Verizon Wireless Amphitheater
- Price Range:
-
$$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Music:
- Live
- Best Nights:
- Fri, Sat
- Happy Hour:
- No
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Smoking:
- Outdoor Area/ Patio Only
- Coat Check:
- No
18 reviews for Verizon Wireless Amphitheater
My visit to the Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre was for a 4th of July Concert by the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra. The layout is very much like that of the Lakewood Amphitheatre.
Close to the stage is covered seating and beyond that is the lawn seating. Although we only had lawn seats, the sound was very good. And fortunately rain was not in the forecast. There are lawn chairs that can be rented for about $5 each. We used them and they were comfortable - much better than sitting on the ground.The lawn is sloped and is awkward for simply sitting on a blanket. Chairs will give you more stability.
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Of course it isn't enough that the name "Verizon" is everywhere. They have to have a wireless store on site at the amphitheater, cause doesn't everyone go shopping for a new cell phone during a concert?
I couldn't write a review without mentioning the food. It is your usual fare: hamburgers, hot dogs, french fries, pizzas and the like. I had the hot dog and fries when I visited. It was decent. Not great, but not bad either. The combo of hot dog fries and drink runs about $8. So, you can expect to pay around $10 if you want a pizza something a bit more substantial.
Came for a symphony concert this past weekend and it was great! Kind of far up from Buckhead but for a once in a while thing, not too inconvenient. The seating is similar to Lakewood, as people have mentioned in past reviews, but it is definitely much cleaner and classier.
We sat on the lawn and there isn't a bad seat in the house. Kind of far from the stage, but if you don't care about seeing the performers (and we didn't really bc it was the symphony) then it's totally fine to sit up there. And our tickets were free from work so I really can't complain.
Parking is efficient and easy to get to, I heard the food was expensive but just sneak some in, overall a fun night sitting under the stars!!
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This is like a nicer version of Hi-Fi Buys (formerly Lakewood) Amphitheatre. The seating looks similar, as does the general layout of the park. However, I think the acoustics, parking, and cleanliness are all a LOT better.
The staff who were handling the parking were extremely professional and efficient. The people directing the crowds into the venue were as well. Parking was free and painless to get into, even though we arrived just before the opening band took the stage. Although there was a wait to get out after the show, this is to be expected.
Don't be shocked by the pricey drinks - a non-Budweiser-type beer is TWELVE BUCKS. But it's a big beer, and hey, at least you can get a decent beer like Blue Moon or Stella while you watch your show. They also have a stand called "Maui Wowie," where you can get a drink (also very expensive) that basically amounts to a smoothie with a shot of alcohol.
We sat in the covered seating, and I was impressed by the large fans that were part of the awning. It was a nice touch, and made sitting outside in 95-degree heat and Atlanta's signature million-percent humidity almost comfortable. The display on the stage was huge and freaking awesome.
Oh, and when I inevitably had to use the restroom between acts (remember that giant beer?), I was pleasantly surprised. There was an ample number of stalls, the restrooms were clean and did not smell of pee, and I actually made it back to my seat in time for the next band.
I would DEFINITELY choose this venue over Lakewood in the future, given a concert of comparable value.
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Never thought I would be rating a venue. But they got it RIGHT ON here. Great sound. Really great seating, even on the lawn. And the shuttle system in and out to the off site lot had you avoiding all the hassle and traffic. I couldn't have been happier with our experience. Super clean, and the staff was also super nice. A+++++++++ from me. GOOD JOB!!
My husband and I had a great date night here this past weekend. We saw the ASO perform Star War and The Planets. Great night! We had 8th row tables** with access to the super nice Cadillac Club, (Which we got on stubhub for the price of lawn seats about 2 days before the show! - Awesome!)
This venue is incredible! I am not a concert going person, in fact my one run in at Lakewood in '98 was enough for me to never want to go back - nasty, nasty! I have always loved going to Chastain, but the parking situation there is terrible.
