus car or it will be towed! We were absolutely shocked and speechless because: (1) we don't have a car.... We have a truck and (2) we parked at the top of the garage parking across the street with plenty of spaces non reserved and (3) a couple walked all the way from this same garage to wait in line with us, and they were just as shocked. After we explained that we didn't have a Lexus nor parked near here...they walked off like nothing happened. Zero apologies, no change in attitude after they realized they had the wrong person. We get it that there's a lot of people attending this event but if you can't keep a level headed approach and stay calm, then you're in the job. Get new security that care to protect people, not bully and push fear on people inaccurately!

~Hipsters Bartender dude wouldn't allow me to get an NON-ACOHOLIC beverage without a wristband for alcohol. I'm 36 and pregnant. I put my normal size bag in the car because it was too big according to the TSA style entrance frisking, metal detectors, flood lights etc. (so my husband had the money.) We were only there to see the 1st band because my husband knows him (co-worker). Then went home. Wasted half of that time over something so dumb. Also NO SEATS, unless you want to pay 135$ for balcony. On new years eve too... :( Boo you guys stink and overall bad attitudes from everyone. Happily never coming back.

I personally love this venue. It is super intimate and it never feels too crowded. We have attended 2X for the KNIX secret show. My only complaint is the bar space is small. We always get 2 drinks when we get there since the lines seem never ending. We just have learned to plan our time accordingly around getting drinks and using the bathrooms before they become too crowded. Parking is very limited but there is a parking garage nearby that can be used.

I've been there twice. 1st time I got felt up by security, it was pouring rain and the smoke from the outside permeated the place. They allow smoking right up next to the doors. 2nd time was great. Decent acoustics, nicer security, no smoke stink. I was not impressed that you have to buy water or use a dirty looking decrepit fountain. Not cool. It's a desert climate, and not everyone wants to get drunk and dehydrated. At least provide cups of water to people buying alcohol. By the end of the night it was crazy with all the screaming stumbling drunks. The restrooms were basically a vomitorium. I felt sorry for the cleaning crew. They charge $10 to park, cash. Not bad. The parking lot was well lit from what I saw. This place is not for the weak, but I'm glad to know of this small venue.

I was nervous about the show I was going to hear because I've read all the reviews. Their website FAQ is pretty passive aggressive, but a great representation of what to expect. Honestly if you don't interact with the staff, it's not that bad. My experience was fine, but I did go prepared. Left early and brought cash for the parking, used the bathroom before coming here, brought a small clear bag, had my tickets and ID ready, didn't interact with staff, and saw a great show.

Went here from California to see Andrew McMahon in the Wilderness in July. Andrew and his wilderness band are amazing performers. The opening band, Michigander, was also amazing too. The venue itself has good sound, and good size stage. The staff weren't rude as some might say. The parking attendants were cool too, very laid back in the 100+ degree weather the Arizona desert has to offer in the summer. Overall, good venue to see a band.

Sound guys suck. I'm at a concert I don't want to have a normal volume conversation with ppl. Why do they keep turning the house lights on? Why do they require guests to use rooam?! Apparently American currency isn't a valid form of payment here. No wonder Van Buren took all their shows and their regulated to Buckcherry every 3 months. Buckcherry. Crazy bitch. Place needs to die and let someone else redo it.

Too much concrete! But a great sound system with great bands. Drinks are pricey and security is overboard.

I am not sure what is happening at The Marquee with their overcompensating and escalating security. I attended The Fortunate Youth show last week and personally witnessed 5 people removed by security within 20 minutes of the headliner...and we were 10 feet from the stage so only had about 10% view of the entire venue. One man protested being kicked out and was taken by force and ultimately taken to the ground and held down by 8 men including 2 Police officers. He was near me and did nothing wrong but expect a reasonable explanation for being removed by security. Marquee security escalated the situation that led to a man simply defending himself. He was arrested I'm sure. It was gross and obscene. I hope he sues the place. One guy was removed for "dancing suggestively" according to security. Oh yeah-my wife and I were removed because security said she was "stumbling around". She did have 3 drinks but was in no way drunk or causing a disturbance. She simply didn't walk a straight line out of the women's bathroom where security followed her to me and they told us we had to leave. We are 50+ year old professionals and avid reggae concert-goers having a little fun but never out of control. We have never been treated so badly especially when we were completely minding our own business. The other 2 guys were about 5 feet from us and randomly removed by security. I have no idea why but I can attest that they were not causing any disturbance. I am sure there were countless other removals that night that we did not witness. The Police had cruiser outside and were harassing people as they were booted out of the show. I guess The Marquee finds it offensive to have fun. Needless to say-all shows on my list at The Marquee have been scratched. I recommend that you do the same unless you plan not to dance, have a beer, cheer, or be happy. End with a positive note: the bartender did make quality drinks.

Haven't come here in forever because it has turned into a complete ****show, thought maybe I'd try it again. doors at 6 tonight, got here at 6, nothing was set up fir entry finally got thru the line and they still won't let us in maybe if we all pass our in the heat we can just sue. still dirty, still rude staff, still a ****show.

I would give this place 5 stars for viewing a band as there is not a bad spot in the house. I would give it 1 star for the acoustics as every band I see there just sounds loud and bad. I have seen the same band at The Van Buren or at Crescent and they sound great. I would think the Marquee management would get this figured out by now. It's too bad since other than the sound it's a great ensue for a show

The owner Tim reached out to me and offered me a hard copy of the Morrissey ticket. Unfortunately, with my busy schedule, I'm unable to stop by and pick it up. I did send him an email asking if it could be mailed to my mom's home in Arizona since I've been commuting from Philadelphia. I haven't received any response yet, but maybe my email got lost in the junk file, so I have to give him the benefit of the doubt. I'm willing to try this venue again in the future, and hopefully, my experience will be better.

Absolutely disgusted by the way security talks down to people. This group of security was the most disrespectful group of people I've encountered. I didn't even attend the show because of the way the staff spoke to my girlfriend.