Santander Performing Arts Center

Address:	136 N 6th St, Reading, PA 19602, USA
Phone:	+1 610-898-7469
Site:	santander-arena.com
Rating:	4

Location

Photos 100

Reviews 31

bulish56

I have been to a lot of shows at this theater, formerly known as the "Rajah Theater" to longtime Reading residents. I cant comment on the food or drink quality as I dont usually buy those at a show. However, I would like to comment on a few things. First, the bathrooms. I used the downstairs one, and it needs upgrading BAD. Second, the seating area itself. I am a tall dude, and the leg room is good. However, they put up 4 rows up front of hard metal folding chairs, and those dont have a lot of leg room. Biggest gripe. The sound level for the Jason Bonham concert was INSANE. I know its rock music, and I love Led Zep music, but I now realize what others have said, they have the sound JACKED WAY UP. Thank god I brought earplugs as standard procedure. Would you please review your sound levels for these shows, and try to keep it below 100 decibels jet engine quality???

Sharon Weik

My husband and I were here on September 18, 2015 to see Dwight Yoakam. He was awesome, however, the venue was NOT. We were extremely disappointed! It was so loud that his voice and the music was distorted. We had to leave half way through the show because it was just so loud it was unbearable. We spoke with several other people sitting in the lobby listening because they too could not stand how loud it was. People were getting up and leaving the show, all because of the sound. Dwight deserves 5 stars but not the venue. My rating is strictly for the Santander Performing Arts Center, not the performance. We spoke with a gentleman who worked there but he really didnt seem interested in anything that all of us had to say. We paid a lot of money to see this show and feel our whole evening was ruined by inadequate people working the sound. Never again.

Anna Hehn

I was at the Ghost Hunters event last evening, and although the individuals Steve and Jason and Charlie Adams were excellent. The staff of the Performing Arts Center were beyond Rude ! The final straw was when during the talk of Charlie Adams, as it was ending. Folks wanted Charlie to write something in their books to which an employee bellowed "you have to leave"!!! "We are closing now !!!" Are you kidding me!?? I found their overall behavior rude, and embarassing for the folks I had visiting and brought to this event. I will have to think long and hard to attend another event at this venue.

Amy Petrica

Just saw Mel Brooks and Blazing Saddles here on Saturday, May 20. Hes a national treasure. Still sharp as a tack at 90! The theater itself is beautiful. The ladies room had many stalls and is quite spacious. No waiting! I dont want to say Readings a dump but its pretty dreary. Im glad there were plenty of people to walk to the garage with.

Jenializ Lopez

Ive attended the santander performing arts center and arena for a few events including a wedding and the place is beautiful, classy and so much fun. For this arena and performing arts center to be in such a small city and bring so many artists, performers, its quite amazing. Five stars!!!!

Brian Grofe

The theater was very nice. Seats were comfortable. The balcony had a good view of the stage. It was a little annoying that we had to wait till only a half hour before the show to find our seats. Normally it would be fine but we were walking around the city and could use a seat.

James MacMicking

The venue itself is pretty similar to every other venue in the area. Nothing great, but nothing really wrong either. What we really love about the place though is the ease of finding parking in the area, the variety of restaurants and the ease of getting in and out of the area.

Ranna McNeil-Reeser

Womens restroom v. difficult to access, in lowest level of venue. We did the "Dinner on the Mezz" option before the show. It was pretty good catered buffet style food and bev. The main benefit was not having to deal with the crushing crowds when the doors opened.

R Hendershot

Beautiful turn of the century theatre. A bit of a confused numerical system for seating and their online seating diagrams are tough to make out. Google Maps leads you to a church center in an alley south east of the actual location. Corrections submitted 10/6/14.

Mark Brown Jr.

went there for the first time for Berks Jazz Fest...beautiful retro venue that has been brought back to life with no expense spared...comfortable seating in the orchestra section but a bit tight (less leg room) on the second level...think Ill be back next year

Brooke Bettencourt

Beautiful venue, not a bad seat in the house. Do not go thirsty or hungry though. A bottle of water is $3 and it goes up from there. Also, just be forewarned, the parking garage is about 3 blocks from the venue.

Colin Dorman

A gorgeous hall, with very good acoustics. One small nitpick, the visitor wifi seems to require a password to log into. If you get here early theres some nice Mexican food just a few feet away!

Justin Padinske

Overall, this is an enjoyable place for a variety of events. However, I took away a star because the concert I was at could have had much better sound for the price and size of the venue.

Stephen merrick

Beautiful place. We went for a wedding and it was just a very nice place. I would give 5 stars, but there was no changing station in the bathroom and that is just no fun.

Mike Rimm

Bad scene man.....bad, bad scene. If only the people who worked here could be half-as-good as the performance, then I could call it a "show", but no.....bad scene.

Robert Minner

So many different kinds of entertainment and shows, concerts, stand up comedians, & so much more. I absolutely love the feel & the look of the theater.

Miso Loki

The music was good and so was the sound. Good atmosphere. the only problem would be the watered down drinks. It was obvious the drinks were watered down.

Stephen Hinkle

Its a small venue, but it was nice. We saw Bill Engvall perform there. The balcony seats feel far from the stage, but we would definitely go back.

Matthew Williams

Nice theater. Good sound quality for concerts and ornate balconies and walls. The location is not good but they cant fix Reading by themselves.

Laura Winterbottom

Great place to see a show!!! Beautiful theater and the food at the dinner they served beforehand was wonderful too

LilMrs B

Enjoyed the jazz fest! Acoustics are awesome. The guest 10 rows give the feel of being right next to the talent!

Shauna L

Saw Brian Regan for the fifth time I believe. Funny as always. Love the venue. Have been there before.

Archer Hain

Great Acoustic sound and views of the stage! Also, wheelchair accessible!!!