Verizon's parking seems to be much better, very easy to get in before the concert and out afterwards. The bathrooms were clean in the Cadillac Club and outside - everything was clean. Typical pricing on food and beverages. I am giving it a 4 stars insted of a 5, because you can't bring coolers or picnic baskets like at Chastain, which is a big bummer.
Although, it is in Alpharetta, the time saved with the parking and such out weighed the time spent dealing with traffic around Chastain.
Overall, we will definitely be back!
**Note: It sounds like they only have the table set up for ASO performances - check the website for details on your event.
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Ive seen a couple bands here now, and must say I am very impressed with this venue! Gotta be the cleanest place Ive seen a show at to date. Every show so far I have had seats up close, but when I walked out to get a drink or walk around for a minute to stretch I could still hear the music very well from the back grass. If there is an upcoming show you want to see here, go for it, you wont be dissapointed!!!!
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Just saw Jason Mraz here this past Monday and while it is smaller than I imagined it to be...it's very clean, extremely organized, and the sound is quite good! So, if you're looking for an upgrade of Lakewood, this is the place.
This is the best open-air concert venue in Atlanta. It is beautifully constructed with plenty of covered seats and a huge lawn for those who want to watch events under the stars.
There are plenty of concession stands offering freshly-made food that are not pre-packed or pre-made. They have really good food including: fresh-grilled burgers, chicken wraps, grilled sausages, made-to-order salads, pork barbecue sandwiches, and grilled chicken satay. I was really impressed with their concession stands with food that's better than any venue in Atlanta. I also recommend getting their picnic meal which includes 4 courses plus drinks and starts at $60 for 2 people. We had a picnic ordered when we saw Foreigner in 2008 and the food was just amazing. It included flank steak, salad, pasta, dessert, and beverages for $80 for two people. Wine can be added for $37.
The bathrooms are located in strategic places with plenty of stalls so you don't have to wait in long lines.
Parking is included in every ticket price and each parking lot is accessible by a different entry point. There are 6 parking lots total. Once in a while, they'll have more vehicles than spots, in which case, the VIP lot (the closest to the theater) gets opened for the extra vehicles.
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Went have to Encore park for the Ryan Adams/Cardinals show last weekend. Even though Ryan Adams walked off after just 45 minutes, those few minutes were quite beautiful! Again, I was impressed by the sound.
This event was less crowded than the Eagles show, so the parking situation was extremely organized and easy.
The only complaint is that the signage for the parking lots and for the park itself is pretty small, so if you need glasses--you better take'em!
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1 Previous Review: Show all »
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5/17/2008
Went to Encore park to see the Friday night Eagles concert. The venue itself was really nice. We… Read more »
This is a new venue, and I thought it was very nice. My first point in its favor is the parking. Typically, these big venues have expensive parking and random people trying to sell more parking in various places. Here, you get a parking pass with your tickets, and there were extensive signs to get you where you need to be. I also point out that the lots and rows were labeled, making it easier to find your car. (This is very unlike some other venues I can name in this area.)
The stage was sizable, flanked by some large screens, with higher definition screens behind the musicians. The seats had cupholders (gasp!) which was nice, and were roomy enough that you could get by people without squashing them. Personally, I thought that the seating needed a little bit steeper of a slope, but that is true of all the venues I've attended.
At this place, even the lawn section is not bad. It was raining at first, but one could acquire lawn chairs and umbrellas. I hadn't seen that before.
I stayed away from concessions, but there were several vendors of different types, and free samples of cinnamon covered nuts. Prices were undoubtedly high, as they always are. I only strayed over to that part because it is the only place you are supposed to smoke. Here, you can't even smoke in the walkway between the pavilion and the lawn section.
Overall, it was a very nice place, and I'm glad to have such a nice venue close to me. I am excited to go there again for the Boston concert. Verizon beats Lakewood in every way, and it is about time north Atlanta had its own amphitheater.
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Well I'll be the first to go out on a limb and give this place 5 stars. It is clearly the class of Amphitheatres in the Atlanta area. The sound quality is so good, there isn't even a close 2nd.
