Alliant Energy Center — Attraction in Madison

TL;DR: I waited in line for an hour OUTSIDE just to get into the venue after the doors had been open for 15 minutes for a show that was not even close to sold out.

Seems like a good place for a basketball game, but I went to the Alliant last night to see the Chainsmokers and 5SOS. The venue sent out an email beforehand letting people know where the alternate entrances are for getting into the parking lots and avoiding main entrance traffic, which was super helpful. I arrived around 6:15 (doors opened at 6) and had no trouble parking. There was a parking attendant who seemed to be doing a decent job, given that there were streams of cars coming from three directions.

It's a good thing it wasn't negative degree weather or pouring rain because I (along with probably 300 other people) waited in a line OUTSIDE the venue for an hour. The first opener, Lennon Stella, started at 7. I didn't get to the doors until 7:17. Keep in mind, this is all after the doors opened at 6. For some reason, the staff at Alliant were moving incredibly slow and didn't open up more doors to get people inside until I was about 80 feet from the door. That wait was absolutely ridiculous and made us miss the ENTIRE first act of the show. She was literally starting her last song when we got through security. I am so disappointed in my experience for that show and I hope the Chainsmokers, 5SOS, Lennon Stella, and any other performer goes to the Sylvee next time. Elvis Presley is going to need to go on a postmortem tour to get me to consider going back there...

We went to the Nate Bargatze concert last night. First of all, there was a storm which most likely caused the 45 minute traffic jam at the Rimrock Rd exit from the Beltline. We left almost an hour before the 7:00 concert start time and didn’t get into parking lot until 7:40. Like others have said, there is nobody directing traffic anywhere near the stadium. The walk from the parking lot to the entrance of the stadium is a haul and I can’t see older people or handicapped people making the walk very quickly. We got to our seats, which were on the floor at 8:10 and missed the two or three comedians who opened. The floor seating is so uncomfortable (folding chairs) with no leg room. The stage was a theatre in the round which they probably did since the show looked sold out. They had giant tv screens high up on each side of the stage but if you’re too close it’s hard to keep looking up. I don’t know if the upper seats are more comfortable but I won’t go back to Alliant energy for anything. The concessions are terrible with workers opening up cases of beer and drinks and dumping them into giant ice bins while you wait. The concessions are just makeshift areas and not a permanent fixture from what I could see. I would avoid the hassle of this place and go to any other theater in Madison which are easier to access and have way better seating and parking. If you’re in downtown Madison you can park in a structure and walk just a few short blocks to...

The Alliant Energy Center hosts a variety of sponsored events throughout the year. We attended the Gems and Mineral Show. When we pulled up they were charging $8 for parking. We turned around and found free residential parking about a mile away. I don't know if they always charge for parking but I found that to be an inconvenience.

There was also a small fee to enter the event that only accepted phone tap or cash. It appeared they did have a card reader but it wasn't working. They had an atm close by. It was $4 per adult.

The entrance/main room was sponsored by the Madison Geology Society. They had rocks, gems, fossils and other mineral specimens on display and mostly everything you saw could be purchased.

There were two side rooms filled with local vendors from all over the country selling and showcasing everything from jewelry, room decor, collector's finds, and other art forms all made from rocks, gems and other stones.

Pricing was very inclusive for all budgets. The price range ran anywhere from $1-$10,000+.

As a appreciant of many disciplines I found the show to be very fascinating. I learned a lot asking the vendors and geological society representatives questions. Everyone was so kind and passionate about their craft and hobbies.

I can't speak on other shows or events that have occurred there but as a whole it is a nice facility with plenty of space...