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Shrine Auditorium & Expo Center
Rating Details »
Categories: Venues & Event Spaces, Cinema [Edit]
Neighborhood: South Los Angeles649 W Jefferson Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90007
(213) 748-5116
- Good for Kids:
- No
33 reviews for Shrine Auditorium & Expo Center
Oh Geez. The Shrine is hands down, my favorite venue.
That may be due to a handful of the amazing memories I've accumulated here. ATB in 2008, HARD 13 with Boys Noize, Erol, DIM, Diplo + Lil Jon etc, DJ AM's Daft Punk prank, experiencing a glorious Deadmau5 set for the first time, this past Halloween's insane party, and the legendary Tiesto! I love everything about this old place- from the nearby parking lots to the gorgeous architecture of the building. The only issue I've had here was one with the bathrooms. I know they have bathrooms on the inside of the venue and I don't understand why they never open them anymore.
The area used outside the auditorium for outdoor stages is great as well- very spacious with a sufficient amount of semi-clean port-a-potties.
Overall, I love this venue!
I went to the Shine for the last US leg of Tiesto's Kaleidoscope tour. I must admit it was a pretty nice venue.
The line to get in wasn't bad at all. The security checkpoint was pretty efficient -- but anything is efficient after witnessing the horrible security at the Los Angeles Sports Arena for Monster Massive. Ugh.
It wasn't overcrowded. There was lots of space to move about. The upstairs balcony area allowed for a perfect view of the stage. It wasn't too hot or stuffy because they had the fans going and the doors stayed open to let cool air into the main room.
The acoustics were great and the lights were amazing (although more thanks should be given to Tiesto's production team.)
There was a huge outdoor seating area sponsored by Heineken, but it was way too cold in the month of November to stay out there very long.
My only complaint was that they didn't have indoor bathrooms, only porta potties. I want to yak just thinking about them. At least they had water available at the porta sinks for most of the night.
I'd visit The Shrine again... but only while armed with some toilet seat covers and a pack of baby wipes.
TIPS: Pee beforehand. Or come stocked with your own bathroom supplies.
HARD HALLOWEEN 2009
Entrance was a BREEZE. Hardly any wait in line - BIG difference from last year!
Only 2 stages as opposed to 4-5 stages last year - indoor and outdoor - made it way easier to follow your favorite DJ's especially while intoxicated. Don't let me get started on Hard 2008 - I'm still heated I missed Simian Mobile Disco...
As far as the indoor stage goes - there was only one entrance and one exit which made a very smooth crowd flow.
Great venue :)
This review is for the Expo center and outdoor stage @ Hardfest 2009.
Outdoor stage is awesome. Amazing sound and little feedback from the artists. Bass was amazing and the number of port-a-potties to people ratio was good.
Indoor was another story. The indoor expo room has horrible a/c. Sure the doors don't help but the $60/person tickets that are sold out someone can afford to put a booster unit in there. The sound isn't that good considering the balcony slightly overhangs over the stage to slightly muffle the sound. Sure, this is the sound engineers problem but one should be prepared for handling this semi-big indoor venue.
In short, the outdoor venue was great and loud while the indoor expo center was hot, dark, musty, and had bad sound.
All in all though, staff pro seemed to handle the gigantic crowds professionally.
If you are going for a huge event here at night, I would recommend bringing a small flashlight since the lighting indoors is pretty dark.
This was a great place to be at for Halloween Hardfest last year. I went with a few friends, and like any other raves, it was really dirty with empty water bottles everywhere, but the experience was fun. The place is huge. If you have a chance, and the means to, definitely purchase VIP tickets so you could have access to the balcony and the couches...You have noooo idea how tired your legs can get walking around from 8pm to 4am in the morning sober or not sober. It's a great venue, bring good company and prepare to wait in a very very long line if you come too early.
For Hardfest, the only bad (or good) depending on who you are is that towards the mid end (think 11pm), they let people in who bribe them for a few dollars. I happened to pay full price (which was nottt cheap by the way), so this was a bit unethical on their part. Although not the venue's fault.
