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Lifestyle Communities Pavilion
Category: Arts & Entertainment Music Venues Nightlife Music Venues Music Venues [Edit]
405 Neil AveColumbus, OH 43215
Neighborhood: Arena District
(614) 461-5483
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street, Private Lot
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Music:
- Live
- Happy Hour:
- No
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Smoking:
- Outdoor Area/ Patio Only
- Coat Check:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Very Loud
- Good For Dancing:
- Yes
- Ambience:
- Hipster, Casual
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
Megan S. said: "I'm a hesitant to write a review lest the rest of Columbus finds out that this might be the best place to watch OSU away games. Or, so I think. I'm way too old to be in the Arena District without irony, yet I'll head that way to…" read more »
37 reviews for Lifestyle Communities Pavilion
37 reviews in English
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Review from Brian B.
Cincinnati, OH
10/2/2011 6 Check-ins Here
I've been to the LC in many different capacities... a concert-goer, a photographer and working A/V for an event. I can attest to this place as a top notch facility in every way.
The staff has always been fantastic and the sound is great whether the show is indoors or out. However outdoor concerts is where this place really shines. It's the perfect size and has a tiered viewing area that ensures you'll have a great view no matter how far away you are. -
Review from Jeremy O.
10/12/2011
I recently visited this venue for the first time to see Dropkick Murphys and Street Dogs play with a whole handful of other bands. From what I gather there is an inside area for shows. However, this one was outside and tucked behind the main building. As others have said, there is a pit area right in front of the stage, as well as a grassy hill for those who don't want to get right up in the action.
Overall this seemed to be a pretty average concert venue. Most of the complaints people seem to have (cigarette smoke, drinking) are things that you are going to run into at almost any show. They just come with the territory and if you can't handle that, then maybe going to shows isn't for you. The only real complaint I had is that there are no actual bathrooms, and in order to operate the sink you have to use this weird foot pump deal. I have never worked so hard at cleaning my hands, ever.
Other than that, beer was expensive as it always is at these kind of places and tickets seemed to be about average as well. I would have no problem coming back to the LC Pavilion for future shows. -
Review from Linda L.
Delaware, OH
9/14/2011 1 Check-in Here
The LC is a great venue for an outdoor concert. Its a smaller, intimate setting, which is a nice break from the nosebleed sections at the Schott.
I also like having the option of chilling on the lawn, versus diving into the action on the floor beneath the stage.
The sound is great and its a true treat to watch the band perform, versus squinting to make out a face, or watching an entire concert broadcast on a jumbo-tron.
At the concerts I've attended, I've had no problem with beer, seating, sound or visibility and will continue to frequent (and prefer) this concert venue over other, larger places in Columbus. -
Review from Monica T.
Columbus, OH
6/26/2011 2 photos
I came here to see Bright Eyes and almost passed out in the process.
The upside of the indoor venue was that I was absolutely blown away by the close proximity to the performers. Coming from the west coast, I am still in awed by Columbus' cheap prices and small venues. I LOVE that. The set up and sound was great. However, the MAJOR downside was that it was NASTY, NASTY, NASTY hot, humid, and sticky in there. Okay seriously, was the air conditioning broken? I didn't even need cold air--just needed breathable air. Granted it was a hot and humid day, but you cannot pack all those bodies into a venue and have them breathe each other's air. Not cool. Oh, to be fair, they occasionally pumped mist into the air every hour for 5 seconds. FAIL. I came out of that concert feeling like I needed a 2 hour shower. I would absolutely think twice about going to a concert here when it's hot out.
Oh and a tip: there are ample $5 parking in the vicinity. I only had to walk less than 2 minutes to reach the venue. -
Review from Christina C.
Columbus, OH
6/13/2011 4 Check-ins Here
Multi-functional and centrally located, the LC - as it is commonly referred- is one of the city's top spots for large public events and popular concerts. This review will primarily address the outdoor space.
I used to be a huge fan of the Polaris Amphitheater when it was still functioning (even though the sound sucked and it was too big), but now that we have the LC (and Polaris has long been gone) I appreciate the small size way more than I would have otherwise. You don't have to strain to watch an act and the sound has been great every time I've been here.
There's always the option of hanging out in the attached bar (A&R Bar)before the show, seeing a smaller show in The Basement, or hit up the outdoor beer tents that pour brews up to 32oz size with types ranging from Bud Light to Shocktop (the '11 summer anyway.) Not much by way of selection, but I liked at least having some alternatives to domestics. And $8 is high for a beer - but given the 32oz size and the prices I've seen in other venues, really isn't all that bad.
