Sarah S.
Yelp
One of my favorite venues in Atlanta, for sure.
Plenty of parking in the area, as long as there aren't too many events going on because you are really located in the touristy area in Atlanta (near Centennial Olympic Park, Aquarium, Philips Arena, etc.) Lots of parking decks, but I recommend Uber/Lyft for ease and safety if you're planning on drinking!
The building itself has so much character because it was an old Baptist church that was built in the early 1900s. It didn't become a music venue until the '90s, first serving as the House of Blues and getting lots of great acts when the Olympics came to Atlanta in '96. These days, Live Nation is running the show and they bring some of the greatest acts to perform among these hundred year old walls.
The walls are painted with funky designs throughout, including the ceiling in the main room. Makes for a cool vibe, because although not original decor it certainly makes you feel like you're hanging out in a place full of history and stories to tell. A big chandelier hangs in the middle of the venue and often bands will include other fun elements to play on the height of the ceiling.
They recently updated the VIP area on the second floor (called The Room). The room has a private entrance, bar and restrooms which elevates the experience. They also have a live streaming of the show so if you're grabbing a drink you don't have to miss out on the action! You also have access to a private patio which offers a view of the ferris wheel and a unique view of our fantastic Atlanta skyline.
The acoustics here are just beyond. Every single show I've seen has had stellar sound and you can't find a bad seat in the venue. Whether you're general admission on the floor or grabbing a seat on the balcony, you're going to be able to see the show and hear every note. You're also able to switch it up because the balcony is general admission, so if you want to watch the opening act up there and then move to the floor that's generally allowed (check your ticket of course, but this has been my experience more often than not). Sometimes they do have assigned seats on the middle balcony that accompanies the VIP experience, and if you can snag a seat on the first row of the balcony your head may literally explode of awesomeness. The view cannot be beat, unless you get there early enough to get on the first row of the floor. :)
Bars. Bars, bars and more bars. Every floor has plenty of bars so you can get your fix. They have a solid beer list (cans) and most spirits. They run out of limes often, so you've been warned.
Bathrooms - downstairs in the basement unless you're a) VIP or b) sneaky af and get into their VIP bathrooms on the second floor.
Merch - also downstairs, between 2 bars (shocker). You can also get food but it's pretty limited. The chicken tenders are alright and if you didn't have time to grab dinner before a show, but you didn't really come here for the food, did you?
Overall, I love this venue so much. Capacity is for less than 3k and some of the best acts sell out fast, but definitely an Atlanta classic experience.
Pro tip: Park Bar is a block away and great for pre and post show libations and grub!