Overall, if you are going to Hardfest, enjoy yourself, going sober would minimize your horizons....!
I am working this weekend as an exhibitor this weekend in the Shrine Expo Center.
Wow, what a dump!?
I do a lot of roadshows...Small ones for like 20 people in a senior citizen center, mediums sized ones, like say I speak at a seminar for 300 people in a hotel ballroom/conference center and of course I've exhibited at large tradeshows at venues like the LA or the Las Vegas Convention Center and across the world, where I may speak to thousands of people. I can't tell you how crappy this place is...Yes, I can!!
FACILITIES
---------------
Pros:
* Parking was a reasonable $7
* It felt safe
Cons:
* The interior of the building felt dirty...there was no trash on the floor, but the floor looked stained everywhere...gross, what is all that?
* I understand this place is a historic landmark, so why isn't it maintained...I don't think I've ever been in a building where the ceiling disgusted me...Really!
* What's up with the climate control? No seriously?, I was there from 9:30-5:30 today and there wasn't a minute that passed by that I wasn't waiting for the AC to kick-in. This place has NO air circulation. The entire. It was on of those things where it was nicer outside, than it was inside. Horrid!
STAFF:
---------------
Pros:
* Security is well dressed in black suits...
Cons:
* There was an obnoxious number of security guards...I understand protecting the entrances, but it was really unusual. And why is there security upstairs? Dude, you guys don't host the Oscars anymore!, You don't need all that!
* Where was your custodial staff? Come pick up the trash once in awhile...
CATERING:
---------------
Pros:
* Sandwiches made with quality meat from Boar's Head
* Decent sized bag of chips - only $2
Cons:
* 16.9 oz, small bottle of water - $4
* 12 oz canned soda - $4
* 12 oz bottled beer - $6
* Sandwiches & wraps - $8
Bottom line -- this place sucks!!
The only time I've been was for last year's Hard Haunted Mansion, and I'm still recovering. The perfect venue for a ghoulish rave; articularly the outdoor stage.
I left a part of myself (my dignity) at last year's HARD Haunted Mansion, and Soulwax still hasn't given it back. This year's electronic extravaganza has been moved to two nights, and looks like the best option for October 30th.
Friday's lineup is being headlined by Deadmau5, an artist that's been described as both boring and incredible. I lean toward the latter. Also performing on one of the two stages is 2manydjs--a stripped down version of the aforementioned mind-boggler Soulwax.
Saturday's artists look equally impressive, including a ridiculous one-two punch of Justice and Basement Jaxx. I think I may have just Jaxxed in my Basement.
The only time I was there was for hard 2009 and it was great. It didnt take too long to get inside and parking was really easy. Having a small indoor statge and huge outdoor stage was a really nice contrast. Bathrooms were easy to get to. When the event ended they opend up the back fence so everyone could live much fast. Really cool venue
* Note that this is from a production stand point, not a guest POV *
The shrine is a historical building with a lot of great stories, but if you want to put an event on in this place then you're looking to spend a pretty penny on expenses.
ie.
The AC that they have in the Expo hall can only handle half of the expo hall, so if you want it to be comfortable (72 degrees) then you have to pump AC in from an outside source. Also their production offices for the production company are less than adequate, with power problems, no ac, and doors that you have to turn sideways to go through.
Another negative are the dressing rooms, they have 16 rooms stage left, all, except 2, have no ventilation or air conditioning. Some of the rooms don't even have outlets.
The only part of this location that is nice is the lobby and the stage. Beautifully decorated and it definitely feels like a place that has seen many great performances.
Note it's a IATSE local 33 house so if you want to put a show on here then you have to be willing to pay the Local wages.
I've worked on about 6 shows here and everytime I remind myself, why do we do the show here?
So if you want to enjoy an event in the expo hall, only use the bottom and definitely pay for the AC, and if you want to put on a great show on stage, then use theirs its great.
The stage is the only thing that makes this location worth it.
So if you can get tickets or be a seat filler for a show here you'll enjoy the show!
I used to go to Shrine all the time for random concerts and whatnot. Then I took a many year hiatus and.. just last night, I returned to show my support for Kollaboration.
