civic center

The kids had fun. I purchased VIP tickets to the Jurassic Quest for my kids so they could get the most out of the trip. The VIP package didn't include much but I suppose it was better than the alternative. We had a good time regardless and the civic center is a nice place to go for any conert, circus, or whatever.

My visit was to attend the VHSL wrestling championships. Let me first say that navigating the Salem/Roanoke area is much like navigating an ant hill. A GPS guide of 12 miles seems to result in at least 20 turns but I guess that's not really the fault of the Civic Center. Upon arrival you pull into one of the strangest parking lots I've ever seen. It seems that they figured any area large enough for a car should be a parking spot, right out front, on the sides of the entry road etc.... When we entered there was no organization. We were all made to stand in the elbow to elbow lobby for hours. Once the doors opened all funneled through two entry points. Although the doors stated "no coolers" they didn't state that a rude woman would search our bags and confiscate all your food and beverages. That wouldn't be so bad if I knew ahead of time or if the concession stand wasn't constantly out of food, dirty, understaffed and while I'm on a rant dated! Once comfortably seated in chairs designed for an underfed, depression era populace I could take my time to notice all the beautiful decor. Gum and soda stained floors, acoustic baffles attempting to fall off the walls, sporadic fluorescent lighting, awkwardly steep seating and the ever present odor of 1978! Also evident was the venues total inability to control the crowd. Seats saved with bags, people on the floor with no passes and exits blocked everywhere. I really can't imagine having a any meeting at this place other than a wrecking ball and escalator demonstration. After over six hours of captivity there was one good spot. We were granted the pleasure of escape and the opportunity to zig zag our way back to the hotel. Congrats to the VHSL on a job well done! Perhaps next year we can hold the championships in the back of a decommissioned school bus! BRAVO!!

My wife and I attended a Saturday conference at this center back in December. It was held in the basement area of the building. It was an OK venue, but there weren't enough bathrooms for the number of people (200+), so there was a long wait at break times. This venue was definitely showing its age and lack of updating.

We have enjoyed several events hosted here; high school graduation, Cirque du Soleil, Alison Krauss, Green Living and Energy Expo, and a recent pre-Christmas craft show. Each of these events were quite different from each other. The energy and craft shows seemed well suited for the design and layout of the space; as did the graduation. The circus and the music, not so much. The stadium seating for those type of events seemed a bit awkward - seats almost surrounded the stage. The seating, as well as the building itself, is classic 70's design and construction. Utilitarian and absent much visual interest or comfort.

The program we went to see was great, however, the seating is not the best. They should have handrails to ensure the safety of those climbing the steps. A lady in our group fell and I saw 2 others fall when trying to get down from their seats.

Loved the eWomen conference! This is my 4th or 5th year attending. The facility does everything in their power to accommodate such a large group.

Roanoke may be a small town but has a big town appetite for the arts! The Civic Center plays host to many differing types of concerts, art shows, car shows, etc.

Attended/participated in a large dog show held at the Civic Center. It was a great venue. Having the seats available to look down and watch the activities was a nice addition. The place is clean, good PA system. Though you couldn't pay me to drink out of one of the water fountains.

One of the top fairs around. Really enjoy the rides. They put a lot in a small area. Get a wrist band and ride all day. For a hometown fair this one still has some pop.

One of those more frequent places with a bag check to force you to buy food and water inside the facilty.

This complex is a coliseum adjacent to a large theater auditorium. I was here for a large high school graduation but happened to see the schedule of up coming events. It was loaded. Something going on all the time heer. It's a vey nice venue.

Recently went to Alison Krause and Willie Nelson concert. Was not informed when bought online tickets parking passes required. Went to center however could not pay for parking and was instructed to go back downtown to park and catch shuttle. Arrived at center very few employees around to help with where the will call windows located, etc. went back to gate 1 out of sun to await entry. No one allowed in until 6 pm and two employees at this gate to search folks and take tickets. Needless to say not good and drink lines were long. After concert there was a huge line to return to parking with one employee filling one bus at a time! This was ridiculous for hundreds awaiting buses. Lack of efficiency due to lack of employees was ridiculous. This was two trips in one, first and last to Roanoke Civic center. They should take some tips on how to move crowds from our friends at Disney

The main building has seen its years of use and abuse and is starting to show it, from the small stadium style seating to the obligatory sticky concrete floors coated with years of cotton candy and soda. And the horribly designed bathrooms that have massive lines to use due to poor design. I think Roanoke needs to look into a remodel of the old beast and give it a facelift!

We went to the civic center to see Justin Moore, Randy Houser and Josh Thompson. The singers were great. The civic center is small and easy to get in and out. The parking is free which was very nice. The only negative was the line for beer was VERY long. There were only two lines in the whole place for a $5 draft beer. That could have been done differently and made the process a lot smoother.

Awesome place for the games, easy to find and plenty of parking. Enjoy watching the girls play. The kindest workers I have seen.