I love being outdoors, but there's just something special about indoor entertainment venues. It could be the light shows, stage effects, or just being surrounded by thousands of other sweaty people, but the energy at an indoor show is hard to beat. Sure, you can't see as well and it seems like the beer is always twice as expensive. However, these are minor inconveniences when you're rockin' out with thousands of your closest friends.
Casinos Worth the Trip - Kansas Isn't So Bad After AllAlthough music festivals will always have a special place in my heart, sometimes Mother Nature just doesn't cooperate. If it's not mud from all the rain, it's dust storms and 115-degree heat. One of the music festivals I worked at had all three during a three-day span. Needless to say, everyone was covered in white mud and looked like we had just finished a shift at a coal mine. And even though we were all deaf and parched, Guns N’ Roses put on an amazing show that no one wanted to miss. This is where the benefits of indoor entertainment venues becomes apparent.
Top Indoor Entertainment Venues in the USA
From amphitheaters to casinos and arenas to sheds, musicians play in all different types of venues. Some are more popular and easier to get to than others. When it comes to capacity, O2 Arena in London can hold 20,000 screaming fans while Shea Stadium (now Citi Field) in Queens, NY can hold 60,000 plus. Here are some of the most famous concert halls, according to Wikipedia - the font of all knowledge. To be completely transparent, I cherry-picked these venues so that I could write about some of the concerts I've attended over the years. Feel free to reach out and let me know what shows you've been to. Also, if you think I missed any iconic venues, ping me on social (@FuzzyBearG)._
Slots With Free Spins and Re-Spins You Need to Play - Top Casinos1. The Fabulous Forum - Inglewood, CA
The first of our featured venues is The Fabulous Forum in Inglewood, CA. I grew up about 15 miles from this world-class arena, which was originally called The Inglewood Forum. My first concert here was either Kiss or Boston – I can’t remember which (first world problems, right?). Either way, I do recall that after the show, my dad took me to Dennis Morgan’s restaurant across the street for a burger. Little did I know back then, but that burger would cost me a small fortune nowadays since Dennis sold the place to Magic Johnson.
Anyway, The Fabulous Forum has played host to countless concerts over the years. Whether it was The Who trashing their instruments on stage, Michael Jackson moonwalking his way into history, or Prince changing his name, this venue has seen some of the biggest names in the music industry. The best part is that it’s only slightly larger than an ant hill when compared to places like Citi Field, so the odds of seeing a celeb up close and personal are quite good.
Notable Performances at The Fabulous Forum
- The Rolling Stones (multiple times)
- Queen w/ Freddie Mercury (pre-Mustache Gate)
- Elton John
- Fleetwood Mac
- Genesis
- Eric Clapton
- Alice in Chains w/ Layne Staley
- Rush
- Guns N’ Roses
- Metallica
- KISS
- Van Halen
- Ozzy Osbourne
- Iron Maiden
Honorable mention goes to the time my friend Steve and I snuck into Barry Manilow and ended up standing next to his piano for the entire show. To this day I can sing every word of “Could It Be Magic” and “Mandy”. If anyone needs me, I’ll be in my room reliving my karaoke glory days.
2. Red Rocks Amphitheatre - Morrison, CO
Located just west of Denver, Red Rocks Amphitheater might be the coolest place on earth. Tucked away in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, this stunning venue is carved out of the side of a mountain and surrounded by towering red rocks that make you feel like you’re in an old John Ford western. It almost makes you expect to hear Gary Cooper yell, “Fill your hands, you sons-of-bitches!” Of course, they’d probably have to lower the ticket prices first to make it a truly affordable family event.
Things I Learned from Crashing a High-Limits Maryland Live Casino Poker Session with Kevin HartUnlike many of the other venues in this list, Red Rocks is an outdoor amphitheater. However, since it’s surrounded by tall rocks and nestled into the side of a mountain, it offers many of the same benefits as an indoor entertainment venue. On the downside, imagine how awesome it must sound when the thousands of voices inside are bounced off all those rocks? I don’t have the answer, but I bet someone with too much time on their hands could figure it out using some simple equations and a few choice words. Regardless, this is one of those bucket list items that should be checked off at least once in your lifetime.
