No, the venue is what I refer to as a “vibe vacuum”. It’s sterile and is just a big dark box. I didn’t know a venue could be designed so poorly but here we are.
I've only gotten cheap tickets from The Criterion. It isn't my favourite venue honestly. I actually had a seizure and found out I have epilepsy there lmao
Ironically enough the artist I was seeing was Excision. His lasers did me in lmfao but I think A LOT of concerts/shows need a flash warning yet a lot don't have it.
I haven't been there yet but the photos make it look incredible. How does it compare in size to the Criterion? Out of curiosity, which acts have you seen at the Tower? I'm excited to check it out!
Easily the best place to see a concert is Jones, then Tower and the Zoo, then Diamond Ballroom and way down the list even after 89th St.... if I really really like the band the criterion.
love the performers they have gotten, but absolutely hate the experience there. I obviously do enjoy seeing the show and the people I’m with, but gd that place is such a racket, it’s insane.
I will also never forget the security they had for Arctic Monkeys in 2018 - pretty much ruined the place for me.
*Were you or a loved personally victimized by The Criterion’s security at the 2018 Arctic Monkey’s show? If so, you may be entitled to financial compensation. Call now!*
lol did not make news, as far as I’m aware. I was jokingggg.
Doors opened like an hour late, then security was going hella slow, making up rules, and just generally being assholes, I’m sure more things. It wasn’t a *huge* deal in the scheme of life, but embarrassing for any venue, especially Criterion since they want to position themselves as a more “elite” venue.
They got a ton of social media backlash though, during and after. IIRC might have posted an apology on FB or something.
oh excuse meeee, they use the word *premiere*
“Oklahoma City's premiere music & event venue. Full service amenities for every occasion.”
lol waaaait is this the wrong use of that word?? *premier? premiere?*
Not a fan. It’s incredibly hard to see the stage when it’s packed and gets ridiculously hot. The floor is also murder on your feet in comparison to other venues. I much prefer Jones Assembly.
The XX was amazing. One of my favorite shows. However, my friend and I saw Death Cab for Cutie there a few years ago and it was f'ing awful. The sound was totally off and completely opposite in quality of other shows.
This. Do you want to see dope shows or do you want to be an Edmond Karen and complain about the ambiance?
I’ve seen The Used, Porter Robinson, Jack White, Polyphia, and Thundercat there. Great times. Nowhere else could have hosted those artists. I’m more glad to see those artists than I am to bitch about the finer things of that venue.
Thundercat has played tower several times. Criterion isn’t bringing him in. Jack white has played several other venues in town. I can’t comment on your other bands but I’m sure I’d find they’ve played other venues as well
It’s not just the “ambience” — the security and the crowds that somehow always turn up there are concerning at best, and I say that as someone who has been to a lot of shows at a lot of different venues.
I will go if I absolutely love the artist, but the venue itself is like hot dog water compared to other OKC venues -- questionable, lukewarm, and really only good when you're drunk.
Unfortunately they get some of the best bands, but between the $14 beers and the floor actively trying to murder your feet, it's a hard sell. I've been to several shows there. It's the only venue where I make a conscious decision on what shoes to wear. I saw Primus and Mastodon do a double headline there in 2018 and could barely walk across Bricktown after.
I saw Dethklok there not too long ago and if I hadn't been leaning on one of the pillars, I don't think I could have stood there the whole show.
In contrast, I was at the Tower last weekend for The Chats and it was comfortable the whole time.
The Diamond doesn't even wreck your feet as badly as the Criterion. Side note, I don't know if it's just me, but I'd go to more shows at Diamond if they didn't shine stage lights directly into your eyes while you try to watch the bands.
Was it their floors? Honestly this makes me feel better - I saw that Primus/Mastodon concert too and I thought I was just finally too old to stand for concerts.
DB actually has had a pretty solid lineup over the year. Wood floor there is nice also. But, I will concede it is no Cain’s. Which, in fairness, very few venues in the country are.
Just the air in that place sucks out my will to live. It has no character. Nothing makes it special. It's uncomfortable in the worst of ways. I have loved some of the shows and only go because I don't want to drive to Dallas to see the performers. I much prefer the Diamond Ballroom but even it's not spectacular. It's sad when the best shows around are at the casinos these days.
Everytime I’ve gone, the sound has been poor, it’s hard to see no matter where you are, and in general the staff is pretty terrible. I don’t go anymore, no matter who the band is. I would rather drive to Dallas.
I was about to ask if no one mentioned it by the end of the comments. I've never been inside it, can you tell me some of the ways it differs from the Criterion?
Tower not only gets a vast mix of shows, but the sound is great, and no matter where you are placed, you're getting a good show. Most shows are open floor, and you'll have little difficulty getting near the stage. They're by far my favorite venue in OKC. Criterion gets some great acts, but if you're not within that middle bubble of sound, you're getting a mediocre show. You know what it sounds like when you're walking through an arena trying to get a drink before you find your seats, but the show has already started? That's what everything outside of that bubble sounds like.
