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81jeremyh
The kids had fun. I purchased VIP tickets to the Jurassic Quest for my kids so they could get the most out of the trip. The VIP package didn't include much but I suppose it was better than the alternative. We had a good time regardless and the civic center is a nice place to go for any conert, circus, or whatever.
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Sningee
My visit was to attend the VHSL wrestling championships. Let me first say that navigating the Salem/Roanoke area is much like navigating an ant hill. A GPS guide of 12 miles seems to result in at least 20 turns but I guess that's not really the fault of the Civic Center. Upon arrival you pull into one of the strangest parking lots I've ever seen. It seems that they figured any area large enough for a car should be a parking spot, right out front, on the sides of the entry road etc.... When we entered there was no organization. We were all made to stand in the elbow to elbow lobby for hours. Once the doors opened all funneled through two entry points. Although the doors stated "no coolers" they didn't state that a rude woman would search our bags and confiscate all your food and beverages. That wouldn't be so bad if I knew ahead of time or if the concession stand wasn't constantly out of food, dirty, understaffed and while I'm on a rant dated! Once comfortably seated in chairs designed for an underfed, depression era populace I could take my time to notice all the beautiful decor. Gum and soda stained floors, acoustic baffles attempting to fall off the walls, sporadic fluorescent lighting, awkwardly steep seating and the ever present odor of 1978! Also evident was the venues total inability to control the crowd. Seats saved with bags, people on the floor with no passes and exits blocked everywhere. I really can't imagine having a any meeting at this place other than a wrecking ball and escalator demonstration. After over six hours of captivity there was one good spot. We were granted the pleasure of escape and the opportunity to zig zag our way back to the hotel. Congrats to the VHSL on a job well done! Perhaps next year we can hold the championships in the back of a decommissioned school bus! BRAVO!!
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MR_HOKIE88
My wife and I attended a Saturday conference at this center back in December. It was held in the basement area of the building. It was an OK venue, but there weren't enough bathrooms for the number of people (200+), so there was a long wait at break times. This venue was definitely showing its age and lack of updating.
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MikeO655
We have enjoyed several events hosted here; high school graduation, Cirque du Soleil, Alison Krauss, Green Living and Energy Expo, and a recent pre-Christmas craft show. Each of these events were quite different from each other. The energy and craft shows seemed well suited for the design and layout of the space; as did the graduation. The circus and the music, not so much. The stadium seating for those type of events seemed a bit awkward - seats almost surrounded the stage. The seating, as well as the building itself, is classic 70's design and construction. Utilitarian and absent much visual interest or comfort.
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HattieLouise
The program we went to see was great, however, the seating is not the best. They should have handrails to ensure the safety of those climbing the steps. A lady in our group fell and I saw 2 others fall when trying to get down from their seats.
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DianneS401
Loved the eWomen conference! This is my 4th or 5th year attending. The facility does everything in their power to accommodate such a large group.
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tmscott
Roanoke may be a small town but has a big town appetite for the arts! The Civic Center plays host to many differing types of concerts, art shows, car shows, etc.
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SLK507
Attended/participated in a large dog show held at the Civic Center. It was a great venue. Having the seats available to look down and watch the activities was a nice addition. The place is clean, good PA system. Though you couldn't pay me to drink out of one of the water fountains.
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N3479NRmichaela
One of the top fairs around. Really enjoy the rides. They put a lot in a small area. Get a wrist band and ride all day. For a hometown fair this one still has some pop.
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112PCS112
One of those more frequent places with a bag check to force you to buy food and water inside the facilty.