I know Chastain is 'the place to be seen' but it doesn't compare. Chastain is uncomfortable and cramped with some weird sight lines. Verizon was very comfortable, again...the sound was amazing, and sight lines were excellent. I also loved the parking, easy in/easy out. Well organized.
My only complaint is the beer selection. Very lame with your typical Bud/Bud Light/Coors Light/Heiny. Luckily they at least had Red Stripe and Fosters. They really need to step up their beer selection and add Guinness, Bass, Harp, etc.
Oh, and the Eagles were great. Joe Walsh stole the show....as usual. Underrated slide player and just flat out entertaining. They all sounded great although Timothy B. was a little off on a few songs.
Hi Fi Buys is going to have to step it up now...
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I never thought I would say this, but I now have a reason to go to Alpharetta.
I went to a concert this week at this new venue, and even though it was a weekday night and I was tired, I felt so relieved and relaxed getting out of the city. Plus, I admit, I am totally biased on my love for the place as the outdoor amphitheatre looks almost exactly like an outdoor concert venue in my home town, funny enough also sponsored by Verizon Wireless.
Like home, it also felt refreshingly safe. Burbs, large pine trees, high school kids managing the parking lots. Which, by the way, I totally scored on. I showed up last minute, no ticket, planning to park in the shuttle lot, when they said to just go park in Lot A by the main stage.
The Gods were in my favor.
I got a great parking spot without paying extra, a scalped ticket better than the lawn seat I was going to buy and the concert I was at wasn't very crowded so I had plenty of space to spread out and enjoy the surprisingly decent margarita. It was only $7, which is typical for city prices and enough alcohol for a little buzz. If you want to go the frozen route, prices jump up to $14. They also have beer and wine in addition to the bar. But no bringing in the goods, sorry.
What else can you say? Large fans swirl above the covered seating, dusk settles into secluded summer evenings and large screens displayed around the stage mean no bad seat in the house. Bathrooms were also pretty clean...and no waiting ladies if you time it right. And even though I mostly had no clue where I was driving, all venue signs and parking lots were clearly marked and I had no problem leaving the parking lot, which was a miracle in itself.
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Like Laura M., we went to see the Eagles, which was the most amazing concert I've ever been to. Yes, the instruments and the voices were so clear and it certainly felt like a more intimate setting. We sat up front in the permenant seating and it was unbelieveablly nice. I am tallish with longer than average legs/arms. In most theaters my knees are jammed in the back of the seat in front me making me the human pretzel. No issues at this Amphitheatre. In fact it was so spacious that I stood in front of my fiance while my friend stood in front of her boyfriend so we could dance and talk!
As we were watching the Eagles the sun provided a nice show of it's own as it set behind the stage. The setting couldn't be better. The permenant seating has huge fans to aid in climate control. So during the summer it appears it won't be too terribly hot.
We didn't try any of the food. We were hopeful there would be a large selection of beverages - hah! There are limited options. If you wold like a cocktail - look in the far corners of the venue and people stood in line for about 30 minutes before actually getting served and the drinks are ridicuously expensive.
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Back when life was more simple, the wife and I were regulars with the Symphony at the Woodruff Arts Center and other concerts at Chastain. But with young kids and busy schedules, we simply can't make the trek ITP to see good shows. So it sees we're the prime demographic they targeted for Encore Park. No longer do suburbanites have to brave GA-400 to see a show!
It is hard not to compare Encore Park with Chastain. They are both open-air amphitheaters with seats and lawn space. They are both affiliated with the ASO yet attract popular talent like the Eagles. Some differences... Encore is a little smaller. They have real-deal seats that are comfortable (not sitting on concrete) with legroom. All seats are covered for those rainy nights. But they do NOT allow you to bring in your own food and drinks like Chastain, so no sushi with wine and candles, sorry.