Notable Performances at Red Rocks Amphitheatre
- U2
- Grateful Dead (multiple times)
- Jimi Hendrix
- Beatles (recording of “Carry That Weight”)
- Stevie Wonder
- Sting
- Eric Idle (Monty Python)
- Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
- John Fogerty
- Phil Lesh and Friends
- Mozart Orchestra playing “Star Wars” Soundtrack
- Jerry Garcia Band
It’s impossible for me to talk about Red Rocks without telling you about my favorite show ever. I’m not much of a Phish fan, but I happen to know quite a few people who are. Enough so that I agreed to meet them at Red Rocks for the July 4th, 1997 show. Being the patriotic American that I am, I figured there would be a killer fireworks display since it was the 4th of July. Boy was I right. The band nailed a nearly 3 hour set that included several spectacular covers and left the crowd begging for more. As if that wasn’t enough, they brought out a full pyrotechnics team for the encore and proceeded to light up the night sky with an incredible display of fireworks perfectly synchronized to the music. Even Tripper was smiling at the end of the show.
Free Casino Apps with Real Slots for Android and iPhone3. The Chicago Theatre - Chicago, IL
Every great city needs a marquee indoor entertainment venue, and Chicago Theatre certainly fits the bill. Since opening its doors in 1921, this majestic theater has hosted some of the biggest names in entertainment including Bob Hope, Frank Sinatra, Bruce Springsteen, and Oprah Winfrey (when she wasn’t hosting the best gamble some more, that is). In fact, The Chicago Theatre is celebrated for popularizing the use of a marquee above a theater to display a show's name, rather than just the name of the house.
Speaking of houses, if these walls could talk. In addition to the usual suspects listed above, Cheap Trick, Styx, REO Speedwagon, and Queens of the Stone Age have all graced the stage at this legendary venue. Many of them multiple times. But perhaps the strangest gig to date was when Gwar performed here in 2018. Just a warning – the following video contains graphic images and strong language, so don’t say I didn’t warn ya!
Notable Performances at The Chicago Theatre
- Madonna
- David Bowie
- Aerosmith
- Robert Plant
- Pantera
- Green Day
- Jane's Addiction
- Foo Fighters
- Liz Phair (local Chicagoan)
As far as my own experiences go, I’ve only been to The Chicago Theatre once. It was March 28, 1997 and the show featured Filter, Orgy, and Stabbing Westward. I still have the t-shirt to prove I was there. Unfortunately, Stabbing Westward lead singer, Blasko Agnes, passed away last year from cancer. Rest in peace, my friend.
PA Online Casinos Updated : Oct 20234. House of Blues - Various Locations
Is there anything more bad ass than a church devoted to the almighty blues? Probably not unless it also serves up delicious southern cuisine along with a nice ice cold Abita Amber. Founded in New Orleans, LA by Isaac Tigrett and Dan Akroyd (yep, that Dan Aykroyd), the first House of Blues opened its doors in 1992. It quickly became known as a world-renowned live music venue, award-winning restaurant, and museum all rolled into one unique location. Today there are House of Blues locations in 11 states as well as Las Vegas, Mexico City, and Bermuda.
Personally, I’ve only been to two HOBs – Chicago and Las Vegas. Then again, I’ve only been to another five or six dozen times. Good food, cold beer, and phenomenal music – what more could a guy ask for? Oh yeah, hot women. They’ve got that going for them, too.
Notable Performances at House of Blues
- B.B. King
- Buddy Guy
- Clarence Gatemouth Brown
- Otis Rush
- Joe Louis Walker
- Kenny Wayne Shepherd
- Sheryl Crow
- Kid Rock
- Jessica Simpson (before she went hiatusal on us)
- 3 Doors Down
- Hoobastank
- Alter Bridge
One of my all-time favorite bands to play at HOB was Saliva. Not only did I get to hang out in the VIP lounge and scarf down enough fried chicken to feed an army, I also got to spend some quality time with the lead singer, Josey Scott. He’s a super nice and very spiritual guy. I even managed to sneak in a quick prayer request for a friend of mine who was going through chemo at the time.
5. Whisky a Go-Go - West Hollywood, CA
You can’t talk about historic indoor entertainment venues without mentioning the Whisky a Go-Go. Opened on January 1, 1966 on the Sunset Strip in West Hollywood, this joint has hosted some of the biggest names in rock history. Notably, The Doors were regulars here early in their career, which helped launch them into stardom. Other notable bands include Alice in Chains, Guns N’ Roses, Motley Crue, Buffalo Springfield, and of course, The Byrds.
