Microsoft Theater

I came here for the R&B Rewind concert. The line up consisted of Toni, Tone, Tony, Bobby Brown, Guy, Michel’le, 112, Next, Hi-​Five. It’s a nice venue. Every floor is equipped with a bar/​concession and escalators/​elevators to get you around. There were plenty of ushers helping out with getting you to your seats.
I had seats up in the upper mezzanine section. My main gripe with this venue was the sound. I don’t know if it was the theater’s fault or not, but you couldn’t hear the artists when they were speaking into the microphone. You could hear them singing but then again, the sound wasn’t all that great.
Drinks were $ 9-​$ 11 depending on regular or premium liquor. That’s pretty typical of concert venues. Seating was comfortable but they are low rows so if you aren’t by the aisle you will have to cut across the rows to get out.

First time here and I wasn’t impressed. Long ass security lines. I can’t stand that shit. Small ass seats in the orchestra area. Fuck they were tight! My legs were hitting the cup holder from the seats in front of me. The sound there sucks ass too. Loud ass mic that made me leave before the show ended. Never going to this dump again.

Great venue. I went to an R&B concert last night and really enjoyed myself. Surprisingly enough this was my first visit to this venue but I loved the layout. The negative reviews about this place are far fetched from the truth. This place offers great views from every angle and is the right size for an event space. I’ve been to a collection of venues for concerts, Broadway shows and comedic events but all together this modernized spot makes for a great night of fun.

The sound system sucks here shame on you staff! Tone Toni tony set sound was horrible. Squeaking and shit what the heck is this a hs auditorium?!
Actually they all have bad sound. The concert was dope but the sound boo boo

I was here for a few Kpop concerts and all of the times I have went, it has been pretty okay… every time I went though, the floors were sticky .u. but other than that… it was okay… if you’re short… pray a tall person does not sit/​stand in front of you but that’s almost everywhere

it was raining hard but still people dressed up for the night. i got the mezzanine row, jus dont get it why we need to go back to staples n cross the street to get in at the sides but we still end up meeting those people coming from the main entrance but the best of it, i jus loved the show where u can see all the beautiful faces n hollywood at once in ur fav shows n movies.

Not our favorite venue. Dancing With The Stars Live! ~ Dance All Night Tour was fabulous, but the theater building itself felt cold and industrial. More like being in an office building than a performing arts venue. Not impressive.
The pitch of the seats in the orchestra section is very slight, so if you have a tall person in front of you, you could have trouble seeing. Everything felt far from the stage because of this floor angle. And we had «good seats», yet didn’t feel the love.
The two large screens to the sides of the stage are helpful to get close up view of the performers, but one finds oneself going back and forth from big screen to live action on stage almost like watching tennis. Got to be distracting.
Had we been in one of the balcony sections, I would have been very upset. They are far, far, far away from the stage.
Thankfully, the DWTS show itself was magical and engaging, so I could forget about the setting. The visual graphics were stunningly beautiful. The sound of the pre-​recorded orchestra was very good. There was part of the show where the dancers were on live mics, and there were some problems with sound quality during those time. Also, when there was pre-​recorded audio the sound was not clear.
We saw DWTS Live at the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza last year and found that building to be a better experience from parking, to seating, to the interior atmosphere, to the restrooms and vending areas, and finally, to the excitement level of the audience. The venue can make a big difference in the energy level of the patrons.
It was enjoyable to exit «The ‘Soft» and be right in the middle of L.A. Live with all the holiday lights and other decorations.

Came to see Gabriel Iglesias Mr. Fluffy with my friend and I think this place is pretty cool.
It’s pretty big, a lot of seating, if you are seating far away and don’t have the best eyes then two large screens will show you what is going onstage.
Audio was ok but hope to return to actually experience a music concert here.
Seating was very comfortable but I’m not even 6 feet tall and the cup holders were hitting my knee. Maybe placing them high or bending one leg for better comfort like I did.
Parking can be expensive so drive a block or two away for cheapest parking fees.

The name changed, it use to be called Nokia Theatre. I’ve been here several time to see different concerts, comedies and plays. I was recently here the other night to see The Whispers, Stephanie Mills along with special guest Tempations. To hear songs I grew up hearing when I was young was memorable. My family and I had a blast!

I attended the Mockingjay Part 2 Première here, and it was a once in a lifetime experience meeting the entire cast. The red carpet event was truly a magical moment. Getting in the theatre was okay, but getting to your seat was quite complicated. The employees were very helpful in pointing out what section and area I was being seated in. I was arranged to sit at front orchestra section, so it took me a few minutes to get there… Now sliding over to my seat was a hassle. There is barely any space for you to walk through the people that were already seated… Eventually I got to my seat. Great movie!
Exiting the theater was a nightmare. People were scattering trying to figure out which way to the exit and which way to the after party. I guess I can say my only complaint for this theater is just the seating space. Friendly staff.

