1. The Armory

The Armory, with its large pit and multiple club levels, does not sacrifice a smaller venue size for a small stage or lackluster experience. “I really like the setup they have, and the pit is really nice,” sophomore Onyx Edwards said. “It’s compact, but it still has a big enough [stage],” senior Skylar Young said.

2. First Avenue

One of the most iconic music venues in the country, First Avenue is rich with Minnesota culture and history. “The outside is really cool. They’ve got all the names of artists who’ve performed,” Edwards said. Yet, its small size can hamper the audience’s experience. “I feel like [it’s difficult] to move [around]. And the stage is really small. So then the artist is kind of stuck,” Young said.

3. Fillmore

This venue presents a small, intimate concert experience with unique decorations and art. “They have a really cool lighting fixture. The chandeliers and all that are really neat,” Edwards said. 

4. U.S. Bank Stadium

U.S. Bank Stadium can make a great venue for popular artists who draw in massive crowds. However, with its capacity of over 70,000 seats, the size of the stadium can take away from the concert experience. “I feel like it’s almost too spaced out and you’re just sitting in your seats and you’re not really together like a crowd,” Young said. “There’s so much hassle getting in, getting out of there, and all of that stuff,” Edwards said.

This piece was originally published in Zephyrus’ print edition on Dec. 19, 2024