New feature: Venue review. Today is Red Rocks

While we all know how great the bands are, sometimes a venue can make or break a show. I got the great idea of reviewing venues from the person that brings you the Denver Food Story (seriously, check her out for the best places to eat in Denver) Shannon Guzman. I'm starting off with my favorite venue...Red Rocks

There is a lot to love about Red Rocks, and a reason why it's been voted the best venue in the nation several times over. This place is beautiful. When you look at the stage, you can see monoliths on each side of you, and you can also see the Denver skyline. There isn't a better view from a concert venue anywhere.

Now, while having a great view doesn't make the music sound better, Red Rocks wins with its natural acoustics. Music was meant to be heard here. You can hear the music great from anywhere in the amphitheater. Another great benefit is that there isn't a single bad seat in the house.

Another place where Red Rocks wins is its selections of drinks. Not only can you get beer like Coors, you can also get Fat Tire, Sunshine Wheat, and Mike's Hard Lemonade. They also have vodka lemonades and wine you can purchase for a price that isn't over the top. A beer will cost you around $7.50 and they have people going up and down the aisles so you don't have to leave your seat.

Another thing that Red Rocks excels at is clean bathrooms. When you walk in them, you don't feel like you need to decontaminate yourself when you leave. Plus, they are located on either end of the stage, the top of the amphitheater and in the welcome center.

Red Rocks also allows you to bring in bottled water and coolers. They also allow you to leave the caps on your water, though that can change on a per show basis. Also, parking is free. This is a bonus.

The only thing that is bad about Red Rocks is the climbing. If you have asthma or are out of shape, this will make you realize just how bad it is. The best thing to do is to try to park on the top lot if you are in rows 26 through the top and the lower lot if you are in rows 1-25. Trust me on this one.


If you are making the trek to Red Rocks, leave yourself some time to enjoy the tailgating before you go in. Red Rocks will allow you to go there pretty much at any time before the show to tailgate, though you can't go inside the venue until doors open obviously. Good friends can be made when you tailgate at the right show.