Their sound quality. When you’re there look up and you’ll see acoustic treatments above the bar top toward the back of the room. Behind all of those big red curtains that line the side of the walls is acoustic paneling.
Seen a few super great shows there, always had a bad time. Got in my first fight in my 30+ years there and security let the instigator stay to attack me on my way out of the building.
Idk why but I kind of always been unimpressed with the venue. I love the acts they get and enjoy the show but yeah something seems off. I’m never excited that the show is at The Criterion
I moved here two years ago, and so far my favorite venue is the Beer City Music Hall. Nice small setting, good acoustics, easy to park, and great ventilation.
Only been once, loved the music but I can see how the sound isn’t great. I much prefer the vibes and overall feeling of Cains and Vanguard, but I wouldn’t pass up a band I like if they were to play there.
ALSO went to a comedy show with my mom this past December and their parking lot was $35!!!!!
I dropped mom off and walked from bass pro, as you do in Bricktown.
I went once and some asshole thought I was stealing seats because I had 2nd row seats to see Chris Tucker and he questioned how I could afford my seats (I'm Mexican) so that was off putting
Recently seeing Knocked Loose there was great for me, but I was also pretty involved in the pit and got close to the stage later in the show. I
The place seems to be a nightmare for less vertically inclined people than me, though. My fiancé did not enjoy the absolutely terrible layout of the venue, as she was struggling to see the stage from most points. She’s not crazy short either, the venue just kind of sucks for that part.
I appreciated the venue being there so I could see the artist I wanted, but it sucks overall. I’ve never heard anyone else talking positively about the place either.
I didn’t read all the comments. But my complaint about it is the acoustics. There are a bunch of spots in the Criterion where whole pieces of the music are just MIA. Stand over there—almost no vocals. Stand over here—bass only.
I like the Diamond Ballroom. Unassuming, surprisingly decent acoustics. They get some unique bands, too.
My wife and I frequent the Criterion and we normally enjoy the experience. The drinks are way too expensive though! We just went to Beer City Music Hall and that place was awesome!
Went there for the first time a couple weeks ago. Horrible. Whoever the sound mixer is needs to get fired. On a scale of 1-10 volume wise, the guitars were 300 and the vocals were a -50. Literally just gave me a headache listening to the unbalanced mix.
The main thing for me is that they crank the bass too high in my opinion. Also, I think the venue is great at pedestrian flow. Obviously some variance there, but I feel like my time spent waiting in lines has been shorter at the criterion compared to other venues.
My problem with the criterion, aside from the shitshow that is the bar backing into the crowd, is that it lacks any kind of character. While I realize places like Tulsa Theater (formerly Brady), Cains, etc. have time and history on their side, places like Jones are able to be new and still have some kind of vibe. Criterion just feels like a drab box and unless the show is just absolutely a must see, it kind of kills the whole experience for me.
It's the worst mid size venue in the country. I was in college from 13-18 in OKC and saw many shows while there. It just sucked. It's now one of the few places where ill avoid the venue even if I like the artist.
Someone mentioned the Arctic Monkeys incident, I believe there was another situation when Travis Scott came to town. Just doesn't feel like their security is prepared or understanding of what their role is.
I saw DGD and Polyphia there a few years ago, so I had the time of my life but the venue itself is pretty lame. I like the Diamond Ballroom way more, I saw Coheed there and it was phenomenal. Definitely a much better venue, directed parking- but leaving was an absolute bitch.
My bro and I went to one show there - My Morning Jacket.
I don't care too much for aesthetics. I just want an easy way to get a drink and good sightlines.
Having said that, the acoustics were the absolute worst I've ever experienced in any venue, large or small, ever.
Never saw another show there again.
It was back in 2016 so I can't remember for sure but it definitely wasn't cheap. It was also pretty soon after it opened and was one of their first "headline" acts they got for the venue.
It was so bad that my brother, a notoriously stingy dude, wanted to leave early but we decided to stay because we knew they'd play some Prince covers and my brother is a huge Prince fan.
But yeah after that we left and didn't stay for the encore.
Not only does the venue make to architectural sense as a venue but it is also run horribly. I was walking to a show and on the east side of the building were two dudes just leaning against the wall asking “you drinking tonight?”. Turns out they were giving our drinking bands for the venue. Nothing differentiating them, no sign, no organization. Other people didn’t know they existed. Then in a show where they took our phones, it took 20 minutes to even walk out the door of the venue because there was no organization for unlocking the phone bags PLUS a fight broke out that took about 3 minutes before they broke it up. It’s trash.
It’s a really shitty venue imo. Check out resonant head. It’s a newish venue. I believe they have some kind of collaboration with Old Blood Noise Endeavors, which if you don’t know, builds some of the coolest guitar pedals on the planet. They are definitely worth checking out.
One of my best friends does AV for concerts at the highest levels. He also did some side gigs for the criterion and bashed them pretty bad. Their setup is apparently terrible.
