DeVos Performance Hall — Attraction in Grand Rapids

The show was phenomenal and the staff were all friendly and helpful. We got in the main door fairly quickly upon getting there. The health and safety checks were fast an fairly unobtrusive considering. The seating is fairly comfortable, though really squashed together. I was turned off by a couple of things. One was cramming the entire audience into the lobby area prior to opening the performance hall doors. Yes, it’s warmer but there is more than enough space to utilize and allow people to spread out a bit more. Especially during covid times. Granted we’re all vaccinated and masked but I felt it was an unnecessary situation. I heard many people grumbling about it and confused because they thought they were waiting in line for something but weren’t. And then during intermission the women’s bathroom on the third floor was only half functional. Half of the stalls were closed until maintenance could be performed or some such notice. This made for an extra long line and wait. Many women just went into the men’s bathroom because there was empty stalls there. This made me feel like bathroom maintenance is being neglected and felt like it was it was becoming a run-down business, and not a world class...

I wish the Grand Rapids Symphony and Opera Grand Rapids would stop having events at this venue. The physical space itself is just fine. The bag policy is terrible, though; it can be a big problem for people who bike, walk, or use public transportation. For instance, a few days ago I wanted to ride my bike there. I wouldn't be coming home and needed to take a change of clothes, a lunch, and some rain gear. But, where can I store this if I can't take a bag into the venue? If I take a bus or walk it's the same problem. They need to allow people who didn't drive there to take in a bag, or provide storage lockers for them to use. I'd rather the venue be slightly less secure than have to go through security like they have. Add to it that, by the bike racks (at least they have bike racks) they have the ash trays and it's treated like a smoking area, so while you secure your bike you have to smell nasty smoke. Please, not everyone drives, and they should be accommodated.

Also, the prices of concessions are highway robbery. $4 for a regular candy bar? Yikes. I'd rather there be no food allowed in the hall. I'm there to listen to the music, not hear people with noisy...

Our Loge seats were comfy and roomy but it was a little weird that they were single file and not side by side. Also, not the best venue for a comedy show. Show was at 7 and the doors opened at 6. NOT enough time for people to get drinks. I was fortunate enough to get a drink as soon as we walked in, but then I had to go get another and 90% of the audience was STILL waiting in line. The ENTIRE lobby was just several lines waiting in different lines. Half of them were still in line when the show started. I waited in line for 40 minutes and had to run back to my seat. They had 4 bars open and 1 bartender per bar with no help. They had to constantly leave the bar to go get more inventory, then unbox things and set them up. Should have paid some of the security that was standing around to help.

We paid extra for Loge seating and the bars up there were closed too.

I'd prefer to go to Dr. Grins where they serve you at your seat.

Also, the main seating has no aisle down the middle so do NOT choose a middle seat otherwise you will be stepping over 20+ people to get to your seat every time you need to get a drink or go to...