Kohl Center = C or C-
- The bathrooms are big, clean and have lots of stalls. The bathroom lines (even with a sold-out event) are short.
I'm not very sportsy, but I am rocky, so my review of the Kohl Center is based on my experience at the Foo Fighters concert on November 7, 2017.
- Getting through security is quick and efficient. The security consisted of a purse check and walking through a metal detector. Coats/jackets could remain on.
Cons:
- Concession stands were quite pokey. I stood in line for over five minutes with only two orders in front of me. The people working the concession stands did not appear to work quickly or try to keep the line moving.
On the outside this place looks phenomenal, on the inside it's nothing special. Rivalry games against my Gophers are pretty epic though. Gotta love the atmosphere.
Pros:
- Alcohol. I understand the campus is a "dry" campus, but a FF concert isn't a school event. Why is alcohol not served at a rock concert? It's my understanding that the Kohl Center has served alcohol at other concerts before. The answer I received from the concession stand lady was that alcohol is not served at the Kohl Center because any venue associated with the UW doesn't serve alcohol. How does this explain alcohol sales within the suites at the Kohl Center?
While I'm happy Foo came to Madison for a concert and I enjoyed the show, I don't plan on returning to the Kohl Center.
- Parking is not bad. While there really isn't ample parking very close to the arena, we only had to walk a few blocks after parking in the State Street garage.
- Concessions are very limited and not vegetarian- and/or health-friendly. The choices included hot dogs, hamburgers, nachos, popcorn, pretzels, mac & cheese, ice cream and some candy items. A larger variety of food options -- wraps, various sandwiches, salads -- would have been nice.
- Ushers are friendly and helpful in directing you to your seat.
- The building is laid out nicely. There aren't bottlenecks at the doors when people are entering the arena. Getting in/out of the building is easy, and the concourses are roomy.
Foo Fighters = A++++++++++
It's a little big for a hockey arena. Good site views from the upper deck for hockey. Staff is always professional and friendly. Sat in a suite for a women's basketball game and was top notch experience. Always clean no matter how busy the event going on is.
- The arena itself is clean. It seems like a totally new structure even though it was built in 1998.
I'm sure this venue is a fine place to watch basketball but they should never host a concert again. It's a college sports venue, I get it, but zero alcohol sales can be a bummer for someone trying to unwind with some good American rock & roll. Also, once you're in, you're in. No re-entry at all, like some middle school dance, so forget about getting any fresh air or chatting under the stars during a set break. Finally, all concessions close nearly two hours before the show is over (this was my personal experience, my show ended at 12). This left all the sweaty, out of breathe, dance the night away types to desperately search for water most of the night. There are a few water fountains but that's hardly enough to quench the thirst of a few thousand foot stompers. In the end, this venue didn't ruin my night for me, but it didn't do it any favors either. It does look very pretty from the outside.
Do not go here if you plan on having a beer or place to smoke. Saw the Foo Fighters which were awesome, but not the best venue for a rock show. It was unexpected to say the least. Disappointed in this venue for not accommodating a rock concert. People wanna party at the show and let loose! Won't be back to this particular venue because of how locked in I felt once I got in, there was no way to leave unless it was to leave for good. Very weird policies here.
Kohl Center is a US Point Of Interest based in Madison, Wisconsin. Kohl Center is located at 601 W Dayton St, Madison, WI 53703, USA.
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