Parking can be a big pain if you don't want to pay $10-$15 per car, but the lots behind the amphitheater or off Vine St. are good options. Do not park in the lots across the street because the moment the event lets out, you'll be stuck in traffic waiting for the drunk masses to cross the street for days. -
Review from Amber A.
6/12/2011
Came to see Ray LaMontagne here last night. I have some good tips for you
1) Do not wait in the line out front. Go around back behind Bostons and you will see a gate at the end of the parking lot. You can go in that way no line. When we went the line stretched back an eighth of a mile and there was no wait out back. The funny thing was people were parking in the parking lot and walking around to the really long line when they could have just walked in where they were. Thanks to our friends we avoided that.
2) Bring a blanket unless you scored a table (VIP section maybe) or plan on hanging out in the pit. There is a huge grassy hill covered in hay that makes for a relaxing place to watch a show. I felt really bad for people who didn't have a blanket.
3) Beer is big and cheap. 32 oz for $8!!!
4) Sound is great
People should not be allowed to smoke inside on the hill. I really hated when people would light up because you are kind of stuck sitting there beside them. They should have to go out to the bathroom area or some other far away place to stink up the air. -
Review from Sarah M.
Lewis Center, OH
7/20/2011
I recently saw 311/Sublime at the outdoor amphitheater from a spot on the hill.
1. The website says all of their venues are smoke-free but the outdoor stage is NOT. I was surrounded by cigarette and pot smoke. We had to leave early because the smoke was choking me.
2. Everyone was wasted. We like to have a good time and are in no way uptight but we were not happy having beer spilled on us, lit cigarettes run into us, and generally inconsiderate drunk people everywhere.
3. TIP: Feel free to find a seat but once the show starts, everyone stands. Blankets are not necessary.
4. Several drunken fights broke out, which I wasn't surprised about. What worried me, though, is that there was no security at the entrance to check us for weapons. That could have gotten ugly if anyone had pulled a knife or gun.
5. Once the main act starts, people seem to appear from nowhere and think it is appropriate to try to fit 8 people into a spot for 2. It gets very crowded. If you get annoyed by people bumping into you, beware.
6. Also, the hill is not slanted enough for people to be packed in that tightly. If you are short, you won't be able to see.
I liked the venue before things got crazy later in the night. It is small enough that everyone is close to the stage and the sound was great--loud enough to enjoy but not too loud that your ears are ringing for days. I don't know if maybe other shows are more chill. That was the first time I had ever been there. -
Review from Jackie P.
8/24/2011 1 Check-in Here
I've been here for several concerts. Incubus, 311, Summerfest, Death Cab, Paramore....I could go on and on. It is a great venue, inside or out. I've gone in the dead of winter, and bringing the atmosphere inside provides a different "Newport-esque" experience.
I wish they weren't so picky about people standing in the middle part where people walk past, blah.
Oh, and bring cash....beer is expensive! -
Review from Matt P.
Columbus, OH
5/19/2011
I just saw Cage The Elephant and Manchester Orchestra last night as my virgin introduction to this venue. I've been to several venues in other states, and I'd say this place is roughly in the middle of the pack in terms of quality. It is a nice medium size venue, much better than a standard bar with a stage, but not quite a concert hall. The bathrooms were in decent condition, there were actually seats on the floor and balcony, but a ton of people were left standing around the edges and around the balcony railings.
I did like that there was a wide variety of people there, and there were two decent sized bars inside the venue that serve up to 32 ounce beers (for $8 a beer). People on Yelp complain that their prices are expensive, but if you go to a pro baseball or football stadium, you'll pay $7 for a 16 ounce beer.
There were a couple things about this venue that knocked 2 stars off the rating:
First and foremost, the stage NEEDS to be 5 feet higher. We stood on the main floor (which is flat) and unless you were in the seating area, it was impossible to see the stage over people's heads. I'm 6 feet tall and had trouble even seeing the band member's faces, I can only imagine how frustrated a 5'3'' girl would be.
Second, when the stage is turned into an indoor venue, the only access to an outdoor area is by walking through the bathrooms. So if you need a breather, or just need to give your ear drums a rest, you mosie through the appropriate bathroom door and end up outside, in between the LC and A&R Bar. This wouldn't be so bad if it wasn't a smoker's paradise out there. I understand smokers' need to feed their habit, but regardless of where you stand out there, you're going to share everyone's cigarettes. -
Review from Tiffany C.
Marysville, OH
8/1/2011
I ventured here for a Death Cab for Cutie concert and I'll admit, that the outdoor venue at LC is not too shabby.
We arrived about an hour after doors opened, so the pit area was pretty much filled to capacity unless you felt like hugging the sweaty person standing next to you, so we decided to head for the hill.