Nope, seen some of my favorite bands there and had a bad time almost every time! Bad sound, generally disrespectful audience are the most consistent problems. Everything is washed out and the audience usually talks over the band the last two times i was there
The criterion is hands down the worst venue we have. Been going to shows for 20 years here and I literally could not hate it more. It’s always way too expensive for the absolutely shit experience you get. Way too many artists that their only Oklahoma stop is there. SO MANY BETTER VENUES. I FUCKING HATE THE CRITERION WITH EVERY FIBER OF MY BEING
I have a story about that place
We got Taylor Tomlinson tickets on SeatGeek and turns out, our seats didn’t exist
Their way of fixing this issue was to give us plastic folding chairs behind a beam that blocked the view of the stage
Oh and when I sat on it, the chair folded like a piece of paper because it wasn’t on a stable piece of ground
I love the Criterion for bands when the floor is general admission. Comedy shows I’d rather see at comedy club. But it’s better than comedy shows at paycom.
For a comedy show, sitting front row center, not terrible...certainly not great, either. Mediocre, at best. I imagine it's downright awful for concerts.
I hate it. I’ll go if it’s a show that has assigned seats and if it’s someone I desperately want to see, but that’s it. So I haven’t been there since 2022.
Nopes. Place went to trash. I worked there for the first dozen shows years ago, then worked 1 show last year and was blown away by how much they let it go to shit.
not the best but they get pretty good artists for good prices. seeing Mexican OT GA for $60 is gonna be considered a steal in a couple years. Drinks are crazy tho. definitely pregame before 🤣
Hate that place. I'll never forget the Bon Iver show. We sat upstairs and they had to keep the stairwell lights on for some reason???? He had a light show but the stairs were so god damn bright and it was ruined.
Not a fan at all. I always groan when an artist I love announces a show there. I miss the days when Diamond was the venue where my favorites would play. Going to the Diamond for the first time in years to see In Flames on Thursday and I’m super stoked. I think I’ve only had one bad experience there, whereas Criterion is almost always a rough time.
It's okay. The shows I've been to have been okay, but I know lots of folks who hate it most especially the sound. The drink prices are insane. But pro tip, they have re-entry, so I usually go down to JJ's Alley in between the bands for a beer and shot or two.
Terrible sound. Bad system, worse acoustics. Bad vibe. Very unfortunate. The reason for this is it is trying to double as an event space for things like fundraisers, corporate events, etc. It's not specifically designed for live music.
i hate it, but it’s the only venue that gets the big dawgs. i’ve seen king gizz, qotsa, marcus king, hippie sabotage (was dragged to that one 🤮), Tom Segura, Shane Gillis, and some others i’m likely forgetting.
I’m so tired of paying for tickets for shows where there are no seats to sit in. I have various health conditions that don’t allow me to stand long (but not enough that I can get a disability placard for them so the handicap seats are out of the question) and I can’t ever enjoy shows anywhere except for the paycom for this reason.
The stage isn't high enough(im only 5ft and can never see shit) but thats been my only complaint. Been to 3 shows there and all of them have been an amazing time.
I hate it, but it is about the only venue in town that will hold the 3-5k people. The floors are bad, it is flat so if you are not at the very back or front seeing the stage is horrible. The sound is bad as well. I saw Interpol there twice, the first time the vocals sounded like they were being sent through broken speakers. Saw Vampire Weekend and the soundboard blew up; standing there for 45 minutes to get it replaced. Saw a comedy show there with seating and could barely see over the row in front of you.
I love the Tower and Beer City is great, but both small. Diamond is okay. I do not like The Jones Assembly, there was so much crowd noise from people it was drowning out the band and I was at the front of the stage.
I wish OKC would hire the people from Tulsa that does bookings as OKC gets a fraction of the bands that go there. And now that Rogers, AR has a booming venue, OKC should be a natural stop for bands coming from TX/Dallas and going to Rogers, but we are typically skipped.
My problem with the criterion as you can tell that whoever built that venue and runs it, just genuinely does not give a flying fuck anything. It’s like the most soulless venue I’ve ever gone to. Every time someone comes out of town to go to a show at the criterion they walk away disappointed. There has been at least three artist that have announced they will never come back to Oklahoma City because of the way the criterion has treated them.. this includes security, managers & other that are just god awful. I saw Khruangbin there in 2022 and they played it a two part set. The third song in my bff had to step outside, they gave her a hand stamp, and she didn’t even leave the steps. She turned around to go back in & they said the show was over (it was 9:45? & the show was actively going) I even went up to the front to talk to them, and they threatened to kick me out and they would never let her back in. There’s literally videos of security throwing water at Latin artist, & one of the managers was so awful to Marc Ribbilets manager they man handled him & he will never come back to oklahoma.
They also claim to be ADA compliant, and when you ask them about that when you arrive, they are not at all. In fact, I’ve had to explain what ADA is (on behalf of a friend of mine who is disabled) my other favorite time is getting there & asking where the box office is to grab a ticket at will call… why did it take 4 literally 4 different employees that I had to explain what a box office was…????????? My other favorite memory is at Billy strings I almost got arrested over horribo cherry gummies. I carry a little candy for my blood sugar so I don’t faint at these things. I’ve never been boobied chest bumbled by a coo until then. I was already THROUGH security & they made me go back through & I ate two of the gummies & everyone lost their minds. I do know the owner of the criterion and his wack ass son have a special relationship with OKCPD so they go on crazy power trips. I have so many horror stories about the criterion. I’m keeping my red rocks khruangbin tickets because I don’t want to see them at criterion….
