Broward Center for the Performing Arts — Attraction in Fort Lauderdale

I have been living in Fort Lauderdale for close to two years, but this was my first visit here. I always think fondly about the performing arts center (Proctor's in Schenectady, NY) near my hometown where I used to go for touring productions a few times each year. This venue is about double the size of that one with 5,400 seats.

The building was built in the early 1990s and it is kept up quite nicely. Bathrooms were clean and modern too. We saw a few spots where you could get drinks, but we passed.

It's so nice to be able to check out a Broadway play without having to travel to Manhattan, so I was excited to see that Jersey Boys was wrapping up a two week stint at this location and bought tickets online.

Our seats were Mezzanine Box D. The view was a teeny bit obstructed at times, but overall quite good. The best part of sitting here was that there were only 4 seats in this area and it was very spacious.

We arrived here around 12:15 on a weekend for our 2:00 performance since we intended to eat before and grab a drink at nearby establishments.

Parking was a hassle. We tried to park in the garage across from the Science Museum, what a mistake. We waited close to ten minutes to pull into the garage and the line was just not moving.

So we opted to drive down the street a bit to another garage, we easily got into that. However, it was a hassle to get out since the payment machine was broken and an employee had to walk our credit card into the office to process the payment.

Hubby and I are from a smaller cities in Upstate NY where you rarely ever pay for parking. If an experience involves pay parking, it immediately becomes less appealing to us.

We did see cops out front directing traffic closer to the performance time.

Nice venue, but the parking situation was a bit of a hassle. I probably won't be back unless there is something here that I am...

I attended a sold-out, Beres Hammond concert, Sun., Aug. 27, 2023. This was not a first visit to this lovely venue, but, it was a first being assisted in a wheelchair. We ended up parking on the rooftop. There were elevators and handicapped parking available. Read the signage, that states disabled parking does not entitle you to free parking. Certain restrictions do apply. What was great is the venue's covered and air conditioned walkover, and elevators that put you there in the lobby area. The staff attendants were professional and friendly, and I was escorted to be shown a more accessible manner to reach my designated seat. Due to the festive crowd, standing and dancing, I and those on the row (Y) could not see the stage at all. There were no attendants directing the crowd to be seated during the performance, as at other venues. In fact patrons were allowed to stand near the east and west lower rows the entire performance in which would have been more ideal for those in wheelchairs to see. All I could do was to look at the screens of those videotaping to see what was happening on stage. Once the performer exited the stage for a break, the crowd sat down, leaving the stage visible for a few moments. Maybe adding some drop down screens would be great to help with viewing. Restrooms were plentiful and conveniently located, spacious, and clean. The audio/sound system was great in the facility, and was extended through the restrooms so you missed nothing. Overall, it is a beautiful venue. I would suggest leaving earlier to offset delays with parking in the garage, and just enjoy the beautiful grounds...

The Broward Center for the Performing Arts is a beautiful venue on the river in downtown Ft. Lauderdale. The center has been providing world class events since 1991.

There is a convenient parking garage connected to the center by a sky walk. The garage is $15 and there is also valet available. You are required to go through security and a metal detector prior to entering the venue. The lobby opens an hour prior to the performance and there are bars and concession stands to get drinks and snacks. The night I was there the outside Peck Courtyard bar was open and was beautifully lit up. The Intermezzo lounge is also open for many performances for an additional charge of $40 for soda, beer, wine and appetizers before the show and at intermission. The Spirit Lounge on the mezzanine level also has food and drinks for patrons in the center mezzanine section.

The venue is very clean and well maintained.

Check out the calendar on their website, there are so many diverse shows from Broadway, ballet, concerts to comedians. The ushers are very helpful and ensure you get to your seat safely.

The Au Rene theater is the largest while the Amaturo and New River Room are smaller. None of the seats even in the balcony have obstructed views. The acoustics are great.

There are plenty of restrooms and they are always very clean and well stocked.

Service at the bars is efficient and you have plenty of time during intermission to get a drink and get back to your seat in time.

I have enjoyed every show I have seen at the Broward Center, I encourage you to check out upcoming events and have a...