Curtis M. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts — Attraction in Gainesville

Unsafe venue!!! Ripe for a mass casualty incident. Literally zero security. I wouldn't bring my family here again.

I am a concealed weapons permit holder, but was not carrying a weapon because it is unlawful to do so on campus property. This is how gun free zones become shooting galleries. I am a law-abiding citizen and chose to follow the law. There was not a single security measure in place to stop someone from bringing a firearm into the venue. I was so distraught by the lack of security that I reached out to the director of operations of the venue to ask if there were measures in place that I was unaware of. He said no, but that they would be testing new screening technology at the end of March / beginning of April for possible purchase and implementation at the venue. Until then, I guess you are on your own. In this era, it seems exceptionally careless. They don't even list any policy on their website regarding items not allowed for entry such as knives and such. I asked the director if I missed that part of the website and he just directed me to the main page.. that does not contain that information.

It seems trivial to add this part of the review, but the sound wasn't that great and there was only one line to get drinks...

Decent facility with well-positioned seats that all have a good view, and good acoustics - definitely older and kind of smaller, but functional. The staff is basically half overwhelmed young people, and half older people who are in no rush. The concessions lines are horrendously long and block the walkways through the venue. The concessions stations don't have refrigerators or adequate storage (per the concessions staff), so options are limited and cold items are served out of coolers and run out quickly (like, before the show even starts). The seating is relatively tight and the overall design could be better to let people get in/out more easily. The parking is free but the lot fills up if you don't arrive early, while the garage gets overrun with traffic and becomes hard to exit after the show. Overall, the facility badly needs renovations, but provides an okay experience if you don’t come with high...

UPDATE - 2025 You really need to check out the schedule of shows for the Center.

UPDATE- 2024 starting out awesome. Ricky Smiley, American Spiritual Ensemble, Alex Rodriquez Trio and so much more. Can't wait for FISS.

UPDATE- 02/23. the Center is in full swing. King's Return is simply awesome. Winnie The Pooh. Isaiah Sharkey, MOMIX:Alice and more, so much more.

This is the place everyone should go at least once in your life. There are shows of all genres. Ballet jazz comedy plays country symphony. Check out their upstage events. Update- COVID protocol in place. Went to hear and see The gainesville Chamber Orchestra. They were most excellent as always. Took the Babaa so she could see how the "little Einstein"music is done....