Holland Center — Attraction in Omaha

I was very disappointed to go to the Holland yesterday to see an internationally known jazz artist and see only 500 or so people in that big venue. She would have been far more appreciated in The Jewell where they trust their patrons and don't require draconian measures.

I think some of the reasons are that they are requiring masks for all times in the building or outside. That's ridiculous Holland. I walked in without a mask as there is no mandate anywhere in town and the folks at the door started screaming and treated me and my wife like we were lepers. Yelling at me and waiving their hands as if they are whisking me out the door. Luckily one person had the presence of mind to walk up to me and say, "Come on in I know this is ridiculous, we're all vaccinated (and I said I was too) but let me get you a mask to wear while in the building."

Then I needed some cash for the valet as I had none and was told that the ATM was removed "... because COVID". Search your soul Holland, you can't run scared from this forever or you'll kill the arts in Omaha. Flu strains are here to stay. Use your heads, trust your patrons. People who feel there is a risk will wear masks voluntarily but don't make those who have followed instructions, gotten vaccinated and want to enjoy music and arts suffer also. ...

Last night my husband and I attended “the beach boys “concert and totally enjoyed the show. However during intermission, a cigar smell begin to permeate our section and unfortunately continued throughout the second half of the show. It was obvious that it was someone behind us in the orchestra Circle, CCC seats 17 and 18 but the ladies who were hosting didn’t seem to notice or maybe didn’t care. There were also numerous pictures being taken in front of us and in front of the hostesses and that didn’t seem to matter either. I really don’t care about the pictures but to waste $120 plus on tickets to a show where you have to be surrounded with smoke I do mind. I’m not sure if you allow smoking, but it’s happening there and perhaps hosting volunteers should be more aware of what goes on around them. It was very disappointing and I left there with burning watery eyes and no desire to sit in that section ever again. Thank you in advance for ensuring that this doesn’t happen to...

Great venue space, staff are very nice and plenty of hotels within short walking distance if you need to stay over. The venue could use some easier ways to get up and down from the higher floors; there are elevators but not really enough, and there didn't seem to be any escalators.

I also attended their pre-show happy hour, which had an add-on fee that was not cheap. It took a long time to just get all the attendees u Into the happy hour. Once inside, they did not have enough seating or space for everyone there, they ran out of the happy hour hors d'oeuvres pretty early, and with only 2 bartenders working and long lines to buy cocktails, the wait for drinks was pretty ridiculous. A number of people in line for drinks were complaining. If the ticket for happy hour add-on hadn't been fairly expensive I would let it go by, but basically the concert was a solid A and the happy hour...