My experience was ok. I really enjoyed the set up of LC. I just didn't appreciate the crowd we were around. We had pot smoking teenagers to our left, and everyone thought it was cool to pay thirty bucks to talk the entire time the concert was going on. WTF?! This made me rethink why I didn't just suffer down in the pit where the real fans probably were.
They had technical difficulties during the show, but I don't think it was anything related to the LC, but more of the bands gear getting damaged.
The sound here was good.
The entrance for alcohol wristbands was slightly annoying, because it caused a major traffic jam for people getting their tickets scanned in who just wanted to get around.
Beer vendors here are expensive, which is to be expected. I really would have killed to have the bars that Newport had at this venue instead, but I guess that's what A/R bar is for.
Parking here is sad, because since huntington park recently went up next door, you lost a lot of really awesome parking spaces. So unless you want to put on the walking shoes and park far out, then you'll be paying some dough for across street parking at nationwide.
LC can essentially be summed up as the baby of Germain/Polaris amphitheater. The size is nice and cozy, and can still accommodate everyone, but next time to cut the BS, I'm hitting the pit.
Also, I can only imagine what a show would be like here in the early fall when it's cool outside. Probably amazing! -
Review from Neil H.
Columbus, OH
5/11/2011
Reviewing a Social D. concert inside the LC. Been there before for an outside concert and it was all good, no real complaints. Social D rocks, go see them if it's your thing. This review is more on the indoor facility as a concert venue.
The inside, while new and fresh, is nice, but really seemed no different from the Newport except LC lacks power crazed security bent on hassling the students and parking is easier at LC. The show was Gen Admission so seating( read standing) is where you find it. Upper level is lame with lots of wasted space with potential for better viewing but I'd say the architect was lazy and just slapped something to pass code, fulfill the contract and please Promowest. Unless you are one of those taller folks, enjoy watching Mnt Dew & coming events ads on the monitors until the headliner comes on. For the upper level, if you get there real early and don't mind saving a spot on the handrail you'll have a great view. Otherwise, enjoy the back of others heads. ( I was too sober and I'm too old to dare try the lower level during a punk rock concert.)
I've been attending Promowest concerts since '91. The LC indoors was disappointing. Now I understand why the schedule always has the H.S. proms. I endorse the outside @ the LC, but not sure a Gen Ad inside is for me. -
Review from David F.
5/4/2011
I dunno what people's problem with this place is. It's what I'd expect it to be. Overpriced drinks and some annoying people. Pretty much like any mid-sized concert venue.
I saw The Decemberists play, and the sound really wasn't that bad. It wasn't as good as when I saw them play in NYC, but it was good. I was on the far right balcony and there wasn't anyone around me talking. The seating was a little uncomfortable at times, but I don't go to venues for plush leather seating or Aeron chairs.
Best venue I've ever been to? Certainly not, but it doesn't deserve the rap it gets around here as the worst place in the world. I'd love to play this venue some day. It's a hell of a lot better than many other venues in Columbus. -
Review from Luke T.
1/9/2011 1 Check-in Here
This venue is really awesome design-wise. It can function as either an outdoor amphitheater or a more intimate indoor venue, depending on weather and size of performing artist. It does this via the use of a few retractable walls. It is a smaller amphitheater, which is kind of nice as well. I don't want to have to wear binoculars to see an act.
Additionally, the LC is in this semi-complex of venues and establishments owned by Promowest. This complex includes the adjoining Basement, A&R Bar, and maybe one other place whose name eludes me. Now, when you go to a show at the LC, THERE IS A TRICK TO DRINK CHEAP! And I am going to tell you that trick right now. It basically boils down to this: do not buy your booze from any of the LC vendors. What you do is walk over to the A&R bar, located above the Basement, and buy your alcohol there. As long as it's in a plastic cup, you can take it back to the LC with you, and you'll save yourself a couple bucks. They run beer specials there, and offer a handful of microbrews. Hopefully there are enough lazy people that the money-saver isn't spoiled. You're welcome. =) -
Review from Michael U.
Dublin, OH
Updated - 8/3/2010
Per Picasso - "Art washes from the soul the dust of everyday life."
Per Mike - The Antlers + The National + A Great Crowd + A Mild August Evening = Bliss for $25.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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9/13/2008
The indoor/outdoor availability is awesome.
The outdoor acoustics are spectacular.
The quality of… Read more »
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Review from Heather G.