Saw Kem and Tamar Braxton here. This was my first visit to the Microsoft.
The venue is medium size, it was packed, but somehow also feels intimate. The acoustics were so clear, and for once, the sound level was not deafening, as can so often be the case at concerts.
Getting to one’s seat in the dark was no easy feat! There were no employees with flashlights in the aisles, and no lighting on the floors. I used my cell phone’s flashlight to find the right row and seat. I hope they put some lighting on the floors in the aisles — especially on the stairs where I almost fell and almost (almost) lost my $ 13 drink!
The offerings at the bar were meager, and the lines were long. They were out of some of the precious few drinks that were on the menu. We arrived early and had drinks at a bar nearby. There are so many great places in the LA Live complex, that is convenient to do so.
When I bought the tickets, I prepaid for parking in Lot W which is right across the street. I’d recommend it. You save $ 5 and don’t have to stand in line to pay after the show.

I was here during Animé Expo 2015. My friend gave me free tickets to see the concert of Momoiro Clover Z, a very famous and popular female group in Japan. I’ve never been to a Japanese pop concert before so I was happy to experience something new. I was lucky because my friend hooked me up with very awesome seats.
Oh man, I had such a great time here actually. Please people, get into Japanese pop music and attend a Japanese pop concert because the experience is surreal and awesome.
Now, this used to be called «Nokia Theater» until Microsoft bought Nokia so now it’s called «Microsoft Theater.» It’s very clean and cool inside. The staff here weren’t rude or anything like that. The sound system here was incredible. There are big screens around the theater so you get to see the performers with more detail but lucky for me, I had great seats so I could see them clearly. Gosh, they’re so cute! lol
So with that being said, this is a great venue for concerts. Totally recommend this spot

I typically prefer the smaller, older, more unique venues but Hozier was playing here and I dropped the ball catching him on the smaller venues, so here I came.
It’s located downtown, so expect to pay $ 20 for parking. It was quick and painless to get into the theatre and find our seats. They have bars on each level, making it easy to spend money before the show. There were however, limited snack options inside the venue (or maybe we didn’t find them), but there are clearly dozens of restaurants outside at LA Live. The bartenders were all friendly and speedy.
The venue feels very new/​modern (it even smelled fresh to me). The seats themselves were decent, you have a bit more leg room than some of the other theaters which was a plus. It’s not so large that you can’t see who is on the stage, but they also have a couple large screens to help you with the close ups.
Worth coming to if someone you want to see is passing through.

First time at Microsoft – saw Hozier. Love him – great show! Great venue, too. Clean and neat. Plenty of bars with efficient service so the lines there were very short. Tons of bathrooms so lines there were non-​existent. Great sound. Comfy seats. Easy parking. Looking forward to having another of my fave bands play there so I can go back!

I’ve been a fan of this venue since 2009, when I first saw Lady Gaga with the family. Although our tickets weren’t that close (it was still orchestra), we had a great view and EVERYONE was dancing at their seats.
Because that was such a fun experience we’ve been back (I can’t say the same for Staples; that’s too big).
Pros:
–public transportation can drop you off right by the venue (my son has done this, not me)
–lots of places to eat nearby and things to do before or after the show
–you can prepay for parking online
–venue is clean & orderly
–find the right garage and you can jump right onto the highway and get out of here quickly
Cons:
–alcohol overpriced (typical)
–parking overpriced (typical)
But my favorite experience was when my son got to perform here with Josh Groban. When that happens, you have a tendency to be biased :)

Microsoft Theater (aka Nokia Theater) is where you’ll find a lot of the smaller performing acts that won’t take up the Staples Center in LA Live and is a pretty solid venue.
I’ve seen about three shows here now and all of them have looked and sounded pretty solid. Getting in has been a relative breeze (note there are metal detectors) as well as finding the seat. Even security has been prompt if there are troublemakers nearby (and pretty quiet/​swift too). Seats aren’t the comfiest in the world but at least you’ll feel alright for the couple of hours you are there. The acoustics of the building are solid too — sat all over the venue and there was little to complain about. Note that its mostly orchestra seating here with very few second story seating. Bathrooms are pretty normal in terms of where they’re all located with bars/​concessions on all three floors of the building.
Parking-​wise, note that it’s never fun with really expensive options the closer you are to the center and slightly does get cheaper the further you go. Über/​Lyft recommended when you can.
I’ve been to worse theaters/​venues for music and performances and the Microsoft Theater over the year has been a solid venue with good seating and good acoustics. Little to complain here about the core theater experience.

