"3"^^ . "This place changes names so many times, it's a wonder people are able to keep up with their reviews. I've been to Ak-Chin (AKA Ashley Home Furniture, Cricket Pavilion, Desert Sky Pavilion) several times for Def Leppard, Journey, Motley Crue, Rockstar Mayhem Festival and Desert Uprising. \n\nLocation:\n-not far off the I-10\n-ample free parking\n\nLine-Ups:\n-books heavy-hitting, headliner artists (like Motley Crue, Depeche Mode, etc) but also hosts festivals with local bands as opening acts\n-festivals are a bit of a sh*tshow as there's a ton of people, they're usually in the summer and two stages are out in the parking lot. On asphalt. In the Arizona sun. \n-concerts tend to be quite extended, usually starting later than initially reported and running late into the night. Be prepared to leave early or stay late. \n\nFood:\n-this is where I really start knocking off stars. A pretzel with cheese will run you $7.75... that's just plain absurd. I'd recommend (if you must eat here) that you get a \"combo deal\" which is about the same price but includes fries and a drink\n-staff at concession stands sometimes \"forgets\" that you ordered a drink and you have to pull out your receipt to prove what you purchased.\n\nBeer:\n-pregaming is a must. I usually take a few nips of whiskey in the parking lot (sshhh)\n-beers are usually $10-13 range\n-lots of different options (both in the concession stands and independent beer/liquor stands)\n\nPrice:\n-pretty expensive, usually $50+ for seating, unless you get lawn seats, usually $12-25. \n-VIP tickets get you access to \"backstage\" lounge and usually a parking upgrade\n\nNotes:\n-bring sunblock, there is not a lot of shading, even when the sun is setting\n-most concerts (at least at Mayhem and Desert Uprising) you could bring up to a gallon of water per person, must remain sealed.\n-\"no lighters allowed\", they suggest buying them once you get inside\n-smoking allowed\n-cannot travel down from one section to another, must walk out and around (see a map of the seating arrangement for a better picture). STUPID.\n-security tends to be a bit heavy handed, have seen people escorted out on more than one occasion per concert.\n\nI plan on being back, but skipping the pretzel and cheese."^^ . "2013-10-08T00:00:00"^^ . "1"^^ . "2"^^ . . . . "5"^^ .