It hasn't changed one bit. And yes, that is a bad thing. It's big, it's tall, and it's in close proximity to USC, but honestly, the bathrooms have just gotten dirtier, the seats have just gotten more rickety, there is absolutely no such thing as legroom, the lobby is just unimpressive, and... well... the parking just sucks like no other.
If it wasn't for Kollaboration, I wouldn't have bothered to go. Bleh.
I just didn't like the feel of this place this last weekend either. The location is huge, but parking is crazy unless you get there early. The management I heard was giving Kollaboration lots of trouble on their "regulations." The users didn't seem to be very knowledgeable at all about where the seats were located, and I'm not sure if they were regulars or if Kollaboration hired them. The nachos I ordered were COLD. Has anyone ever eaten COLD liquid cheese before. Let me just tell you it makes you want to gag at first. The bathrooms need a major upgrade and the sound system didn't sound very good.
A few good things, I enjoy the upper deck, being able to look down on the crowd. With it so big, you could definitely change and customize the location very nicely if you had the money and creativity. The staff seamed nice enough when entering and leaving. Other than that, I really don't see myself going there on a regular basis. Oh well, I'm probably too old for that stuff anyways. :-)
The Shrine Auditorium can be likened to the High-School-Gym-That-Suddenly-Becomes-The-Auditori um-For-The-Homecoming-Dance.
The acoustics are terrible! I came here to see Ferry Corsten, and while the Auditorium can hold huge amounts of people (...usually all gyms are made to hold large amounts of people, usually doing something rigorous), I would avoid coming here to do anything related to music.
I spent most of my night around the bar (located 1.5" levels up), just watching people rave and lie down.
At the end of the night a group of my friends and I just sat near the back of the Auditorium, drinking water, just like when you're playing basketball and someone else has subbed in for you, so you sit out this round.
Went to Hard13, the security officers were some of the nicest guys I have ever seen doing security, one even told people in the pat down line that if they have things they don't want to lose to get out of line and hide them before they get to him. This basic kindness made for a better vibe the whole night.
The indoor stage was a little intense for me, it seemed that every inch was filled with sound, but the upstairs section had a better sound quality and a great view of the mass, amazing people watching is all that can be said.
the outdoor stage had great sound and plenty of open space if you just wanted to get away from the auditory rape occurring inside, you could easily hold a conversation and relax on the ground
The Shrine has the funniest security guards I've ever seen. They were all wearing black suits. Made me think of Men In Black (oh, I just dated myself).
But they weren't overly serious. I was at the Shrine yesterday for Felt Club and Swap-o-rama and they seemed to be helping out with not just security but taking in clothes (for the swap).
Then I saw a trio of them dancing along to the entertainment. One even took off his jacket and rolled up his sleeves! Maybe these guys aren't security after all.
In any case, the Shrine is a little bit run down these days. I remember when they used to do the Oscars here (and caused massive traffic when I was living in the area).
Their parking structure was $7 yesterday (closes at 11 p.m.) but I found parking easily in the neighborhood about 3 blocks away.
I didn't go into the restrooms but they I appreciated they had them on both levels.
People seemed to be happy scarfing down the nachos they were selling as well.
Maybe one of these days, I'd get to come here when it's dressed up again but I seem to come here for these random events like craft fairs and comic book Sundays.
Out of all the concert venues I have been to, I would say the Greek and the Shrine are among the top venues on my list.
My first experience at the Shrine was the BET Awards, which was probably the most exciting and smooth intro to this venue.
Granted - everyone in attendance was of African American decent, and that provided for an intimidating first 30 minutes...but once I analyzed the situation, I could easily conjure up a funny joke; So a white guy and a Mexican girl walk into a BET Awards show...
When New Edition came on stage and rocked it one time for ya girl, I was having jungle fever. I lost all insecurities and became one with my brothers and sisters.
Earth Wind and Fire NAILED it on stage -- I never thought I would be so into EWF as much as I was that night. The energy of the audience was so intense, you'd be a fool not to jump up and get your groove on.
