chicago venues

a collection of concert hall reviews from a pair of girls from the northwest side of the windy city. select a venue Allstate Arena Aragon Ballroom Beat Kitchen Bottom Lounge Charter One/FirstMerit Bank Pavilion Chicago Theatre Concord Music Hall Congress Theater Fiesta First Midwest Bank Amphitheater Friendship Fortress Grant Park House of Blues Lincoln Hall Maywood Park The Metro Riviera Theatre Schuba's Tavern Six Flags Great America Soldier Field Subterranean UIC Pavilion Vic Theatre Vision Nightclub NOTE: questions about sneaking into venues/using fake IDs will now be ignored.

[chicagovenues]

Do you think the subterranean allows Polaroid cameras?

I haven’t been to subt in a while, but from what I remember, they were really lax about bringing cameras.

[chicagovenues]

Does Concord check I.D for 17+ shows? Really not trying to go buy another one

I’ve only gone to all ages shows at Concord, so I’m not sure if they check IDs.

[chicagovenues]

Does Aragon allow DSLR cameras?

According to their page on LiveNation:

“Camera PolicySUBJECT TO CHANGE - The standard venue policy allows camera phones, disposable cameras, and small digital cameras. Any camera that has a detachable lens will be considered professional and not allowed in. If the camera lens zooms out of the camera more than 1 inch, it will be considered a professional camera and will not be allowed in. Some artists do not permit cameras, so please check the event page the night of the show to ensure that they will be allowed in. GO PRO's are not permitted in the venue.”

[chicagovenues]

How much is the coat check at Aragon Ballroom?

I’ve never used their coat check, but I would guess that it’s around $5. I recommend calling the venue for specifics.

[chicagovenues]

Is it possible for a parent to get me into a concert (I'm under 18) and then leave?

You’d have to call the specific venue about their admittance policies. I wish I could be more help.

[chicagovenues]

Im going to the aragon on saturday, and will i be able to keep my flask in my coat if i coat check it before going in to the main room? I dont need it for the actual show

I’m not sure about this one. The Aragon had upped security the last time I went (pat downs and bag checks were pretty thorough when I went to see Alt-J) and I’m not sure that they would believe you if you said you were leaving it at coat check.

[chicagovenues]

im going to see g-easy at the aragon ballroom and i was wondering if you knew if i would be able to sneak a flask in. or how well they check purses

The Aragon has gotten pretty thorough with bag checks and pat downs. I would advise that you don’t try to sneak in a flask because they’ll most likely find it.

[chicagovenues]

Does subterranean allow dslr cameras?

Yes, Subt allows DSLR cameras.

[chicagovenues]

does schubas have a bag check? i ask because im tired of having concert security taking my mace. especially when im going alone.

I can’t remember if they do, and there isn’t anything listed on their website, so I would recommend that you call the venue about it: [phone]

[chicagovenues]

Does the Bottom Lounge allow you to check in a backpack ?

Yes, bottom lounge has a coat check located right before the main floor doors.

[chicagovenues]

Does the vic have coat check?

Yes, they do! As noted on their website, “For most weather appropriate shows, a coat check is available and is located in the basement by the Women’s restroom.”

[chicagovenues]

How much does bottom lounge charge for their coat check?

I’ve never used their coat check, but I imagine that it’s somewhere around $5.

[chicagovenues]

can i bring my camelback into the Aragon ballroom

I never use camelbacks, so you’d have to call the venue about their policy: 773-561-9500.

[chicagovenues]

I'm seeing the chainsmokers at Aragon tomorrow how do I get front row? how much time before the doors open will I have to be there

I’m not sure what Chainsmokers’ crowds are like, so I’m really not sure what time you’d have to get there to guarantee front row. As a rule of thumb, I get to venues at least 3 or 4 hours early when possible.

[chicagovenues]

I'm going to a concert tomorrow at Aragon ballroom do they have a coat check

Yes, the Aragon has a coat check.

[chicagovenues]

I'm trying to see chase rice and Aragon ballroom next week and it says the concert is 17 and over but my friends and I are 15, do you know if they are strict on checking ID/what can you tell me about this? Thanks

At any venue with an age restriction, it’s pretty much guaranteed that they will check IDs at the door.

[chicagovenues]

which is better: GA main floor or GA balcony 1?

I love being really up close when going to shows, so GA main floor is the best to me.