Saratoga Performing Arts Center

After seeing the Moody Blues the other night (03 Jul 05) with orchestra seating, I would now recommend the lawn. With the installation of numerous BIG screen monitors outside and top notch audio, you get a better view than being in the front row.........just like watching an event on TV in your livingroom. Bring comfortable folding chairs. The only drawback with the lawn is when it rains and you forgot to bring some plastic along. I found that having a flashlight on your person is a big plus when darkness falls.......even in the ampitheater. Food and drink are still pricey and no coolers allowed except for very special events.......jazz festival is 1 of them. Pros: Fresh Air, Good Security, Housekeeping is A1 Cons: Pricey food and drink, Audio inside-so so, No coolers as a rule more

Ever since SPAC outsourced their special events, they have had repressive policies for a park environment. You can't even walk into the park carrying a cup of water or coffee. You can bring in an empty cup only. This is obviously not for safety, it's protectionism for the overpriced concessions. Also, if you choose to sit on the lawn, or use the concessions, there is nowhere to escape from smokers. They are allowed anywhere but in the actual amphitheatre. Cons: smokers on lawn, smokers by concession, no outside food more

There's nothing a cabin-fever addled New Yorker needs more than the chance to get outside and listen to some good music. SPAC would be better, however if they allowed coolers, as they do with the Jazz Fest. The beer garden truly is ridiculous and they need to just lighten up and serve booze. I tend to get bored in arena-type settings where you inevitably have to stand up to watch the show because that's what the people in front of you are doing. SPAC is a great alternative to that; you can walk around, meet your friends, and play a game of cards if the guitar solo is going on too long. Beautiful setting, but die-hard band-fans won't enjoy it, because they'll be too far away from the stage for good visuals/acoustics. Pros: Scenery, Social setting, OUTSIDE Cons: Acoustics, View of stage, Losing car in park more

If you buy the lawn ticket, you can forget about seeing the band. Band performs in a concrete-covered pit and CANNOT be seen AT ALL from ANYWHERE on the ""lawn"". Also the accoustics are horrific on the lawn. You better buy a seat in the pit, and yes, be sure to bring your binoculars. From most seats, the people on stage appear only as large as ants. The accoustics also are horrific in the concrete pit. Bring earplugs no matter where you sit. It's all one big drone. On the other hand, the park setting is quite nice. That's if you don't care about hearing or seeing the performers. Pros: variety of acts Cons: bad line of sight, terrible sound more

SPAC is a nice area to be at for a big concert. esp. on the Big Day Out 2 with GREEN DAY! and Cold played one of the sets on the second stage. Cons: lines, bathrooms, food more

This is by far THE WORST place to see live music!! Unless you donate a hefty sum to the ""SPAC"" you can plan on sitting in the lawn area which is about a mile away from the band. Even if you buy tickets the second they go on sale through ticketmaster, plan on bringing binoculars!! And forget about buying a beer! Gung-ho IDers cross examine you to get into the drunken mosquito pit they call the BEER GARDEN and you must chug your suds in this way-to-tiny fenced in area because you can't drink while watching the show!!! more

Just like the Saratoga Race Track (""The Summer Place To Be""), we look forward to attending concerts during the summer at SPAC. In the last couple of years, the variety has improved although we would love to see James Taylor and Jimmy Buffett return. However, just like any other entertainment venue today, the prices are ridiculously high. The scenery is beautiful. Pros: beautiful grounds, great sound quality, friendly staff Cons: parking crowded, traffic control, expensive more