New Albany, OH
10/19/2010 4 Check-ins Here
I think the satisfaction of this venue depends on the music artist you're going to see. If the show isn't satisfactory, the venue doesn't do much to make up for it. I prefer indoor shows to outdoor. The outdoor stage gets three stars from me. Mainly because people tend to act like idiots when they have the outdoor scenery. I also don't enjoy the chain smoking.
I do enjoy the easy parking and ability to see the stage from most spots. I prefer the atmosphere at Newport, but The LC is the place to go for more popular acts.
I recently lifted my ban on attending outdoor shows here and my experience was pretty good so perhaps I'll give The LC more chances. In the end, your love for the music should be able to go above anything you don't like about the venue. -
Review from Mike K.
8/1/2010
it was a pleasure seeing a show here. I would now go out of my way to see a show that i would just "kinda" want to check out just to spend time at this venue.
Its an intimate outdoor venue (even the lawn is close). Not only that, but they have a giant bar right next door so you can chill & have a beer instead of waiting on an annoying line with slackjawed fanboys. They know what they are doing here. I will gladly go there again (but only if i can eat at Katzinger's deli beforehand) -
Review from Vernon A.
Hilliard, OH
4/24/2011
Watching The Decemberists last night was a reminder of how un- ideal the LC can be. First and foremost, about a third came to drink and talk. And they never stopped talking, no matter how quiet the song or even when Colin Meloy began mocking the audience for not listening. Not sure I'd pay all that money to pack into a hot building and not listen to a concert. And it is hot in the spring inside before they go outside - quite very hot and smelly and the floor is sticky and overall it is grossness. Can't hear, can't see, packed in close to hot stinky people. The sound is not especially good. Indoors, I do not get this place at all. Perhaps I am just too old for this to be fun. Outdoors I like it. Everything better outdoors.
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Review from David L.
7/30/2010
I came here for a Columbus Young Professional (CYP) Club 5-year anniversary tonight, since my new Cbus buddy Sophia L. invited me. Thanks to Christina C, our lovely CM, I scored a free ticket as well.
However, this review is not for the CYP party, but for the LC Pavilion venue. Venue-wise, I thought it was okay. The place was big enough, and they had plenty of space, but I wasn't very impressed by the amount of their lighting. When the DJ started playing music and the host asked people to come up and dance, they didn't do anything about the lights, so not many people went up.
So basically, nice place, plenty of room, convenient bar in the back, but a bit lacking in the actual entertainment arena.Listed in: Welcome to the Arena
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Review from Meg G.
Columbus, OH
4/5/2010
When the weather starts to warm, the birds start chirping and the flowers start blooming, it can only mean one thing: OUTDOOR CONCERTS!
And if you're looking for an outdoor concert venue in Columbus, you can't go wrong with the LC.
I've seen a number of outdoor concerts here: Counting Crows, Gavin DeGraw, O.A.R., The Killers...to name a few.
The LC provides the perfect summer concert, laid-back atmosphere. You can always wait in line the day of the show, hours upon hours before the show starts to secure prime seating. (Quite frankly, I don't have the time or patience for that.) Or you could go for my approach: go to a nearby bar or restuarant with your friends for a couple drinks and a bite to eat, wait until after the doors open and the crowd clears and then find a nice open patch of grass on the lawn that has a more than acceptable view of the stage. Besides, once the concert starts and everyone gets up, the crowd tends to rearrange itself and you can easily meander somewhat closer to the front, if need be.
The prices of the concerts vary, of course, depending on the popularity of the headliner; however, I would say that, in general, the ticket prices are reasonable. A good tip if you're looking to save a few bucks is to buy your tickets at the 24/7 kiosk located outside of the LC to the right of the ticket offices (left side of the doors going into the indoor portion of the LC). There will be a $3 service charge per ticket, but you can save an estimated $4-5 per ticket in comparision to the ticketmaster service charges. By the way, the kiosk does not currently accept ticketmaster gift cards. Trust me- I learned the hard way. I thought I was saving a couple bucks on gas at Get N Go by buying ticketmaster gift cards at Giant Eagle, but that didn't really work out. Anyway, just thought I'd pass on my pearls of wisdom.
I also wanted to touch on the LC in terms of an indoor venue. It's more than sufficient as far as indoor venues go: a bar, decent amount of standing room, a good stage and a large number of bathroom stalls (always a plus, especially for us ladies), but it's nothing earth shattering. The stage for the indoor venue is the same stage as the outdoor venue, but the building surrounds one half of the stage and the lawn and outdoor setting surrounds the other half. They just have to flip the stage set up depending whether its an outdoor or indoor concert. I just saw Passion Pit in the indoor portion of the LC and it proved to be a good location for the jumping, glow-stick carrying crowd.