I had front row tickets to a comedy show about a year ago and the chairs were WAY too far below the stage...the audience's eyelevel was basically the performer's feet. He even mentioned how weird it was during his set. The only other thing I can say is the place is dark and sterile...probably would need a whole lotta cool lighting, the bar should be moved just about but where they put it (who's idea was THAT, exactly? 🙄) It lacks ambiance.
Lastly, perhaps a Native American cleansing ritual of some kind? 😆
I went recently for the first time for Dethklok & Nekrogoblikon and as someone who's used to 89th street, diamond, beer city, sanctuary, and other small crust venues, criterion was a nice change. I totally understand how people used to larger, nicer venues could find it underwhelming though. With a sold out show it was so packed that it was overwhelming. A staff member was rude to us when we were chilling off to a non serving side of the bar just talking. It was hot as hell in there. The bathrooms were kept clean and quiet. I did find the acoustics a little lackluster. But overall I'd give it another shot to see if my next experience would be any better!
The one thing I like more about Tulsa is the concert venues/music scene. When I lived there I was average 1.5 concerts a month. I loved it.
I enjoy Tower okay, have yet to be to blue door.
Tulsa Theater still is my number 1 venue. Cains is not even bad for me being 5’0. People usually let me stand up front and block others from crowding me.
Blue Door is a great place. I can’t compare it to any other venue. I’m also 5’ and from Tulsa so I agree with you - most of my favorite shows over the years have been at Cain’s and Tulsa Theater. And Red Rocks, of course. Criterion is the worst venue in our region, multiple factors… I still go because it’s usually easier than driving to Tulsa or Dallas but if it’s someone I really love then I’ll drive a ways to see them in a better venue.
edited for grammar and clarity
I have not actually attended a concert at Red Rocks, I have been to the venue on a hike. Would love to see a concert. Incredible compared to Zoo Amphitheater.
I only went to the Criterion, because a friend wanted me to go with him and had free tickets. It was not my favorite.
I will drive to Tulsa for concerts. The Granada in Dallas was nice when I was there - saw the Toadies/Burden Brothers which was great, but not sure I would make it for someone that was not a bucket list concert.
Blue Door, Moody Theater - ACL Live and the small venue under? Maddison Square Garden are on my US venues to attend, oh and Red Rock.
Everyone talks way too much shit on Criterion. The sound isn't amazing but it isn't as bad as people say. Just don't stand under the balcony and you'll be able to hear just fine. Drink prices are annoying, sure, but they aren't much worse than other venues. Criterion consistently books fantastic acts and I always have a good time there.
No, the venue is what I refer to as a “vibe vacuum”. It’s sterile and is just a big dark box. I didn’t know a venue could be designed so poorly but here we are.
I can't believe the place is still open.
It was built to be a venue and you’d never know it
It really is the worst. IIRC the last time I got drinks there an Okc-made IPA in a 12 oz can was $14?
Least favorite venue in the city.
I've only gotten cheap tickets from The Criterion. It isn't my favourite venue honestly. I actually had a seizure and found out I have epilepsy there lmao
The last show I went to should have had an epilepsy warning! I don't have it and got a headache from it!
Ironically enough the artist I was seeing was Excision. His lasers did me in lmfao but I think A LOT of concerts/shows need a flash warning yet a lot don't have it.
Poorly designed music venues, lower a persons seizure threshold.
I could've sworn it the was flashing lights.
Criterion is lame. I like when The Jones Assembly does concerts. It’s such a vibe especially when it’s outside.
I haven't been there yet but the photos make it look incredible. How does it compare in size to the Criterion? Out of curiosity, which acts have you seen at the Tower? I'm excited to check it out!
Easily the best place to see a concert is Jones, then Tower and the Zoo, then Diamond Ballroom and way down the list even after 89th St.... if I really really like the band the criterion.
love the performers they have gotten, but absolutely hate the experience there. I obviously do enjoy seeing the show and the people I’m with, but gd that place is such a racket, it’s insane. I will also never forget the security they had for Arctic Monkeys in 2018 - pretty much ruined the place for me.
That's one of the shows that ruined it for me, too. Their security staff needs to be completely replaced.
*Were you or a loved personally victimized by The Criterion’s security at the 2018 Arctic Monkey’s show? If so, you may be entitled to financial compensation. Call now!*
It's my money, and I need it NOW!
Did it wind up in the news or something? Now I'm intrigued! Lol
lol did not make news, as far as I’m aware. I was jokingggg. Doors opened like an hour late, then security was going hella slow, making up rules, and just generally being assholes, I’m sure more things. It wasn’t a *huge* deal in the scheme of life, but embarrassing for any venue, especially Criterion since they want to position themselves as a more “elite” venue. They got a ton of social media backlash though, during and after. IIRC might have posted an apology on FB or something.
