The National

Address:	708 E Broad St, Richmond, VA 23219, USA
Phone:	+1 804-612-1900
Site:	thenationalva.com
Rating:	4.4

Location

Photos 100

Reviews 10

James Davis

Would rather travel to North Carolina or Maryland to see a show than go back here. The staff had no respect for their customers because, well, lets be honest, what could they possibly do to make somebody skip out on seeing one of their favorite artists who is visiting Richmond? They completely take advantage of that fact and abuse it. My ticket cost 150% of the sales price because of "service and convenience fees." Security headlocked my buddy, punched a man on the side of his head who already had a bloody eye, and kicked me out because they didnt like the way I was dancing to my favorite band (who Ive seen 4 times before at different venues and never had any issues). If they didnt have such a strong incentive for customers to buy their tickets (people love music), theyd either gain a sense of respect really quickly or go out of business. Heres an analogy: its like they are a restaurant that has food so tasty that it keeps you coming back, but treats you like pests during your visit because no matter what they do, you keep coming back for the delicious food.

Mike U

OH... I so want to love the national. Beautiful facility, great sound system and they do a good job of booking bands. However, there is no water. nope. none. You can buy a bottle of water, but no free water is available. Recently, I was there as the designated driver. Free water? No. Next time I was there, Im was in full show mode, buying beers and asking for a water. Free? Nope. Only bottled. Its BS. I get it. They need to make a profit, but come on. I was there recently for clutch and later the drive by tuckers. Plenty of beer drinking going on, plus I paid for a full priced ticket. The profit is already built in. this wasnt some ecstasy filled rave with a bar full of water drinkers. I looked around and saw zero water consumption. Maybe they made $5 on water. Ill contrast this with strangematter. They just put a 5 gallon igloo cooler on the bar and plastic cups beside it. Plenty of free water for everyone and no time wasted by the bartender. Yea for someone who cares about their customers.

Ryan Herndon

Great Venue but horrible staff... Got a hook up on VIP tickets and had never been... was assured tickets were for a balcony area with bar etc... Upon arriving I ATTEMPTED to show my ticket to both the people working the door and to multiple staff inside asking where my seat was... not one person bothered to look at my ticket and responded quickly with "its general admission sit anywhere"... To avoid conflict I sat down and waited for friends to show up... Just before the headlining band, friends who gave me ticket arrived and asked why I wasnt sitting in VIP? BECAUSE NO ONE WHO WORKS HERE HAS HEARD OF IT... After walking back outside and going to a separate door lo and behold here was the VIP area... after confronting the previous emplyees I made them aware of their idiocy... THE STAFF IS GARBAGE... I may go back but will never pay for a ticket

Heather S

Amazing and unique venue, and my first concert there last night was fantastic! One staff member, Mary Ann, truly went above and beyond to help us when we ended up stranded without our car after the event. We are from out of town & not familiar with the Richmond area, which left us at a loss of what to do. That amazing woman took 2 strangers off the cold street, preventing my handicapped husband from having to walk, and keeping me safe late at night. She gave us a ride to a nearby hotel, restoring my faith in people. Every so often people are put in place to help each other, but they rarely recognize or take the opportunity to lend a hand. Mary Ann was certainly our guardian angel last night, & I will never forget her kindness. I will be on the lookout to find a way to pay it forward!

River City Rhythm RVA The Showcase

Reasonably Priced Tickets for General Admission, Was Comped a couple of times for the VIP area but certainly would not pay for a season ticket, grossly overpriced, most folks up there were gifted by Corporate season ticket holders, Down in the poor folks General Admission areas, extremely overpriced and short poured drinks. Everyone stands except for a few available seats in the rear behind the sound and light boards... elevated so its actually a good seat. Decent to Good sound depending on the Mixer, I witnessed one dude leave the Board to go to the back door and pick up food, guitar player switched instruments... guess what wasnt in the mix. The Locals rave about the Place because its the best they have. All in all, Decent Venue, Id go again but it aint The Fillmore or Winterland.

Danielle Briggs

On March 12th, 2015, My cousin and I went to a Fifth Harmony concert. As we witnessed many people being admitted into the concert with their tickets, we danced at the door while listening to Fifth Harmonys new album.The night before, we had also attended another concert in the Virginia beach area. By surprise, the managers of The National allowed us into the concert, they had noticed our excitement and fondness for Fifth Harmony. Once we entered we were so excited, snapping pictures and videos every minute of the concert. We were so happy to attend the second concert, being that tickets were sold out when wed tried to purchase them before the concert. We want to take time to thank the managers of The National. Every crew member we came in contact with at The National, were pleasant.

Amber Reid

Incredibly rude employees. The venue was fine and the experience would have been amazing if not for the employees. We were treated horribly the whole night and then had the misfortune of losing a wallet, which no one would let us search for longer than about three minutes because they said they were too tired. I understand that but they should have understood that the $200, IDs, and credit cards we lost were a little more important to me than how tired they were since there was only about four places it could have been. I dont recommend and I will not be going back.

Mr. Clockman

Love the venue!!! No matter if in the balcony or on the floor was a great view. Very accommodating for the whole family (me, wife & two sons 8 &15) even at a hard show. Rob Zombie on the other hand had a terrible DJ as opener! No opening band a DJ!!! Real rob, then he only played an hour and twenty min. Sound was not loud enough & we came to hear your music not other peoples. Last zombie show for us but even @4 hours away from the National were sold nice job for staff & owners thanks.

A Private User

I was a little nervous when I booked tickets for Garbage at the National. But Im glad I did. This intimate venue gives concert-goers unique opportunities to get right up at the rail with their favorite performers. Plenty of in-house bars if thats your thing. The downstairs is open for standing, while the balcony has about 300 seats. Be sure to get there early for a good spot, and check out neighboring restaurant, Vagabond, for special early admission to the National.

J Kennebeck

Great venue to see a show. Richmonds historic place, built in the 20s only holds 1500 max. Whether you stand down front in the gen adm crowd or sit way up in the balcony, the views are all pretty good and the acoustics are great for live music. Kudos to the sound engineering team. Having been and audience member AND a performer on the stage there, I can say this place is a class act. I hope the booking agent continues to get good acts to come to Richmond.