Indeed, a fabulous first encounter with the Shrine that left me anxious to revisit for the final CURE show in Los Angeles.
The Shrine has an old elegance about it...I love the intimate setting and fantastic view. It's quite big at first glance, but as you cozy into your seat and suck in the atmosphere, you really feel like you're in a slightly larger movie theater. Compared to the Hollywood Bowl, the Shrine was as close to the Cure as you were gonna get!
We opted to bring our own wine (Tantara and a Prisoner) to a nearby Radisson Hotel. We had appetizers and wine and met with die-hard Cure fans.
Our car was in valet for $11 bucks and we took a cab to the Shrine free of charge (thanks to our new pals). There was no way I was parking at the venue...$20 bucks is an hr of my work time...I'd rather spend it on booze, thank you.
It was the smoothest entrance to the Shrine - no waiting in line, no fuss about our seats, no walking up and down stairs.
We took our fifth row center seats and smiled.
The Shrine Auditorium was, hands down, the best venue for the Cure to play at. They seemed to be more in-tune with their audience and a lot more comfortable on stage - especially Robert.
I also attribute Robert's confidence to the fact that he had a red tumbler with a mystery liquid on stage. Liquid courage?
The show was phenomenal. I absolutely loved everything about it - all my favorite songs, the sound, the lights, the vibe, the people around me - it was the perfect LA finale the Cure could have given us.
We hung out after the show and Jeff got to meet half of the Cure...and the oh-so-ever mystical Robert Smith quietly slipped into his limo and off he disappeared into the twilight zone that is Santa Monica.
Out of all the "raves" I think this one was the most unorganized. HARDFEST
I totally missed Justice and I am still bitter about it!
but the venu itself is a great place to hold massive festivals
hopefully VHS OR BETA kicks some but at the upcoming Electronic Music Festival!
The shrine itself is a beautiful location. We were excited for our 3rd row center seats to see The Cure. It's a pity that a security guard could aid several people to almost completely ruin the experience. Thank god the Cure delivered an amazing 3+ hour show to make up for it.
You see, if this was a 30-buck general admission show I'd go into it knowing and expecting people to bum-rush the front and I'd expect to have to fight to hold my place. In fact, I usually avoid those shows altogether. When you pay $200 to have a great seat and see your favorite band, it's a different story.
I don't mind if you want to run to the front and make your way to the pit. If you're clever like that, than rock on! But standing between me and the seat in front of me? Standing so close and flipping your smelly, oily hair in my face? Standing on my toes? Giving me the stink eye as if I was in YOUR spot? F* that!
2 stars because: The security guard that the Shrine put in charge of Tunnel D (center aisle) was there to see the show. He was there to be everybody's best friend (everybody who didn't have a good seat, that is). He embarrassingly pumped his fist in the air and (no joke) played air guitar pretending to be Porl. When people ran up to take pictures, he offered to take the pics for them. He was a portly bald-headed high-fiving guy who didn't do his job. Unfortunately, we in the first three rows had to do his job for him to be able to enjoy our space. Shame on the Shrine for putting someone in this position that has no balls. At one point a short, older security guy came down and took care of business. He cleared everyone out and sent them packing. Too bad he left and Mr. Bigfat Noballs was back in action. It wasn't long before it was a crammed aisle again.
Parking was a ridiculous $20. I'm getting so very, very tired of $100+ tickets and sucker punch parking prices. Don't even get me started on the f-ed up "convenience fee / service fee / facility fee" scandal. It's really just sucking the fun out of live shows.
Ok, I'm done now.
Being a student of SC who lived right across the street from the Shrine I have to say that I really blew it by not taking advantage of this place when I had the chance. The Dead and Genesis played here all of the time along with so many other great groups and I never went to see any of them.
Not only that but the Emmys and Oscars were here every year when movies were great and movie stars were actually movie stars and I knew it and didn't go.
Only later when I was out of there did I come back to see the movie "Napoleon" did I actually get inside and man what a beautiful place. If I had only known. We parked right across the street at an SC lot and walked right over. Very cool! Do not park in the main lot, you will never get out because the parking employees can't handle the sudden crush and there are only a few exits.