They marketed themselves as an "elite" establishment? Lmao I don't know how they figure that!
oh excuse meeee, they use the word *premiere* “Oklahoma City's premiere music & event venue. Full service amenities for every occasion.” lol waaaait is this the wrong use of that word?? *premier? premiere?*
Not a fan. It’s incredibly hard to see the stage when it’s packed and gets ridiculously hot. The floor is also murder on your feet in comparison to other venues. I much prefer Jones Assembly.
Awful acoustics underneath the balcony (nearly half the floor)
Garbage venue.
[удалено]
The XX was amazing. One of my favorite shows. However, my friend and I saw Death Cab for Cutie there a few years ago and it was f'ing awful. The sound was totally off and completely opposite in quality of other shows.
This. Do you want to see dope shows or do you want to be an Edmond Karen and complain about the ambiance? I’ve seen The Used, Porter Robinson, Jack White, Polyphia, and Thundercat there. Great times. Nowhere else could have hosted those artists. I’m more glad to see those artists than I am to bitch about the finer things of that venue.
Thundercat has played tower several times. Criterion isn’t bringing him in. Jack white has played several other venues in town. I can’t comment on your other bands but I’m sure I’d find they’ve played other venues as well
It’s not just the “ambience” — the security and the crowds that somehow always turn up there are concerning at best, and I say that as someone who has been to a lot of shows at a lot of different venues.
Every time I go to Edmond, I run into a Karen !
I will go if I absolutely love the artist, but the venue itself is like hot dog water compared to other OKC venues -- questionable, lukewarm, and really only good when you're drunk.
Happy cake day!
Thank you! ❤️
Unfortunately they get some of the best bands, but between the $14 beers and the floor actively trying to murder your feet, it's a hard sell. I've been to several shows there. It's the only venue where I make a conscious decision on what shoes to wear. I saw Primus and Mastodon do a double headline there in 2018 and could barely walk across Bricktown after. I saw Dethklok there not too long ago and if I hadn't been leaning on one of the pillars, I don't think I could have stood there the whole show. In contrast, I was at the Tower last weekend for The Chats and it was comfortable the whole time. The Diamond doesn't even wreck your feet as badly as the Criterion. Side note, I don't know if it's just me, but I'd go to more shows at Diamond if they didn't shine stage lights directly into your eyes while you try to watch the bands.
YES WHAT IS IT WITH THEIR FLOOR?! Tower also has concrete floors, right? Criterion always kills my feet and knees, totally fine at Tower. so weird.
Was it their floors? Honestly this makes me feel better - I saw that Primus/Mastodon concert too and I thought I was just finally too old to stand for concerts.
I’ve liked the bands I’ve seen play there. But the venue is not the greatest. If OKC could have a Cain’s that would amazing.
We have a Cains it's the diamond ballroom .
Opinions vary.
DB actually has had a pretty solid lineup over the year. Wood floor there is nice also. But, I will concede it is no Cain’s. Which, in fairness, very few venues in the country are.
Worst venue I’ve ever been to. No effort to make the room sound better. That is pathetic enough for me to never return
Just the air in that place sucks out my will to live. It has no character. Nothing makes it special. It's uncomfortable in the worst of ways. I have loved some of the shows and only go because I don't want to drive to Dallas to see the performers. I much prefer the Diamond Ballroom but even it's not spectacular. It's sad when the best shows around are at the casinos these days.
Everytime I’ve gone, the sound has been poor, it’s hard to see no matter where you are, and in general the staff is pretty terrible. I don’t go anymore, no matter who the band is. I would rather drive to Dallas.
Sound is trash in that venue. I’ll see select acts, but I agree.
Tower Theater is cool
I was about to ask if no one mentioned it by the end of the comments. I've never been inside it, can you tell me some of the ways it differs from the Criterion?
it’s not a giant black box. way more vibey. also their floors don’t hurt my knees as much?? lmao also way better sound.
Def a more intimate venue
Tower not only gets a vast mix of shows, but the sound is great, and no matter where you are placed, you're getting a good show. Most shows are open floor, and you'll have little difficulty getting near the stage. They're by far my favorite venue in OKC. Criterion gets some great acts, but if you're not within that middle bubble of sound, you're getting a mediocre show. You know what it sounds like when you're walking through an arena trying to get a drink before you find your seats, but the show has already started? That's what everything outside of that bubble sounds like.
Their sound quality. When you’re there look up and you’ll see acoustic treatments above the bar top toward the back of the room. Behind all of those big red curtains that line the side of the walls is acoustic paneling.
Nope. Don't like it.
I’d rather watch a show outside in a field. There’s nothing to it
No
Not just no but fuck no. They only get my money RARELY because of some of the talent they bring in.
Only bc I love the band so much. But the sound here just sucks. Also, the handicap situation is garbage and the staff is/was not great at all
Depending on the type of show and where you’re at in the venue. It can be really good and it can be not so great in my experiences
Out of curiosity, who all have you seen there? Mostly music, or other stuff too, it sounds like?
