rev:text
| - 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.
Foo Fighters = A++++++++++
Kohl Center = C or C-
Pros:
- 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.
- 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.
- The bathrooms are big, clean and have lots of stalls. The bathroom lines (even with a sold-out event) are short.
- The arena itself is clean. It seems like a totally new structure even though it was built in 1998.
- Ushers are friendly and helpful in directing you to your seat.
- 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.
Cons:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
|