It is so beautiful inside, so painted with large comfy, cushy seats. Like a gorgeous movie theatre.
So if you have a great band that you want to see and they are at the Shrine run, don't walk, run to get tickets. It will be an experience you won't ever forget.
Came here to see the Cure last night!
Parked across the street at USC for $20 but had no problem getting out. Parked in Gate 3 - it seems most people opted for gate 4 and suffered long lines getting out and frequent stops because that's where the main cross walk lets out.
First let me say the architecture is beautiful and you feel like you are in some kind of ancient arabic temple! (Oh yes that's what it looks like from the outside!)
I sat in row 18 of the orchestra and had an EXCELLENT view of the stage although a tad bit to the right.
The fog machine, bodies and also occasional wiff of weed made the inside a little stuffy but it was fine.
I was amazed by the acoustics!!! The sound inside is superb. And getting to my seats / bathroom lines were not very long at all despite it being sold out.
Alcohol lines seemed a bit long but we opted out on those.
The extra star goes to the organized staff and LAPD which ushered everyone in and out quickly. In downtown LA I had expected the worst but parking was fine (USC and the Shrine probably have some kind of agreement) and crowds got where we needed to go.
All in all - the hectic ness after the concert and before getting to and from usually detracts away from my experience. Not so tonight and the mood inside the shrine was perfect for a band like the Cure
Simply marvelous is how I would describe the single largest theater in North America. Last time I counted there were 6,300 seats and an adjoining 54,000 square feet when it voltrons with the Exposition Center.
Raves like Electric Daisy Carnival (taking it back to the old school real quick) Award Shows like the Emmys and the American Music Awards, and Miss Universe 2006 have all called the Shrine host daddy at one time.
Was that Donald Trump groping Miss Zealand? Of course not. The Shrine is pure class baby!
I'd like to give a crazy Masonic shout out to the marvelous Miss Puerto Rico AKA Miss Universe. She may have fainted, but so did many others in the past (Daisy) and outside (heat).
Marvelous!
I really like going to the Shrine-- all my experiences at this venue have been pleasant. i've been here for 2 HARDFESTS, and How Sweet It Is, and i've definitely enjoyed this place over other venues for rave-like events. I love the indoor room and how they have an outside area that is really easy to get to. I hate it when an event hold waayy too many people, so it is just a pain to call and meet up with people. At the Shrine, I don;'t even have to contact my friends, I usually always run into them! It's convenient!
What a place... it housed my graduation for my fellow business students (grads & undergrads). Such an amazing venue for such a momentus occasion...
And yes, Parking Structure D has some great views. You'll always see some USC students camping out for seats for all the major events here...
Not only is the Shrine huge and steeped in history, it's right next to my alma mater-- USC.
Check out Parking Structure D for some of the best views of the red carpet.
Came here for "How Sweet It is"... and let me tell you ... how sweet it was....
Great vibes and great spinning. ATB was headlining and who doesn't LOVE ATB..... spinning classics and some sick remixes the night was a lot of fun. We were lucky to find street parking or else it would had been $40 .... pretty ridic.
Anyhow, great event by Insomniac productions and a very huge venue. 4 stars just cuz it was hella torn up after all the water bottles go dusted everywhere!!!
I came here for How Sweet It Is 2008.. The venue was great, I was worried they would section off the upper balcony for VIP access only but it was a free for all roam fest. I'd say the ventilation system inside could have used some work.. or that could have just been the 8000 people crammed in there and various other things working against me ;P
I sat in gum.. but I'm sure thats not the venue's fault.. everyone trashed the place.. sucks for who ever had to clean up that mess. I didn't have to worry about parking or anything of that nature.. so I can't comment on that.