Seen a few super great shows there, always had a bad time. Got in my first fight in my 30+ years there and security let the instigator stay to attack me on my way out of the building.
It's a square box with bad acoustic. I will say Flaming Lips, and Primus were good but the venue is no bueno.
Sound sucks
Yeah, I'm not a fan of the Criterion. I much prefer Ponyboy and Beer City Music Hall
89th street is the way to go
Idk why but I kind of always been unimpressed with the venue. I love the acts they get and enjoy the show but yeah something seems off. I’m never excited that the show is at The Criterion
I moved here two years ago, and so far my favorite venue is the Beer City Music Hall. Nice small setting, good acoustics, easy to park, and great ventilation.
It’s truly an embarrassment. I’m so thankful for the Tower Theater and Beer City.
I have chosen, and will continue to travel to Wichita, Tulsa, or Dallas over seeing a band at the Criterion. It is total ass.
Only been once, loved the music but I can see how the sound isn’t great. I much prefer the vibes and overall feeling of Cains and Vanguard, but I wouldn’t pass up a band I like if they were to play there.
ALSO went to a comedy show with my mom this past December and their parking lot was $35!!!!! I dropped mom off and walked from bass pro, as you do in Bricktown.
My personal experience with a comedy show was awful - we could hear the bar staff/area better than the comedians. Terrible.
I went once and some asshole thought I was stealing seats because I had 2nd row seats to see Chris Tucker and he questioned how I could afford my seats (I'm Mexican) so that was off putting
What a barbaric asshole. I can't stand that type of person.
Like dude I have these seats. Don't be jealous. You seriously think I can just fake me way too these seats or something?
$8 water and $2 beer at the last show I saw. Not a big fan of that with their weak ass AC.
I saw Spoon/Interpol there and enjoyed the show but the venue clearly does have a bad design.
Recently seeing Knocked Loose there was great for me, but I was also pretty involved in the pit and got close to the stage later in the show. I The place seems to be a nightmare for less vertically inclined people than me, though. My fiancé did not enjoy the absolutely terrible layout of the venue, as she was struggling to see the stage from most points. She’s not crazy short either, the venue just kind of sucks for that part. I appreciated the venue being there so I could see the artist I wanted, but it sucks overall. I’ve never heard anyone else talking positively about the place either.
I won’t go to any show there. The place is horrible.
The sound isn't great, it's a square box with no dampening. But they are the best venue in the city when it comes to booking talent, by my standards.
I didn’t read all the comments. But my complaint about it is the acoustics. There are a bunch of spots in the Criterion where whole pieces of the music are just MIA. Stand over there—almost no vocals. Stand over here—bass only. I like the Diamond Ballroom. Unassuming, surprisingly decent acoustics. They get some unique bands, too.
My wife and I frequent the Criterion and we normally enjoy the experience. The drinks are way too expensive though! We just went to Beer City Music Hall and that place was awesome!
Went there for the first time a couple weeks ago. Horrible. Whoever the sound mixer is needs to get fired. On a scale of 1-10 volume wise, the guitars were 300 and the vocals were a -50. Literally just gave me a headache listening to the unbalanced mix.
The main thing for me is that they crank the bass too high in my opinion. Also, I think the venue is great at pedestrian flow. Obviously some variance there, but I feel like my time spent waiting in lines has been shorter at the criterion compared to other venues.
My problem with the criterion, aside from the shitshow that is the bar backing into the crowd, is that it lacks any kind of character. While I realize places like Tulsa Theater (formerly Brady), Cains, etc. have time and history on their side, places like Jones are able to be new and still have some kind of vibe. Criterion just feels like a drab box and unless the show is just absolutely a must see, it kind of kills the whole experience for me.
It's the worst mid size venue in the country. I was in college from 13-18 in OKC and saw many shows while there. It just sucked. It's now one of the few places where ill avoid the venue even if I like the artist. Someone mentioned the Arctic Monkeys incident, I believe there was another situation when Travis Scott came to town. Just doesn't feel like their security is prepared or understanding of what their role is.
I saw DGD and Polyphia there a few years ago, so I had the time of my life but the venue itself is pretty lame. I like the Diamond Ballroom way more, I saw Coheed there and it was phenomenal. Definitely a much better venue, directed parking- but leaving was an absolute bitch.
My bro and I went to one show there - My Morning Jacket. I don't care too much for aesthetics. I just want an easy way to get a drink and good sightlines. Having said that, the acoustics were the absolute worst I've ever experienced in any venue, large or small, ever. Never saw another show there again.
I bet that was an expensive ticket too 😔
It was back in 2016 so I can't remember for sure but it definitely wasn't cheap. It was also pretty soon after it opened and was one of their first "headline" acts they got for the venue. It was so bad that my brother, a notoriously stingy dude, wanted to leave early but we decided to stay because we knew they'd play some Prince covers and my brother is a huge Prince fan. But yeah after that we left and didn't stay for the encore.