Nokia Theatre L.A. Live was the site of the May 30, 2015, noon opening act of Sesame Street Live.
Parking is always a breeze, but of course we are familiar with the area. We had pre-​paid tickets for Lot W, Gate B.
The employees working the event were GREAT — well, for the most part. The concession stand lady was a bit of a Debbie Downer.
The event was extremely organized and well-​thought out. This was particularly so for our «Sunny Seats» which included a pre-​show Meet & Greet with Elmo and Grover — our almost-​2-​year-​old loved the pre-​show. Probably more than the actual show.
We arrived a little before 11 a.m. which was when the Meet & Greet started. Doors open promptly and we went down the escalators to get in line for pictures with the monsters (ours and Sesame Streets) with our own phone cameras. There were some other booths upstairs for paid pictures, but we didn’t partake in those. The M&G was 20 minutes long, but we got to stay downstairs with the other kiddos and their parents/​guardians to play on the hopscotch pad, color at the little tables, and push button and take photos at the other displays.
A single family restroom with a baby changing station is by the men’s restroom in this lower lobby. It was mostly clean. I wished there was a hook to hang my bag, though. (The women’s restroom did not have any changing stations on this level, by the way.) Our girls were fine when the show started and throughout the end, so I’m not sure how the restrooms were on the main floor.
The Sunny Seats package included seats in the pit for the main show. We had great seats, but we were in between rows. It would have been better if we could have gotten on one of the outer rows because they seemed to have more leg room.
I’d come here again for a concert or maybe a movie premier. The place has a great sound system. Well-​ventilated. Pretty clean.
It is, as others point out, intimate compared to other venues in L.A., but still worthy of visiting.
My issues…
I wasn’t that crazy about the concession food they had to offer, but maybe I didn’t see it all.
I should have brought our booster seat for our older child so she could actually see when she wanted to sit in her own chair. Not even sure if they would allow that.
When I called Nokia many months ago — in February when early bird tickets went on sale — I asked how long this show was. They didn’t know. Called again a few weeks later. «Surely it won’t be too long with all the kids that will be there,» is the answer I received. They’ve gotta know this next time… or at least a better answer than that. This information was never provided on their website either.
Miscellaneous issue:
The timeframe of Sesame Street Live’s actual show was a bit disappointing for our family. I understand where it is beneficial to some, but it seemed to drag on for most people, including all of those Elmo and Cookie Monster loving kids. My husband simply said, «They should cut out the intermission and shorten the show up just a little and it would be perfect.» I couldn’t agree more.
On another note… The performers were energetic and entertaining. Some of the parents could not wait to get out of the joint, though. My husband and I were just happy that our two little girls were having a good time dancing and clapping and smiling…
Review #371
Unilocal challenge 2015 ⁵²⁄₁₀₀

We are Nokia. Great Dystopian Venue of Future. You Will Obey.
(Read with russian accent)
You cannot find us. Sign point in wrong direction to trick you. Parking does niet exist. Parking for Première Nokia. Not you. We build venue in mall 3^rd floor. Like prison! Ha. You will wait on bottom floor with peasants outside fish restaurant until we are ready. You will be herded like cow in groups side by each up escalators to airport security metal detector. You will not wear wallet chain. You will not wear metal fashions. If metal detector beep, we feed you to bear. Expression is forbidden. Many people inside wear wallet chain. You no wear. Ha. We trick you again.
Inside we freeze you. There is no escape. Air conditioner everywhere. Drink cost 13 dollar. Tipping bartender before tab will not make drink stronger. You will stand still and watch band. You leave when we say. You will salute Premier Nokia. If you do not salute, we feed you to bear.
Have nice day.

I love this venue! It’s a great space to see live music. It’s in the middle of several great bars and restaurants so you can plan an awesome night out. What I love about this venue is the acoustics — it doesn’t matter where you sit, you’ll hear everything fine. We got mezzanine seats for Prince Royce and had a blast!
I’ve also come here for Ad Jam, an advertising event, and it was a great place to have the battling bands and food.
Definitely will be coming back for more concerts!

My husband and I have been to the Nokia Theater twice; back in 2007 when they first opened (for a Chinese acrobat show) and about 2 weeks ago (Russel Peters Almost Famous World Tour), Both times we sat in the mezzanine section (pretty much the nose bleed section). And honestly, the way the theater is structured and the 2 large screens make it so that even if you are sitting further away from the stage, you can still see everything.
There is always a line to get into the theater (general bag checks and ticket scanning would be the reason why, along with the large number of people going through). But if you come 5 – 10 minutes before your event, the line will be signficantly shorter.
On the bottom floor, you can purchase beer (pretty expensive, but thats expected at a venue) and snacks and typical concesession food items (hot dogs, nachos) as well. But it would be better to eat before coming for a better meal (with more choices and probably better priced).
Just thought I would mention that there are plenty of clean restrooms (can only vouch for the ladies’).
The closer you park near this theater, the more evensive the parking will be ($ 25-​$ 40). But if you are willing to walk, parking can be as low as $ 10 (just a short few blocks away).
What I do like about this theater is that there are a handful of restaurant options in case you wanted to grab a bite to eat before or after the event you come to see here (but some of those dining options may be more expensive than other restaurants that are not in this area).
All in all, this theater is a pretty nice place with nice cushy, comfortable seats that is great for whatever event you come see here.