The Richmonder’s guide to visiting Allianz Amphitheater this summer

As the clock struck 5 p.m. on Wednesday, a line of Richmonders wrapped around the block and descended into the city’s latest music venue, eager to get the first real look inside.

Ahead of its first show Saturday, Allianz Amphitheater (pronounced al-yanz) welcomed residents to explore, eat, drink and watch three local performers — Prabir Trio, Deau Eyes and Andy Thomas in that order — for the low price of $0. This event was open to everyone, including one small boy who wore headphones to muffle the noise.

The structure is intended to attract big-name acts to Richmond while providing an intimate atmosphere for audiences, and the Sunset Soundcheck was its first chance to show off. A press release given to reporters ahead of time promised “an unforgettable evening of live performances, local food, and community celebration.”

Tickets won’t be free from here on out. Live Nation has the ability to use a dynamic pricing model — as demand escalates, such as when multiple people are purchasing tickets at once or there are few seats left, ticket pricing will climb.

So, how did the amphitheater measure up, and what should concert-goers expect? I was part of that inaugural group to experience the venue’s offerings — here’s what I experienced…

Tickets and parking

Don’t be shocked if you don’t get your tickets immediately after you pay for them. I received my ticket via email the day before the event.

With my emailed ticket came a map of nearby parking  — don’t worry, it doesn’t encourage recipients to park in nearby neighborhoods —  plus reminders of a clear bag policy. If you hate fumbling through your email inbox, add your ticket to your phone’s digital wallet or print it beforehand. Amphitheater employees will scan your QR code upon entering.

I parked along Franklin Street near the Capitol, which was on the far end of the recommended parking range, and my walk to the amphitheater was roughly 15 minutes.

When I arrived around 4:50 p.m. — 10 minutes before the event was slated to open doors — the line into the main entrance had almost extended to South 5th Street, so make sure you arrive early. Security will search your bag, so leave the aerosols, water bottles and utility knives at home unless you want them confiscated.

The venue

Upon entering the venue, the open-air stage is as wide as the seating area, and the front row is roughly six feet away from the stage. The amphitheater’s layout helps the audience feel closer to the performers. The brick walls and black booths create an industrial feeling reminiscent of the amphitheater’s neighbor, the old Tredegar Iron Works building. 

To the audience’s left is the edge of Richmond’s skyline, and to their right is the James River, with an occasional train rattling by, though the sound wasn’t distracting. The waterfront is visible from the pit, though you need to stand on your tip toes.

Looking down on the amphitheater from 2nd Street will provide distant, but unobstructed views of the stage and venue for curious onlookers. 

There isn’t a lot of shade, especially on the lawn, so bring sunscreen. Most shows are slated to start around 7 p.m., but it’s worth planning for sunshine and heat if you’re looking to arrive early.

Food and drink

During the Sunset Soundcheck, there were outside vendors — including Four Brothers Burgers & Fries, from which I bought a foot-long corndog — and in-house concessions. Popcorn was available for attendees to snack on, and Liquid Death (canned water) was the drink I saw the most people sipping. 

Bar stations circled the seating and lined the area near the main entrance. Alcoholic beverages included White Claw, Smirnoff Ice, and several beer and wine options. 

Prices were discounted that evening, with alcoholic beverages ranging from $10.50 to $17.25. The venue plans to serve beer starting at $5 at every show. No, Allianz Amphitheater doesn’t accept cash, but there’s an on-site cash-to-card kiosk — which converts cash you insert into a card with the money’s value loaded onto it.

According to an amphtheater spokesperson, the food options will vary from show to show. There will 12 food trucks on rotation with menus including pizzas, BBQ, sausages and sandwiches (plus vegan options). Food pricing will vary from vendor to vendor — I paid $20 for my corn dog plus a can of Liquid Death, and sandwiches I saw on sale at another food truck were roughly $15 each.

The amphitheater also offers cocktails created specifically for the venue, and are served in souvenir cups.

Amenities

The restrooms are down the stairs from the main entrance and to the audience’s left, neighboring the lone merch booth. Stalls line two long halls with many accompanying sinks along the walls. There are accessible stalls for those with wheelchairs.  

The merchandise for sale cost around $35 for both T-shirts and vinyl records, but there were cheaper options like stickers and hats for music fans on a budget. Pricing will vary from artist to artist, but don’t be surprised if it looks expensive. 

Audiences feel close to the stage, even in the back lawn area, where general admission will sit during performances — you aren’t allowed to bring a lawn chair, but you can rent one from the venue for $15. Sunset Soundcheck attendees did get to try out the seats for free.

Closer to the stage is an area with removable chairs that can transform from seating to a moshable pit. Wrapping around this area is elevated permanent seating.

The music

While walking around the venue, the sound quality remained consistent, and being further from the stage didn’t make the action more difficult to hear. Deau Eyes, real name Ali Thibodeau, also noted this and said her band had complimented the stage’s acoustics. 

In other venues, Thibodeau said she can have difficulty hearing the music, especially when standing near a drummer. However, she didn’t have much of an issue while performing at the amphitheater, even though she stuck by the drumset for most of her time onstage.

In Thibodeau’s eyes, the green room was another plus about the Allianz Amphitheater. She said the amphitheater’s staff welcomed her with a warmth she hadn’t gotten from other, more corporate venues. 

Allianz Amphitheater is “such an embodiment of Richmond,” Thibodeau said, and everyone she interacted with was “down to earth.”

“Everyone that works here seems like they’re really a part of this community and they’re really rooting for all of us,” she said. 

After the ribbon-cutting ceremony earlier that day, the venue’s general manager, Rebecca Street, told The Richmonder that she was looking forward to Richmonders finding their favorite seats during the Sunset Soundcheck and other performances. Now, all that’s left is ironing out the wrinkles for a smooth first show.

“I’m feeling pride, I’m feeling relief,” she said. “It’s been really crazy to watch this project come from nothing to where it is now.”

Contact Reporting Intern Eleanor Shaw at eshaw@richmonder.org