WaMu Theater

800 Occidental Ave S, Seattle, WA 98134, USA

Address:	800 Occidental Ave S, Seattle, WA 98134, USA
Phone:	+1 206-381-7848
Site:	washingtonmusictheater.com
Rating:	4.1

Location

Photos 100

Reviews 8

Andrew Potratz

I suppose I shouldnt give this theater even a single star, considering I wasnt allowed entry. Allow me to explain. On Friday, December 9, 2016, I showed up for the Louis CK show and was stopped at security because of a mini tablet I had in my coat pocket. I was told by security at the door that I could either throw it in the garbage or take it out to my car. I replied that I didnt have my car with me, and the only reason I had the tablet was for work (which is where I had been immediately prior to coming to the show - I wasnt planning on doing any work on the tablet while at the theater). And I had no intention of being the inconsiderate doofus holding a tablet up during the show. I didnt even think itd be an issue, considering my tablet is barely even larger than some of the bigger cellphones these days, and those are allowed through without question. And, again, I was planning to use my tablet just as much as everybody else in line was planning on using their phones: Not at all. Alas, the security guards refused to budge. They were unfriendly and unhelpful, so my girlfriend and I left. So, hey, who knows, maybe this theater isnt a terrible place, but its staffed by terrible people (at the door, at least), and it has terrible policies that arent listed on their website, nor anywhere else (though there is a "these rules are subject to change" disclaimer that covers their bases and helps them weasel out of offering a refund). If somebody from the theater can send me an e-mail and explain to me what the difference is between a cellphone in my pocket vs a miniature tablet in my pocket, Ill... do absolutely nothing, but itd sure help me understand why I wasnt allowed to enter a show I had already paid $100 to see.

Meaghan K

This place is okay for what it is: a huge venue. An enormous, stadium style, open floor venue. Bars are set up on the floor to the side and fenced off (if 18+), and/or outside the actual concert area. Merch and food/drinks are stadium style outside the concert. There is coat check as well, no issues with staff. Bathrooms are huge and relatively clean. Tip: skip the mile long five dollar water line by getting an iced starbucks and filling up with water fountain water later. Eat beforehand at the food trucks outside. There is some stadium style seating in the back that fills up quickly. Ive heard at some shows they extend these more but I havent seen it. If crowds arent your thing you can hang on the periphery but you may have difficulty seeing the stage. People usually are smoking because its just too large for staff to moderate, if that bothers you. If youre seeing a relatively popular band, dont expect to get close unless youre willing to elbow your way through. Summary: This is not the place for an intimate, small show. Come prepared to be on your feet the whole time.

Adam Urbassik

I was disappointed with my experience at the WaMu. I went to see Cage the Elephant, who were great, but the Venue itself has nothing in particular that makes it stand out. It just felt like a big empty warehouse with a bunch or curtains everywhere. I dont know if it was the venue or the crowd, but I felt the energy level was low, and far from matched the bands stage presence. On top of that I was denied entry into the 21 and up area because I have a CA Id that goes vertical instead of horizontal. Have never been told/experienced a scenario where this has been a problem, but apparently the WaMu has a "special rule" where IDs cant go vertical. That rule simply doesnt make any sense and left a sour taste in my mouth from the get go. Cage the Elephant was great and nothing against them, but the overall experience was lackluster for the price, and I dont see myself returning to the WaMu for another concert ever again.

Bryden McGrath

WaMu Theater is the worst music venue in Seattle. While I try to avoid it like the plague, Ive now (unfortunately) been three times as some of my favorite bands have been booked here. The acoustics are fine, but the place feels like an empty Costco warehouse. If you attend a seated show (or a show that isnt sold out), be prepared to feel like the place is empty. Its an awkward feeling, especially when popular acts are usually the ones playing WaMu. Also, be prepared to be told to sit down as theres no slope for "orchestra" seating. As for general admission shows, I didnt have a problem thanks to my height. But if youre short, good luck seeing the stage. And to top it off, of the three shows Ive been to, Ive never had a pleasant experience with the staff: Rude and unhelpful.

Ryk Good

Large space, perfect for any large event. The balcony and space underneath allow for a nice division, so that multiple events can be held at the same time. For the GE2 event - Gaming & Experimental Entertainment - that I went to, they utilized the upper level for the VIP room and the space below was sectioned off as a drone racing arena. As for the main hall, they were able to fit a large stage with about 200 seats, a netted-dodgeball area, and an HTC Vive venue (all with space between). Lastly, there were concession stands with four vendors downstairs dividing the main hall from the other event, and two on the upper balcony area. Overall, the layout was nice, clean, and spacious - great for any mid-scale to semi-large events, expos or concerts.

Dustin Welden

At the venue as we speak. Far too angry with the staff and their handling of the event to wait until I get home. Between treating paying customers like cattle and enforcing policies in a way that are literally sales boosts (bring in a water bottle, sealed or not, into the beer garden and you have to lose it before you leave, empty or not—there goes $11 for two Aquafinas), not caring about people are actual problems in the crowd, and being absolutely confrontational with people who were just trying to sit out of the way of others to cool off, it was a disrespectful mess. As an aside, there are some staff members who do not deserve complaint. But they need to fix their issues.

Jordan Henderson

The acoustics are good and stage effects are nice but the size is actually a bit awkward. The restrooms/concessions are only on one side so its not very convenient and the bar sections are farther away from the stage than would be preferable. I just think that if youre going to be in the bar spending money on overpriced drinks (beers were 10.25 with only two options) then you should be rewarded by either having a raised view or being closer. The lines for getting in also couldve been organized better so that people knew more what to do. We had a long line for a while and then were to told to spread out so people could easily cut in front of you if they wanted.

Jorge M

As a first time concert-goer, I called regarding venue seating information and ticket prices. I waited to be directed to the right department and spoke to "Mo." I was put on hold for quite some time and when I asked about their seating arrangements for a particular event I was given little information and she wasnt able to direct me to her manager nor give me his/her name when prompted to. I felt disrespected and was definitely given no help regarding my situation. Hope nobody else encounters this person.