Utah First Credit Union Amphitheatre — Attraction in West Valley City

⭐️⭐️½ – “Come for the concert, stay because you can’t escape the parking lot.” “Live Nation might run it, but I won’t let them ruin it… completely.”

Let’s just get this out of the way: I loathe Live Nation. With a passion. They are the DMV of live music experiences—a bloated, soul-sucking monopoly that somehow manages to turn excitement into exhaustion. But I’m trying, really trying, to judge the Utah First Credit Union Amphitheater on its own merits. Deep breath. Here we go.

Structurally, the place has potential. I’ve seen some solid concerts here—when the sound system isn’t crapping out or the artists aren’t rage-quitting mid-set (shoutout to that disaster of a Megadeth / Five Finger Death Punch show—iconic for all the wrong reasons). To their credit, recent shows have sounded better, and when the concessions are actually open, the lines aren’t soul-crushing.

But here’s the thing: half the venue is a dead zone during smaller concerts. If you’re in section 306 or anything left of center, just know you’re in for a Lord of the Rings-style hike to find food, water, or shade—none of which are available on your side. And when it's 100 degrees and the only liquid nearby is your own sweat? That’s not just poor planning, it's borderline neglect.

Oh, and if you think you can beat the system and move around freely? Think again. Every time you return to your seat, you get stopped to show your ticket—even if you're holding nachos, a drink, and your dignity in a precarious balance. More than once I’ve watched those nachos hit the pavement in slow motion as someone fumbles to unlock their phone. It’s security theater at its most annoying.

But here’s your one gold star, Utah First: free parking. That’s right. In a world where venues will charge you $30 to park on a gravel lot next to a dumpster, this place still lets you park for free. Yes, you might sit in traffic for an hour trying to leave, but hey, it’s free. And that’s becoming a unicorn these days.

Bottom line: 🎶 Good sound… eventually 🌭 Concessions? Only if you’re in the privileged zip code of the right side 🚗 Free parking earns rare applause

If Live Nation is the toxic ex, Utah First Amphitheater is the awkward family member trying to make it work. You’ll tolerate it, maybe even enjoy it once in a while—but you’ll still leave a little irritated...

We attended a concert on July 10. It was awesome! We sat at the lawn area. Here are my suggestions when attending a venue there. Plan ahead. 1-Get there early. 2-Be kind and patient; remember that often times your frustrations are directly related to your perceptions/actions...again, plan ahead. 3-Respect the staff, they're working hard to make your experience as wonderful as possible. 4- Anticipate lines. 5-Have fun😊.

We took our own blanket, and rented lawn chairs from USANA. Best thing ever! You can't take your own lawn chairs, but I'd highly recommend renting one of theirs...definantly worth the expense💖. Take your own water bottle. Here's the thing to remember when doing so. You can take in a water bottle that is new and has not been open, or you can take an empty one you can fill and refill at their watering stations. On the subject of purses, well, they suggest clear ones, and also small ones. Fanny-packs, if you have one, work well. If not, I've taken pictures of the ones we used below. I noticed that there is a designated smokers/smoking area. It's located on the north-west side of the venue. There's a variety of food options too.

On a side note, if you decide to take an UBER there and back, be sure that their driver knows where to pick you up. There is a round-a'bout on the south-west side of the property, by the ticket office specifically for drop-off and pick-up. The driver we had that took us there was unsure, so were we, but we figured it out, and this gentleman, Charles, gets a 5-start from us! As for the pick-up, not so smooth. We waited 30-minutes for the first driver, and after speaking with him, he cancelled on us without warning...not pleased with this, but stuff happens; we moved forward and booked another driver. This was another 20+ minute wait; however, this driver kept in contact with us and found the round-a'bout😁! Five stars for him too!

So, of you're in for a concert and get the chance, USANA is the place to attend one.😁 Amazing customer...

Went to see Matchbox Twenty on Saturday, June 3, 2023. Lawn GA tickets. We had to park quite a ways up, into the upper parking lots. They do have parking ushers to guide traffic into parking spaces so that made it pretty easy. We had about a 10 or 15 minute walk from parking lot to venue. Line through security was pretty fast, only about 5 mins or less. They don't fully search you, they just ask you to open your purse so they can glance inside, and to shake out your blankets to make sure you aren't concealing anything. Ticket line was fast and all electronic, with plenty of staff to help if any problems making the ticket process only about 2 mins at most. Entire entry into event was less than 10 mins after walking from parking. The venue is pretty big. The grass seating is awesome and have a decent view of stage from everywhere, but they have huge screens that also show close up of stage you can watch as well. You are free to roam around and the atmosphere is friendly and relaxed. Lots of variety on food and drinks. Over 21 Alcohol wristbands are free that you get right inside the venue as you walk in, also very fast and simple. The cost of food and drinks is OUTRAGEOUSLY OVERPRICED. $15 for a can of beer!!!!! We did also have a hamburger and fries and it was really good for it being venue food. They have clean flushing "bathrooms" but they are very small, and the "porta-potty" type, but best ones I've ever seen for an outdoor venue/event. You can't bring your own lawn chairs, but they have them to rent. We brought thick blankets and we thought that was so much better than a chair anyway. Overall, it was the best concert I've been too and mostly because the venue experience was so great. We are going back in July to see Nickelback/Brantley Gilbert with Lawn tickets, so we are expecting the same greatness. I only rated 4 instead of 5 because of the beer/food prices. Other than that, couldn't have asked for a better experience and performance! Thank you Matchbox...