The Vista Center for the Arts — Attraction in Surprise

Wow...what a disappointment. Went from a 5 star to a 2 star when I found out I couldn't get a refund for a show that was cancelled because I waited more than 90 days hoping to see some comparable shows to which I could apply the credit. The person that answered the phone was polite enough, it is just ridiculous that they don't let you know the opportunity for a refund goes away after 90 days (he says it might go through, but the system usually rejects them). So, when Louie Anderson died, they sent me an email saying I had a patron credit. I had been told there would be other comedy shows, so I waited. When it finally appeared there would not be any more comedy shows within a year, I asked for a refund of my credit. That is when I found out about the 90 day limit. Shame on them for not issuing a refund right away and even more shame on them for not making the 90 day issue clear in the original email. Still a nice venue, just some shady billing tactics that give me pause about buying tickets in the future.

What an awesome venue. It is not huge, but it is comfortable. Prices are really reasonable and they are bringing in some great names. The staff and volunteers were amazing and there were plenty of them. The only drawback we had in our first visit (and it isn't the venue's fault), the performers all bring their own equipment and for this show, some of the big speakers were too close to the seats on the side of the house, blocking some of the view. Not a huge issue, but I will watch what tickets I buy and stay away from the front corners. Anyhow, there was a member of the house staff going around and making things right for those with obstructed views. The seats were comfortable and we actually had some leg room. Didn't feel cramped in like sardines. Now, if they could only get Three Dog Night to perform there, it would be perfect. We will definitely be going to future shows...

If I could give this place zero stars thats would they would get. I purchased two tickets for "A slightly Wicked Holiday Show" in Oct for the 3pm show scheduled for today, Dec 12, 2020. We arrive and there is a different show going on that started at 2pm, our show was canceled. We never received any notice, we never received any refund of our $80 paid, and even today there is nothing on their website about the show being canceled. What is wrong with these people?

(Update 1/18/2021) The response from the owner below is lacking. There is an offer to contact me by email to process a refund. I had already contacted them to process my refund, which they did. My tickets were purchased online. There was an electronic record. They could see who purchased tickets for the cancelled show and should have processed my refund months before we showed up looking forward to a show that was cancelled. The apology is for me not getting a cancellation notice. No apology for our not getting refunded immediately after the show was cancelled or for our inconvenience and...

This really isn't a review of the Vista Center, as we thought it was a nice venue, however, I don't think it's meant to handle loud music due to its acoustics. We attended 'Ambrosia' there last night and it was, without a doubt, the biggest disappointment and worse concert I've ever been to and at this age, I've been to MANY! I'm not sure if it was the acoustics, the sound mixer, or the band themselves (or perhaps a combination) but it was honestly painful to sit and listen to and I'm a huge fan of theirs! Not only that but they didn't even know the words to their own songs. To say we were let down would be an understatement. People started getting up and leaving before intermission but we waited until until then and left. We noticed many, many other people did so, also! Still not sure how everything could've gone SOOO bad but it...