All in all, the LC makes for a rockin good time- inside and out. -
Review from Rachel P.
7/1/2010
I really love the LC. You cannot forget the first time where you had first religious-like epiphany. Mine was there during the Arcade Fire concert back in 07'. I remember the ridiculous energy coming off from that night. The wild dancing, the lights the flashing, really over-zealous fans into which I quickly became. You never forget nights like that.
I love a great outdoor arena and the LC doesn't disappoint. The acoustics are great and there's nothing more magical than listening to live music, outside on a nice night with the skyline of Columbus in the background.Im always on the lawn, which has seemed to suit me well for all of the concert's I've seen there. A cold beer helps too, and there's plenty of that! So bring the cash.
However, I'd say the LC is a teeny weenie bit on the smaller side. Lord do I love intimacy, but this place can be a little too close for comfort. I don't do squishing. Claustrophobia is more common in people under 5 feet tall, for reals. Expansion soon perhaps? -
Review from Morgan D.
Columbus, OH
9/29/2008 1 photo
Lifestyle Communities Pavilion oozes summer. I have had more good times there than JJ Walker ever had with his ladies.
All tickets cost the same. You can either fight around in the pit or go out in the field with the crazies. I got stuck in the pit at a Papa Roach concert and had to scale the bars to get out. I stick to the field now...though I've had my bad experiences there too, including getting peed on by a grown man.
My most anticipated concert at the LC was Incubus. The most fun concert was 311. The LC always books great bands.
Beer and food prices are high, of course. Last time I went, my only food option was White Castle. Blech! Also, the bathrooms are funky. But if you're gonna drink the beer, you're gonna use the loo.
Parking is easy. Leaving is a little tougher, but I refuse to miss the end of the show just to beat traffic. Luckily, there are a lot of freeways nearby so my wait has never been unreasonably long. -
Review from Lisa S.
1/8/2010
If memory serves me correctly, the LC Pavilion is smaller than the Polaris (Germain) Amphitheater. At least, that was my first thought when I entered the outdoor pavilion area.
My second thought was, "Who had the bright idea to put the second stage by the concession area?". No seriously! What a bad idea! The mob around the second stage melds with the mob at the concession stand to form one large mass of sweaty rockers with no discernible line in sight. Well, look at it as a blessing. The concession stand isn't worth your time with greasy pizza and fries.
The pavilion area is much smaller than I would have guessed by looking up at the mighty LC from the street. But the facility is nice, you can see the stage comfortably from anywhere on the lawn, and the sound quality is crisp and clear.
The drink prices don't rob you blind, which is surprising for a music venue of this size. During the CD101 Summerfest, I made my way over to the same drink stand multiple times. The bartender within recognized me every time I came by and noticed I was ordering the same drink. On my last trip to the bar, he had my drink waiting for me.
That man deserves 5 stars. -
Review from Ryan C.
4/3/2011 1 Check-in Here
We saw DJ Tiesto inside and it was absolutely amazing. We've been to a hand full of music venues and this is by far the best we've gone to. The place was very clean and the staff is really great. Even though the place was packed, it was still very easy to get a drink at the bar. The sound was amazing, at least on the floor. Columbus is really lucky to have a venue like this. I would absolutely LOVE it if Cincinnati had a place like this to attract more larger names.
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Review from Jayrod E.
Lakehurst, NJ
9/18/2010
The list of touring acts they get is pretty decent. The sound treatment they give them is pretty awful. For instance, the Tegan and Sara show was so out of balance that I nearly left during the openers and it didn't improve much during T&S's set.
The lawn area is neat but the inside feels more like a music warehouse than a venue worthy of paying $40/ticket. The open area over the floor is a bit of a headscratcher as the balcony would be a great place to stand if you didn't feel 100yds from the stage.
Also, I was under the impression that tickets bought at the box office were free from ticketmaster's anal rape fees, but it was not to be... I may as well have paid for the luxury of printing my own tickets on my own printer.
Glad the bands can get large crowds for all their hard work, but the format of this place makes me feel more like I'm on a layover in Newark, NJ than at a show in my city. Livestock.
I prefer promo's other flagship place, The Newport. -
Review from Mike D.
Philadelphia, PA
4/5/2010
Not bad for a corporate-run venue, but it feels just like that, with little actual atmosphere. they get a lot of great shows though, so kudos for that.
Everything seems to run very efficiently, and for the most part is a very clean safe place. there is lot parking across the street, but if you're of the mentality that paying to park is kind of a rip off (i am), you can find on-street parking not far away.
i've been here twice, and the experience was pretty identical.
if you're drinking, the best bet is to get the $7.50 32oz bucket o beer. -
Review from Robert D.