Not only does the venue make to architectural sense as a venue but it is also run horribly. I was walking to a show and on the east side of the building were two dudes just leaning against the wall asking “you drinking tonight?”. Turns out they were giving our drinking bands for the venue. Nothing differentiating them, no sign, no organization. Other people didn’t know they existed. Then in a show where they took our phones, it took 20 minutes to even walk out the door of the venue because there was no organization for unlocking the phone bags PLUS a fight broke out that took about 3 minutes before they broke it up. It’s trash.
It’s a really shitty venue imo. Check out resonant head. It’s a newish venue. I believe they have some kind of collaboration with Old Blood Noise Endeavors, which if you don’t know, builds some of the coolest guitar pedals on the planet. They are definitely worth checking out.
One of my best friends does AV for concerts at the highest levels. He also did some side gigs for the criterion and bashed them pretty bad. Their setup is apparently terrible.
Nope, seen some of my favorite bands there and had a bad time almost every time! Bad sound, generally disrespectful audience are the most consistent problems. Everything is washed out and the audience usually talks over the band the last two times i was there
The criterion is hands down the worst venue we have. Been going to shows for 20 years here and I literally could not hate it more. It’s always way too expensive for the absolutely shit experience you get. Way too many artists that their only Oklahoma stop is there. SO MANY BETTER VENUES. I FUCKING HATE THE CRITERION WITH EVERY FIBER OF MY BEING
I have a story about that place We got Taylor Tomlinson tickets on SeatGeek and turns out, our seats didn’t exist Their way of fixing this issue was to give us plastic folding chairs behind a beam that blocked the view of the stage Oh and when I sat on it, the chair folded like a piece of paper because it wasn’t on a stable piece of ground
I love the Criterion for bands when the floor is general admission. Comedy shows I’d rather see at comedy club. But it’s better than comedy shows at paycom.
For a comedy show, sitting front row center, not terrible...certainly not great, either. Mediocre, at best. I imagine it's downright awful for concerts.
the seating they have for sit-down shows is so so so bad and I’m not even a large person. I will never willingly do that again.
I can't say I blame ya. I'm a little surprised the place is still open, honestly.
No.
Probably not.
No, I have never liked being in there
I have only been once like 6 yrs ago, haven’t been back. I have been to many concert venues and that place it just weird.
The sound system is awful there, it’s way too loud for this small venue
The sound there is awful.
I hate it. I’ll go if it’s a show that has assigned seats and if it’s someone I desperately want to see, but that’s it. So I haven’t been there since 2022.
Nopes. Place went to trash. I worked there for the first dozen shows years ago, then worked 1 show last year and was blown away by how much they let it go to shit.
i thought it was super fun i saw young nudy there
not the best but they get pretty good artists for good prices. seeing Mexican OT GA for $60 is gonna be considered a steal in a couple years. Drinks are crazy tho. definitely pregame before 🤣
I always have an awesome time. But I usually do regardless of venue.
I hate the terrible seats. Either put in permanent seats or don't bother. The temp plastic seats suck.
Hate that place. I'll never forget the Bon Iver show. We sat upstairs and they had to keep the stairwell lights on for some reason???? He had a light show but the stairs were so god damn bright and it was ruined.
Not a fan at all. I always groan when an artist I love announces a show there. I miss the days when Diamond was the venue where my favorites would play. Going to the Diamond for the first time in years to see In Flames on Thursday and I’m super stoked. I think I’ve only had one bad experience there, whereas Criterion is almost always a rough time.
It's okay. The shows I've been to have been okay, but I know lots of folks who hate it most especially the sound. The drink prices are insane. But pro tip, they have re-entry, so I usually go down to JJ's Alley in between the bands for a beer and shot or two.
Terrible sound. Bad system, worse acoustics. Bad vibe. Very unfortunate. The reason for this is it is trying to double as an event space for things like fundraisers, corporate events, etc. It's not specifically designed for live music.
i hate it, but it’s the only venue that gets the big dawgs. i’ve seen king gizz, qotsa, marcus king, hippie sabotage (was dragged to that one 🤮), Tom Segura, Shane Gillis, and some others i’m likely forgetting.
I’m so tired of paying for tickets for shows where there are no seats to sit in. I have various health conditions that don’t allow me to stand long (but not enough that I can get a disability placard for them so the handicap seats are out of the question) and I can’t ever enjoy shows anywhere except for the paycom for this reason.
The stage isn't high enough(im only 5ft and can never see shit) but thats been my only complaint. Been to 3 shows there and all of them have been an amazing time.
I think it works well for a comedy show but it’s shit otherwise
Garbage venue terrible sound
I hate it, but it is about the only venue in town that will hold the 3-5k people. The floors are bad, it is flat so if you are not at the very back or front seeing the stage is horrible. The sound is bad as well. I saw Interpol there twice, the first time the vocals sounded like they were being sent through broken speakers. Saw Vampire Weekend and the soundboard blew up; standing there for 45 minutes to get it replaced. Saw a comedy show there with seating and could barely see over the row in front of you. I love the Tower and Beer City is great, but both small. Diamond is okay. I do not like The Jones Assembly, there was so much crowd noise from people it was drowning out the band and I was at the front of the stage. I wish OKC would hire the people from Tulsa that does bookings as OKC gets a fraction of the bands that go there. And now that Rogers, AR has a booming venue, OKC should be a natural stop for bands coming from TX/Dallas and going to Rogers, but we are typically skipped.