Originally designed by architect Arthur Ellibani, the Whisky a Go-Go is famous for its rotating stage and elaborate light shows. In fact, it was one of the first nightclubs to utilize such technology, which gave birth to the term “go-go dancer.” You know, the ladies who stood on those platforms and danced while clad in skimpy bathing suits. Okay, maybe that wasn’t entirely necessary to the success of the club, but it certainly didn’t hurt.
Notable Performances at Whisky a Go-Go
- The Doors
- Stevie Ray Vaughn
- Aerosmith
- Alanis Morissette
- Sheryl Crow
- Kid Rock
- Lit
- Puddle of Mudd
- Jet
- Buckcherry
- Janes Addiction
- Slayer
So, what’s my story? Well, I saw Warrant here back in ‘89 or ’90. Yes, I said Warrant. They were the opening act for some other band I can’t remember. All I know is that I was standing in front of the stage taking advantage of all the flying picks the band members were tossing into the crowd. Lead singer, Jani Lane, flipped one up toward my outstretched hand. Unfortunately, I missed and he proceeded to throw another pick that hit me smack dab between the eyes. Talk about painful. To make matters worse, I still paid $10 for a Warrant t-shirt afterwards. What was I, fifteen? Sigh…
6. Dodge Theatre - Phoenix, AZ
I spent six years of my life living in the Phoenix metro area, and the Dodge was one of my favorite indoor entertainment venues. At 4,000 capacity, it was small enough to feel intimate, yet large enough to bring in most of the big named acts. Plus, the acoustics were great regardless of where you were seated. Granted, I only bought floor tickets, but the friends I talked to who sat in the balcony were equally impressed. If memory serves me correctly, this venue was later renamed America West Arena and then US Airways Center. Current name? Talking Stick Resort Arena. Isn’t progress grand?
Open since 1992, US Airways Center is home to the Phoenix Suns and Phoenix Mercury. Of course, that doesn’t mean other musicians avoid the place. Not by a long shot. In fact, upcoming performances include Hootie & the Blowfish, Alan Jackson, and .38 Special. Now that’s what I call a rockin’ good time.
Notable Performances at Dodge/US Airways Center
- Metallica
- Slipknot
- Marilyn Manson
- Megadeth
- KoRn
- Tool
- Lynyrd Skynyrd
- Dave Matthews Band
- No Doubt
- Collective Soul
- Seether
- Staind
If I had to pick a single favorite show here, it would be a tie between Rob Zombie and Marilyn Manson in ‘99 and Slipknot in 2001. Yeah, I know those two shows were just a year apart, but they’re both tied for first place. Deal with it. By the way, does anyone else wonder what kind of sick and twisted person Mister Sirius is? Just saying.
Best Online Casinos in Canada - Top Canadian Casino Sites 20237. The Riviera Theater - Chicago, IL
Wikipedia refers to The Riviera Theater as The Riv, which I think is pretty cool. Built in 1917, this historic theater has hosted some of the biggest names in entertainment, including Elvis Presley, Neil Young, Aretha Franklin, Johnny Cash, Bruce Springsteen, and Garth Brooks. In more recent times, The Riv has become well known for launching careers of numerous alternative rock and punk bands, such as Smashing Pumpkins, Green Day, Nirvana, Foo Fighters, Weezer, and Soundgarden. For the record, I’ve seen four of those eight bands live - two of which were at The Riv.
With a seating capacity of 2,700 to 4,100, The Riv is another one of my favorite indoor entertainment venues. Why? Because it feels more like a private party than a formal show. And since it’s located in the heart of Chicago’s Belmont-Central neighborhood, there are tons of great bars and restaurants within walking distance. Did someone say drinking game?
Notable Performances at The Riviera Theatre
- Guns N’ Roses (pre-Slash)
- Cheap Trick
- Styx
- REO Speedwagon
- Liz Phair
- Smashing Pumpkins
- Green Day
- Nirvana
- Foo Fighters
- Weezer
- Soundgarden
- Stone Temple Pilots
So, which show did I see at The Riv? Interestingly enough, it was Filter, Orgy, and Stabbing Westward again - this time around on April 10, 1998. Must have really liked Brad Stevens and Richard Patrick, huh? Hey, they were damn good back then.