Columbus, OH
8/18/2010
This is an unbelievable venue that can host musicians that will draw a good crowd while still maintaining an intimate atmosphere. Easy to get to and easy to move around even in with a sold out show.
The stage can be played both indoors and out. Indoor shows can't accommodate as many people, but maintains the feel. The Outdoor setup is the prize! -
Review from Jay D.
Columbus, OH
6/29/2009
I saw my first concert at The LC last summer (Collective Soul / LIVE / Blues Traveler), and I was immediately in love with the place.
The parking is very close (across the street), and there seems to be plenty of it. The venue is separated into two distinct environs: an outdoor amphitheater and indoor stage. I have yet to see a concert indoors, so the rest of my comments will be concerned with the amphitheater-side.
The LC is exclusively general admission, and the outdoor seating area is separated into two large sections: a large concrete "pit" area, and lawn seating on a sloping hill. Bathrooms are located at the top of the hill-seating and on the side of the stage area. Drink stands line the top of the hill-area, and there are other booths along the South side of the area.
The pit is filled with a younger, more enthused bunch of rabble-rousers. Because I like to get bumped around and holler a lot, that's normally where I post up. The hill-seating is a lot more laid-back, as is expected.
The sound and lighting are top-notch, and all aspects of the physical structure are solid, clean, and inviting.
Concerts at the LC are normally very moderately priced. CD101 hosts a lot of "Low Dough" shows, where you can see big-time acts (re: Flogging Molly) for a measly $5. I've paid anywhere from $20 to $60 for tickets.
For being a relatively small venue (when compared with the arenas within a few hundred miles) the LC attracts legit big-time acts. Counting Crows, Incubus, Silversun Pickups, Kings of Leon, Snow Patrol and the Plain White T's are just a few of the acts appearing during summer 2009. Thus, the LC offers fans a chance to see bands that normally play arenas and other large venues (re: Incubus) in a relatively intimate, personal setting.
The LC is a medium-sized venue with big-time action. Everything I've seen there has been top-notch, and I have no complaints about the venue. -
Review from Travis Z.
Columbus, OH
4/15/2011 1 Check-in Here
Indoor or outdoor, this place rocks!! Not a bad seat in the house.
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Review from Heather A.
Columbus, OH
8/13/2008
I love this outdoor venue! I was sad about Germain ampitheatre closing but I grieved and have now successfully moved on (to bigger and better things....well maybe not 'bigger'). I was just here last night for a show and was reminded how much I love how it is laid out and such. I never feel claustrophobic like I did at Germain (even though it was outdoors). The bathroom lines aren't so bad, the beer stands move quite fast and everything runs fairly smooth.
I have not been to a show in the indoor LC venue so I cannot comment on that. I just love outdoor summer concerts on perfect evenings like last night! -
Review from Randy S.
Canal Winchester, OH
7/18/2008
Now that Germain is closed, the LC's outdoor section is the premier out-of-doors music venue in town. It's a sad, scary fact, but the former Promowest Pavilion just might be up to it.
Lifestyles splits its shows between an indoor facility (the majority) and a larger outdoor amphitheater. For those of you who have only seen shows at the more-used indoor stage, your experience is rather skewed. The indoor section feels a lot like the Newport. Dark, a little dingy but pretty rock and roll. The outdoor venue, though is entirely different. It can fit twice as many fans for bigger name artists.
It makes for a highly versatile concert venue. Where else can you see Slayer, Arcade Fire and the Doodlebops all play shows in C-Bus?
And the chances are good that if you plan on seeing any mid-size tour anytime soon, you'll be watching the concert here.
I've seen a number of rad shows here. I'm quite sure I'll be back. -
Review from Brian K.
Canal Winchester, OH
2/1/2011 2 Check-ins Here
Out of all the venues I have been to across the US this complex really is unique in combining several different size venues together. Whether or not your going for a fairly large show or a small one in the Basement they all seem to have better than average sound.
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Review from Stephanie B.
2/5/2009 1 photo
Columbus is pretty lucky. It's got some great concert venues and hosts a lot of great concerts. The LC Pavilion is one of those great venues. Of course, when a band is coming to town that you really want to see, you don't really have the option what venue you can see them in. You have to just go to where they are. But here, I'm alright with that. It's big enough to host more popular bands, yet small enough to provide a pretty intimate show.
This is also one of the more popular venues. Others include Nationwide Arena, Schottenstein Center, the Newport. But the LC Pavilion is the only one of these that doubles as an outdoor venue. There used to be Germain (Polaris) Amphitheater, but that's closed now. And even so, that was strictly an outdoor venue. The LC has both, and I love that. I've been to both indoor and outdoor shows here and I really enjoyed them all.
