Alexander H.
Yelp
Back in 2013, I was here for the Rutgers-Newark Graduation Ceremony. This was a very happy moment for us graduates at that time (you all know who you are), and the venue was perfect! Also during that year, we had to take a class about visual performance. After the moment that all of us stormed into the lobby and snapped photos of this place for our projects like crazy, the stunned security guard acted like "Oh my god, what is this?!" and headed to the front door looking for our professor since he was still outside while other classmates were pouring in and snapping away. After a few moments, our professor came in with the guard and said "Okay, you may all take notes, but don't take any more photos!"
Classic fun moments set aside, it's time to move on from the past to the present with this revamp. Recently, we came here for the "NJSO and the Cirque De La Symphonie". After finding a parking spot in the Underground Military Park Garage, we proceeded to the venue. There, we were greeted by someone at the Box Office, and then received our "will call" tickets.
Because the doors weren't open yet, we rested in the seats right by a cafe area. Those seats were actually comfortable. Once the doors opened, we were greeted and checked by the attentive staff members. They guided us to our assigned row.
We were seated in the row of the "Orchestra" area. The views were great, the acoustics were terrific, and the seats were comfortable. If possible, try to reserve a seat in the "Orchestra" area. Even though it may be a pricier section, it's better than sitting in the "nose-bleed" area.
During the intermission, the cafe was available for those who wanted something to drink or eat. A long line accumulated from there. There was no initial wait at the clean restrooms, but when I came out, a long line accumulated at the entrance. Staff members were available for those who couldn't remember where to go for their seats.
The underground parking garage is located in Military Park. The entrance is right across from the venue, and patrons can easily cross the street right into the garage. But if that entrance was closed, then they could enter from the Robert Treat Hotel (as indicated by posted sign). The parking garage itself was heated, which was perfect during the Freeze Warning that night.
The architecture was beautiful and historical. In the lobby, there were engraved writings of those who made contributions to this venue. Some of the engraved writings were even on the floors with blinking lights. This was perfect.
This venue is used for certain concerts (mostly non-mainstream), ballet performances, lectures, comedy shows and more. The location is perfect for those coming in from NJ-21 and Broad Street (both via US-22 (which I utilized from C.J.), US-1/9, I-78, I-95). We will definitely come back here again when we find another show that matches our interest. Enjoy your show!