Opening night was a good time. We got in and out fairly quick. My wife said that during intermission there was muddy water in the women's room. They may have some plumbing problems to work through. And my only other complaint is that the seating area is not sloped much. Even though the seats are very comfortable, I was still struggling to see over heads at times.
I'll end my review with a tip for getting tickets... The website for the park will redirect you to Ticket Master for tickets. There you will pay full price, plus a convenience fee, mail fee, security fee, tax, tag, title, rust-proof undercoating, etc. Don't get ripped off! I called the Woodruff Arts Center box office and got my tickets without a fee, a parking pass thrown in free (ticket master charged extra for this) and got the paper tickets mailed to me. I've tried this at other venues (like the Fox) with success. Give it a try.
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This weekend I went to see Alan Jackson at the new ampitheater in Alpharetta. Although I was not donning a new pair of overalls or big hair as many of the other patrons were- I had a great time here at the outdoor ampitheater.
As a huge music fan, I love and appreciate all different types of genres and venues. However, since I moved down South I must say that Country music and the concerts hold a special place in my heart. I love the outfits and the seemingly good natured people- all out just to have a good time listening to their favorite country singer! If you are going to go see a great concert come to this place! This venue was organized with great sound quality. I did not leave here with that uncomfortable ringing in my ears, but was able to hear everything great from my seats. I have also gone to a concert here and sat on the lawn with a similar positive experience. The parking was organized and took a short amount of time to leave given the amount of people who were at the concert. Parking was also included in your tickets! How nice- not the addition 20 dollar add on you can expect when you go to see a concert at some specific venues! This was a great night and worth every penny I spent on the tickets. I would come to this venue over Hifi Buys any day!
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Saw Steely Dan at Encore Park recently and thought the venue was pretty nice. I liked the layout and appreciated the close proximity to restrooms, food, booze and merch. My only problem with the venue is how absolutely suburban it felt. Maybe because it is new or maybe because the audience was mostly 40+, but the vibe was pretty sterile. It was kind of like sitting through a church service (with the attire to boot). But, I think that's kind of what they're going for based on the line-up and location so I will get my real groove on elsewhere until that time when I am again called into the fair-skinned fold to listen to vintage acts and drink $8 beer.
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Ive been to many ampitheaters here in the south and out in the west but this place is a keeper. I recently went for the Dave matthews concert on the 28. I was aprehensive of going so far from Atlanta but I go where Dave goes. I had little to no trouble finding it thanks to the details on their site and the staff was very helpful getting me to parking (playing a prank on me that parking was 100 bucks, it was actually free which is a BIG plus). The venue is large but not over the top. At the highest grass point you can still see very well for an outdoor place. The real key to this place was amenities. I never once waited for a beer or a bathroom. Its a concert goers (drunk and small bladdered, usually both in one) dream. If you know a band you like is playing here, by all means go. You will enjoy yourself. Of course leaving it was a hassle which is the only reason it is not getting a 5 star. I enjoyed it and hope to enjoy it more in the future.
This is by far one of the worst concert venues I have ever been to in Atlanta (or technically, Alpharetta). Parking is awful, traffic is awful and the venue is poorly set-up. Supposedly, it is fashioned after Lakewood (HiFi Buys Amphitheater) but you could have fooled me. I went to the Tom Petty Conert here and purchased "Covered Seats". I was disappointed when I reached my seats on a rainy day no less and found out that the "covered seats" were not covered. The way the "covering" (if you can call it that) was leaning, I spent the entire concert having rain drip down my back. And, no I was not in the last row of the covered seating either. There was no reason I should have been getting rained on. Also, there are huge concrete columns in the middle of the seating. On top of getting rained on, I had to lean around the column to see the stage that was set lower than the rest of the seating. You could barely see the stage. I would not waste my money to go back here ever again. I love a concert and I am willing to go just about anywhere but this place is poorly set-up. Parking was an absolute nightmare as well. Be prepared to walk even if you pay extra for a "parking pass" you are still going to have a hike. I recommend Lakewood, Chastain Park and Philips Arena. Go anywhere but here.
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