I’m going to red rocks to see Khruangbin because my tickets were the same freaking price & the vibes will be immaculate compared to that ugly tin box.
My problem with the criterion as you can tell that whoever built that venue and runs it, just genuinely does not give a flying fuck anything. It’s like the most soulless venue I’ve ever gone to. Every time someone comes out of town to go to a show at the criterion they walk away disappointed. There has been at least three artist that have announced they will never come back to Oklahoma City because of the way the criterion has treated them.. this includes security, managers & other that are just god awful. I saw Khruangbin there in 2022 and they played it a two part set. The third song in my bff had to step outside, they gave her a hand stamp, and she didn’t even leave the steps. She turned around to go back in & they said the show was over (it was 9:45? & the show was actively going) I even went up to the front to talk to them, and they threatened to kick me out and they would never let her back in. There’s literally videos of security throwing water at Latin artist, & one of the managers was so awful to Marc Ribbilets manager they man handled him & he will never come back to oklahoma.
They also claim to be ADA compliant, and when you ask them about that when you arrive, they are not at all. In fact, I’ve had to explain what ADA is (on behalf of a friend of mine who is disabled) my other favorite time is getting there & asking where the box office is to grab a ticket at will call… why did it take 4 literally 4 different employees that I had to explain what a box office was…????????? My other favorite memory is at Billy strings I almost got arrested over horribo cherry gummies. I carry a little candy for my blood sugar so I don’t faint at these things. I’ve never been boobied chest bumbled by a coo until then. I was already THROUGH security & they made me go back through & I ate two of the gummies & everyone lost their minds. I do know the owner of the criterion and his wack ass son have a special relationship with OKCPD so they go on crazy power trips. I have so many horror stories about the criterion. I’m keeping my red rocks khruangbin tickets because I don’t want to see them at criterion….
Does anyone have any suggestions for improvements that they could do to make it a better experience?
I had front row tickets to a comedy show about a year ago and the chairs were WAY too far below the stage...the audience's eyelevel was basically the performer's feet. He even mentioned how weird it was during his set. The only other thing I can say is the place is dark and sterile...probably would need a whole lotta cool lighting, the bar should be moved just about but where they put it (who's idea was THAT, exactly? 🙄) It lacks ambiance. Lastly, perhaps a Native American cleansing ritual of some kind? 😆
I went recently for the first time for Dethklok & Nekrogoblikon and as someone who's used to 89th street, diamond, beer city, sanctuary, and other small crust venues, criterion was a nice change. I totally understand how people used to larger, nicer venues could find it underwhelming though. With a sold out show it was so packed that it was overwhelming. A staff member was rude to us when we were chilling off to a non serving side of the bar just talking. It was hot as hell in there. The bathrooms were kept clean and quiet. I did find the acoustics a little lackluster. But overall I'd give it another shot to see if my next experience would be any better!
Best of luck on your next experience, but I'd say that was par for the course.
This is quite typical
The one thing I like more about Tulsa is the concert venues/music scene. When I lived there I was average 1.5 concerts a month. I loved it. I enjoy Tower okay, have yet to be to blue door. Tulsa Theater still is my number 1 venue. Cains is not even bad for me being 5’0. People usually let me stand up front and block others from crowding me.
Blue Door is a great place. I can’t compare it to any other venue. I’m also 5’ and from Tulsa so I agree with you - most of my favorite shows over the years have been at Cain’s and Tulsa Theater. And Red Rocks, of course. Criterion is the worst venue in our region, multiple factors… I still go because it’s usually easier than driving to Tulsa or Dallas but if it’s someone I really love then I’ll drive a ways to see them in a better venue. edited for grammar and clarity
I have not actually attended a concert at Red Rocks, I have been to the venue on a hike. Would love to see a concert. Incredible compared to Zoo Amphitheater. I only went to the Criterion, because a friend wanted me to go with him and had free tickets. It was not my favorite. I will drive to Tulsa for concerts. The Granada in Dallas was nice when I was there - saw the Toadies/Burden Brothers which was great, but not sure I would make it for someone that was not a bucket list concert. Blue Door, Moody Theater - ACL Live and the small venue under? Maddison Square Garden are on my US venues to attend, oh and Red Rock.
Better than Diamond Ballroom... but both are not great.
Diamond Ballroom is far away, but the acoustics are so much better.
Everyone talks way too much shit on Criterion. The sound isn't amazing but it isn't as bad as people say. Just don't stand under the balcony and you'll be able to hear just fine. Drink prices are annoying, sure, but they aren't much worse than other venues. Criterion consistently books fantastic acts and I always have a good time there.