The indoor shows are good because it's small enough in LC that you're pretty close to the stage no matter where you stand, and sometimes the whole show is general admission, so you can roam wherever you want, whether it's to fight for the front row or hang towards the back. For some shows there are rows of seating down on the floor area and the rest of the venue is general admission. If you go out towards the entrance, you'll see stairs that will take you up to the balcony. That's also a great place to watch the stage. CD101 has their Big shows here. I used to intern for them and had to work this event. It was awesome because there was free food upstairs and it was like one big all day party. I've seen some other great indoor shows here as well, from the first time I was here (I think it was to see Garbage?) and including Muse a few years ago. They put on an amazing show and it sounded so good. Another time some friends and I saw the Deftones and people were crowd surfing all over the place. It was a good crowd and an awesome show.
There is a whole other section to the LC that's in another section of building. There's a big bar in there and a White Castle. This one time, I came here to see G Love & Special Sauce with some friends and we decided to get some drinks at the bar first. We had a few drinks at home before we came to the LC, but when I got to the bar, my boyfriend ordered me a double Jack and Coke. It was $12! Really expensive. But I'll tell ya, that thing was strong! It tasted like all Jack with a splash of Coke and it was really big. I drank the whole thing and remember nothing of that show. Which is a shame, but let that be a lesson to you - don't underestimate the drinks here. They may be expensive, but they do the trick. Frighteningly so.
I also love the outdoor shows here. I used to not be a fan of outdoor shows because that usually meant Germain where you were so far from the stage you couldn't see anything. But here, it's also a little more intimate, yet big enough that you're comfortable to move around. We saw Incubus here outside and I think it was the best time I had ever seen them live, and I had seen them both indoors and outdoors before. The outside amphitheater is on the back side of the building. Everybody just gathers on the grass. It's great because you can go to outdoor bars if you want a drink and you don't have to walk far away since the place isn't huge, so you can always hear the music. The most fun we ever had at an outdoor show was two summers ago at Reggaefest. A huge group of my friends were there and we all were having a great time. We all grabbed some drinks (we were quite...thirsty) and were enjoying the reggae as the sun started to go down on a humid summer night. But then, it started to very lightly rain, but everyone in the crowd just stayed and enjoyed the coolness of the rain, which felt great after all the humidity. Everyone was soaked and wasted, but we had the best time. Afterwards, we walked over to the bars to continue the party!
And that's what's great. The location is awesome because all the bars by Park St. are a block away. The LC is off to the west a bit from Nationwide Arena. But because of the location, the parking downright sucks. You have to park in the Nationwide lot or somewhere like it, and it's usually very expensive. For me, it's not a problem in the summertime because I can just walk. But I do wish that they would create a better parking situation.
Otherwise, I like everything else about the building. The restrooms can be quite messy but they aren't too bad for a concert venue. And the bar is good because it has a lot of options. The building itself is also newer so it's not as dingy as the Newport, but similarly dark. But it also has pretty good acoustics inside, and outside sounds really great - so much better than Germain ever did. And I just really love the fact that it holds both indoor and outdoor events. If you have tickets for a show here, consider yourself lucky because it's a good place to get a good look at the stage. One of the better venues in Columbus in my opinion. -
Review from Grant c.
Columbus, OH
5/13/2011
I recently watched Social D here and I do have to agree that the sounds was awful, but I'm not sure that it was the venues fault. It was however, very hot in there. I think the venue is nice and have seen many other concerts there but only had a problem with the sound at Social D. The beer trick works!! Try it!!
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Review from Peter C.
Columbus, OH
8/16/2008
If your the kind of person that avoids huge outdoor shows at faceless amphitheater venues like the plague, it will only take one visit to The LC to have you singing a different tune. As far as outdoor venues in Ohio go, the setup of this downtown fixture in the Columbus music scene takes the cake. Instead of alienating less financially sound concert-goers by lining the pit area with reserved seating that's often impossible to get your hands on (like Blossom or the now-defunct Germain Amphitheater), it's nothing more than a standing-room only concrete slab. I've seen some of the greatest shows of my life here, and I've been able to weasel my one to the front at just about all of them. A walkway behind the pit separates it from a gently sloping grass area that's perfect to hang out on during opening acts that you'd rather watch while socializing with friends than jockeying for position. It's not even 1/3 the size of the grass area at Germain, which makes for an amazing view from just about anywhere. Even better is the fact that there are no massive support beams that obstruct the line of sight from out here. In short, this place is perfect.