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What list would be complete without a few references to ? From the frosted glass to the neon lights, the visual stimulation alone is enough to get your blood flowing. Throw in a few scantily clad cocktail waitresses and the scent of cigarette smoke and you’ve got all the senses engaged. Of course, none of that compares to hearing your favorite song live. Fortunately, many casinos around the country host live music events on a regular basis.
One of my favorites used to be the Silver Slipper Casino in downtown Nashville. Located directly across the street from the Historic Nashville Municipal Auditorium, this joint regularly featured local artists and up-and-comers. I saw some pretty big names here before they hit it big, including Montgomery Gentry, Josh Turner, and Big & Rich. Sadly, the Silver Slipper closed its doors forever on October 7, 2007. That is until a new Silver Slipper opened on August 13, 2013. However, this one is located in Bay St. Louis, MS. Guess the Nashville folks decided to cut their losses and run.
online casino usa players acceptedAnother personal favorite is Harrah’s Council Bluffs in Iowa. With a 3,200 seat capacity, this venue regularly features classic rockers from the ‘70s and ‘80s. Think Three Dog Night, Ambrosia, Player, and Survivor. Not exactly the biggest names in the industry today, but I can sing along to 95% of their songs. That’s half the battle right there.
Notable Casino Shows
- Montgomery Gentry – various casinos
- Josh Turner – Silver Slipper Casino
- Big & Rich – various casinos
- Three Dog Night
- Ambrosia
- Player
- Survivor
- Grand Funk Railroad
- Rick Springs (former bass player for Chicago)
- Blood, Sweat & Tears
- Village People
- Bobby Rondinelli (ex-Blue Öyster Cult)
- Tommy Shaw (Styx)
There have been so many great shows over the years, choosing just one to discuss is like picking your favorite child. I won’t do that. So instead, let’s go with Tommy Shaw and his post-Styx band, Shaw Blades. I saw him perform at the Riverfront Live! series in Cincinnati, OH back in ‘81 or ‘82. Despite the torrential downpour and thunderstorm that forced everyone to seek shelter under the tent, Tommy kept the crowd pumped and dry. Mission accomplished.
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If you haven't already, check out the Delaware Park Casino Promo Code for some great offers. Then head to the SugarHouse Event Center and enjoy some great entertainment! Upcoming musical guests include:
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- Night Ranger – July 13
- Loverboy – September 7
- Rick Springfield – October 5
- Richard Marx – November 2
- .38 Special – December 7
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- Cheap Trick – August 3
- John Hiatt and the Gonkers – August 17
- Los Lobos – August 31
- Melissa Etheridge – September 7
- Larry Carlton & Steve Lukather’s – September 14
- Reckless Kelly – September 28
- Night Ranger – October 5
- Los Lobos – October 12
- Brian Wilson presents “Pet Sounds” – October 26
- Charlie Daniels Band – November 2
- Leann Rimes – November 16
- .38 Special – November 23
- Starship featuring Mickey Thomas – December 7
- The Fab Four – The Ultimate Tribute – January 18
- Foghat – February 1
- Chris Isaak – February 8
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Final Thoughts on Indoor Entertainment Venues
Whether you prefer classical music in a symphony hall, jammin’ to jazz in a dimly lit café, or rockin’ out to heavy metal in a dark, smoky bar, there’s nothing like live music to stir the soul. Having said that, I think it’s safe to assume that most music lovers prefer an enclosed setting. Don’t get me wrong; there’s nothing like feeling the wind in your hair and sun on your face at an outdoor festival. But you can’t control the weather.
of the Best Free Slot Games Available OnlineOn the other hand, indoor entertainment venues provide a level of comfort and consistency that open air shows can’t match. Sure, you might have to deal with rowdy fans, cramped quarters, and pushy security guards, but at least you’re not freezing your butt off or getting soaked to the bone. And isn’t that worth something?
In closing, I’d love to hear your thoughts on this topic. Which venues did I miss? More importantly, which ones would you add to the list? Hit me up in the comments section below and share your stories. Trust me, I love a good gab.
