Macon City Auditorium

Quite a flavorful venue. I drove down from Atlanta for a concert without any knowledge of this place; didn’t hate it, but had to make concessions on a few things. It seems like it’s pretty popular with the locals, or maybe just the cigarette-​breath, bud light-​slurping south GA folks.
The concessions and large bathrooms are in the basement, which looks like a 1980s church basement. Gross carpet and a different vibe from the rest of the auditorium. Food-​wise, eat before you go — their selections were limited to popcorn and nachos. Pack a flask if you want to get a buzz for less than $ 30.
Dress in layers. We had balcony seats and got a little warm on-​and-​off during the night. Not entirely unexpected as it’s an old building and hot air rises, but come prepared to lose a layer in order to stay comfortable (even in February).
If you don’t fit in a regular airplane seat, you will not be comfortable in the balcony unless you’re in the front row (more leg room). Or buy your tickets on the floor so you can stand.
Great sound-​wise, and small enough that a screen isn’t needed for a concert. There’s really not a bad seat in the house for seeing the stage and hearing the music.

Hot. It’s soooo hot. Never come back. Everyone was fanning. May 11, 2014 balcony. I’m 5’7″ and my knees were hitting the seat in front of me. Also, if you buy a seat on the floor, it’s a folding chair with a little cushion. Not worth it. The projector and screen need updating. I could hardly see Bill Cosby. I want my money back. It was that bad.
The concessions in the basement were affordable. Since it was so hot, they ran out of cold water bottles. If you wanted a water bottle ($ 2), you were given a full cup of ice. I spilled my ice before leaving the basement. I carried too much stuff. A nice young staff member helped me carry the items all the way to the balcony for me.
If you need a cool place to go to wait for the concert to end, stay in the basement. Also, I scored a refill on my soda while I stayed down there cooling off. Popcorn was VERY salty. Easy way to sell more drinks if you ask me.
They sold plenty of alcohol. It was sold on he main floor.
They scan your ticket when entering. Long lines outside, though the concert was sold out. Good for Bill!
There was an ATM in the basement next to on cessions.

What can I say? I’ve been to numerous events in the Macon City Auditorium, and I have to tell you that they have all been different experiences.
First. The auditorium is the best place aesthetically and acoustically to see a concert. I saw the Allman Brothers Band on 4÷23÷2010, sat far in the back (floor level), and enjoyed the concert thoroughly.
The concessions in the auditorium are located on the basement floor, which totally cuts down on traffic in the major hallways. The bathrooms are pretty much normal.
So why just A-​OK? The auditorium has lots of nice features; however, some are in need of restoration. I noticed tonight at my brothers high school graduation that the balcony seats could really use an update. Also, some of the curtains looked to have some sort of black stain. sure the interior could use a minor face lift, but let’s be practical. The city auditorium still provides a quality venue for concerts, ceremonies, and formals/​proms.