Perhaps the most unique feature of The LC is the dual-purpose nature of its stage. When the colder months take gold of Columbus, the whole is simply turned around and enjoyed indoors on the same stage. Although the venue isn't quite as inviting or festive indoors as it is out, it's still a great place to get in the pit and get messed up on the music. Again, the policy inside is general admission, which means you can get as close or far from the action as you like. The sound indoors can be a little muffled at times, but I've rarely attended a show here that was worth complaining about. Outside, the sound is crystal clear no matter where you're seated. It's obvious that whoever designed this place had nothing but an excellent concert experience in mind.
Other important facts: the bathrooms here are usually pretty clean and rarely ever have a tremendous line. You'll obviously have a harder time getting a stall if you go between sets, but it's never as bad as an OSU football game. The beer here is pretty expensive obviously, but it's not as bad as it would be at any sort of professional sports game. I was there a couple weeks ago and ended up shelling out $7.25 for a 32 oz Budweiser, which is roughly about twice what I normally pay for a drink like that around campus. Could be worse, I guess. Other than that, I love everything about this venue. My Morning Jacket is playing here in October, and you can guarantee that I'll be in the front row singing along to every song with my beer hoisted high in the air. -
Review from doreen w.
Columbus, OH
1/28/2009 7 photos
I went here last night and saw Kings of Leon. Awesome.
This was my first show in the indoor side of the venue. I've been to many summer shows outdoors that sounded pretty good and were not to crowded, even when sold out.
Despite the weather and a concurrent blue jackets game parking and getting in and out was pretty painless. I drove around twice and found street parking back near the condos behind the nationwide arena lot, but in the end opted for $10 spot in the lot because I had wincing visions of chipping ice off my windshield after a long night of rocking out.
In my opinion this is pretty cheap and convenient.
Upon entering i splurged and paid $5.50 for a bottle of stella, though i'm not a big fan of lager this was the only drinkable beer on the menu. The enormous bud and budlight on tap is sold in close proximity to the restrooms so I suspect it is recycled.
As usual, it it is hard to be objective when reviewing a concert venue. I saw DM at Giant's stadium when i was kid and thought it was the best place on earth. So I have to ask myself how would I feel about this place if I was seeing Amy Grant?
The answer is generally satisfied. The LC is clean and even at a sold out show you can get close up to the band without fear of getting trampled. Tickets are general admission and the sound even from the main floor is decent. I've also never had a problem visiting with the band after the show. The security does their job without being to overbearing. The drink options are mediocre and overpriced but not impossible.
My only problem with this place is that it feels a bit isolated from other arena district hang outs. If you want to chill and eat or have a drink before the show your only option is house of crave..but that is probably all part of the business plan.
In general when it comes to the live music scene in C-bus I feel like a princess. I've only ever lived in big cities where just getting your hands on a ticket is half the battle.
You don't know what you got till it's gone. -
Review from Matthew B.
New Cumberland, PA
10/7/2010
Attended the Kid Cudi concert last night at the lifestyles community pavilion, and with my experience there last night, will definitely never set foot in that venue for as long as i live. I got pushed around so much before kid cudi even came on stage, that me and my girlfriend decided to leave before the he even took stage. Being a huge Kid Cudi fan, I drove 6 hours from Harrisburg, Pa to attend the concert, paid for tickets, and didn't even see what I came for due to the enviroment there and the lack of security. I've been to many other packed clubs in my day, including electric factory in Philadelphia, and never had an experience like this. NEVER GO HERE UNLESS YOU LIKE GETTING SHOVED AROUND AND CROWDED TO THE BREAKING POINT!!!!!!!
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Review from Matthew M.
Columbus, OH
1/24/2009
Yes, as others have noted, it's now the main game in town for outdoor shows. The sound and the overall experience at LC is as good or better than i can remember Polaris/Germain ever being. I attended my first show inside the indoor portion of the LC complex last Fall (Lucinda Williams) and felt glad that it happened inside rather than outside, and not just because of the weather. It seems easier to focus on the performer and the sound when it happens inside. I love the out of doors and have experienced some moving live music outside, but with a performer who's reliant on creating what some might call "an intimate environment", the indoors are helpful. I saw pre-suck Modest Mouse in an outdoor performance at LC and found it much less edifying than a similar quality performance i had seen at an indoor venue in Denver a year or so hence. That was the "Unlimited Sunshine Tour" that stopped by the LC, for those of you who remember, and when i think back on it i remember the throngs of people talking, smoking, and drinking around me more than the music which seemed kind of quiet and remote down there on the stage. Finally, you know that drink and food prices are going to be ridiculous here.
