Erie Insurance Arena — Attraction in Erie

I'm surprised how many 5 star reviews there are. I rate Erie Insurance Arena as average because #1, concerts are usually more overpriced than concerts in surrounding cities. Which is why most people will drive to Cleveland, Pitt or Buffalo over seeing a show here. They charge upwards of $15 for a processing fee, a $2 facility fee and $3.75 convenience charge on top of the ticket price. Secondly, I wish they utilized the arena more. It's great they have TSO and Disney shows for the family, but most concerts are hard rock or country, i.e. KISS, Jason Aldean, T. Rhett, Florida Georgia Line, etc. Also, I wish they would have kept (or bring back) the arena football team. They won a 1st place championship why didnt they stay? That was a ton of fun for the family... The additions to the front make it look very industrial and not modern. Plus a lot of wasted green-space in the front. Put more park benches out for people to sit and plant some trees. Lastly, the Warner has been promised a renovation for YEARS! I know this review's for the arena, but its still managed by the same Erie County Convention Center Authority (ECCCA) Most bigger-production shows and tours either avoid coming to Erie because the building is so outdated they cannot fit their staging equipment through the doors, or they have to cut out half of the show and only bring in the stuff that fits through the doors when it was built. The ECCCA is well aware of this, but they've chosen to allocate money elsewhere into things they think are more important than the historic Warner Theater. There's actually a few feet of water under the foundation in the basement in the boiler rooms. All in all, I'm grateful for these places, but the majority of people aren't aware of the...

Since the Renovation from Tulio Arena into Erie Insurance Arena, the place is clean and modern. Lots of Bathrooms and Concessions. Newer Scoreboards and Jumbotron in the center for when the Hockey Action is up in the corners you can't see from your seat. There is a Team Store for the Otters.

As a concert venue, depending on the show they will use the floor for general admission or standing room only. Lots of interesting things done there, I have seen Duelling Drums on arms that lift and spin, rock legends lifted in the air and extended out and around the crowds while shredding on their guitars. Fantastic laser shows and Pyrotechnics that flash heat into the "Cheap Seats."

Speaking of "Cheap Seats" even those seats don't feel too far from the ice/floor.

Never disappointed when we go to an event here and there are lots of events here, from plain old hockey to giveaways, throw back nights, holiday themed games, they even had a Nickelodeon night where the players wore SpongeBob and Patrick jerseys that they auctioned off. From Disney on Ice to Slayer this arena has put a ton of smiles on...

Easy to get to and a parking garage nearby that was only a couple blocks away. The garage for the event was only $5 which was awesome. There were plenty of restrooms inside and several choices for food. Beverages included pop, beer, and water. The only downside was the seating. This event was sold out so we were packed like sardines inside. There is very little leg room. I'm 5'6" and my knees were very snug against the seat in front of me. Tall people will def need on the end so they can stretch their legs. The seats are hard plastic so not very comfy but it was still an amazing show. Afterwards, we walked about 5 blocks to a restaurant. The location is great, plenty of parking, and within walking distance to restaurants. The venue is handicap accessible and you go through metal detectors as well as a purse / bag search. The officers mentioned that they will be moving to a clear bag only policy in the near future so you may want to check that out before carrying anything in. The seating is the only reason for 4 stars. You really get to know your neighbor if the show...