I did notice it was rather easy to break into however.. I at one point saw 3 people hop the fence in the outside area off of Figuora since it's a short wrought iron fence and they put porta poties right next to it so all you had to do was hop up the fence.. crouch down on a porta potty.. then book it like mad once security was alerted and rush into the throng of people.. I witnessed 3 people vanish into the mix and 1 poor guy have to back down and flee not being able to get in... LOL funniest thing I saw that night
Recently saw the Cure here and the concert was fan-fuckin-tastic! After an hour of the opening band and then a 3 hour set by Robert and company I still felt ready for more. They kept the A/C crankin' which was a smart move considering that the concert completely sold out and the place was packed. The drinks weren't too terribly outrageously priced but I am still thankful that we ran into Sammy Hagar and he bought us a couple of rounds. $20 parking was a bit steep, but there appeared to be ample spots available that were right next to the auditorium so that was cool.
Went here tonight for the Jules Verne Adventure Film Festival. This is a beautiful old theatre right next to the USC campus. The building interior & exterior are beautiful, athough show thier age somewhat (the Shrine was built in 1906, rebuilt in 1920 after a fire, and renovated in 1993.)
The sound was great, the views were good from any angle (we sat in the balcony, about 4th row.) I wasn't hungry, but I noticed that the concession stand had sushi...yum!
My only real complaint is that the rows of seats (at least in the balcony) were REALLY close together. My knees touched the seat in front of me, and I noticed that some taller people (I'm 5' 5") had to stick thier knees through the spaces between the seats in front of them. Were people really that much smaller in the early 1900's?
We just parked in the 34th Street lot. $10, covered & perfectly safe.
Not too big, not too small, just right.
ahhh the Shrine. everytime im here its for How Sweet It Is!
i was worried they were going to try and stuff the 5,000 people attending on the inside like last year. but they improved the layout... trance/house inside, deep house outside, and dub under a huge tent outside as well. later in the night they let you go upstairs to the top floor where you can look out at the sweaty crowd below. the sound system was extraordinary, all around the floor was shaking. they could have used a better ventilation system tho. it was like 110 degrees inside!
i never pay for parking when i go to these events; try to snag street parking on jefferson and the other side streets. if you get there early enough you will. dont ever count on buyinb tix at the door either, if you dont get it presale youre out of luck!
I parked in this lot when I was in grad school (nights) at USC ten years ago...it was cheaper than parking on campus at night. I do not know if this is still the case. It is a beautiful auditorium, but Royce Hall at UCLA is just as lovely.
I'll join the crowd and give the Shrine a 5. I made it to the NAACP Image Awards there tonight, and hustled my way into the parking garage (2 Stars for that--otherwise we would have had to park at USC and walk, and I was NOT doing that in my fabulous but not comfy heels). Our seats were in the balcony, but there were enough empties that we worked our way up to damn near the front so we had a great view (1 Star). The ceiling is absolutely amazing, adding another star, and then afterward I got my picture taken with Dennis Haysbert, formerly of 24, thus the final star. Great night, and now I am planning to hit the town in my fabulous gown and hot shoes... more tomorrow.
This place is pretty frickin' sweet. I went to The Emmy Awards here in 2005. The show was fantastic, and I had a great time. I really liked the Shrine Auditorium, and I hope to go back sometime! Next time I get invited to The Emmy Awards (please invite me again oh emmy gods) I hope it's still at The Shrine, and next time, I hope to go to a better afterparty!
Came here for the Cure show on 6/1. I was really expecting the worst but it turned out to be a wonderful experience. Parking was expensive ($20) but the parking structure was right next to the auditorium, which meant that we didn't have to walk very far at all (unlike the Home Depot Center where I had to walk a goddamn MILE). Beer was cheap ($5 domestic/$6 import, which means I got tanked as shit for minimal dinero). And the best part was how SMALLLLL the venue was. We got the "worst" seats in the house which still gave us a perfect view of Robert Smith's sweet, corpulent face. The sound was tight. Lighting was perfect. Only complaint was how cheesy and antiquated the interior of the venue was, though. It looked like the friggin' Taj Mahal casino and shit. Straight out of Macau. Sooooooo bad. Oh yeah and the lines for alcohol were stupid, I missed "Deep Green Sea" because I was stuck in line AND they ran out of beer by the time it was my turn to order. Whatever. I got vodka instead. :-p
