The theater was built in Manhattan in 1928 and opened a year later. Chicago architect Walter Ahlschlager, who designed the venue, infused a distinct art deco style into the concert hall. Later, Warner Bros. added Moroccan and Greek influences into the interior. Recently, MSG Entertainment acquired it. In 2008, the theatre underwent a $15 million restoration. Legendary singer Paul Simon held the first concert at the newly-opened venue in January 2009, and the venue has been holding concerts ever since. The Beacon has also been a national landmark since the 1970s.
With 2,800 seats, the theater hall is an intimate venue. The hall is split into three levels: the orchestra, the loge, the lower balcony and the upper balcony. The orchestra is on the first floor and holds most of the people in the venue. Seats are also available in the balcony, which is above the ground floor and close enough to the stage for a good view. Fortunately for concert goers, the theatre has no pillars or walls to obstruct the view, meaning any seat is a good one inside the Beacon.
Throughout the decades, the venue seen some truly incredible performers, including the Rolling Stones, Michael Jackson, Queen, Bruce Springsteen and David Bowie, just to name a few. The venue's most consistent act over the years has been the Allman Brothers Band, which has played 173 shows at the Beacon since the 1960s. Recently, artists like the Dave Matthews Band and John Mayer have held CD release parties in the venue. And artists ZZ Top, Jackson Browne and The Hold Steady have concerts planned in 2010 for the Beacon.
Ticket prices vary greatly depending on the concert and seat location. In 2010, tickets in the upper balconies may run $40 for a particular show, while an orchestra seat is $125. Cheaper concerts may range in price from $25 to $35. Tickets are available online at Ticketmaster.com. The venue can be contacted by dialing (212) 465-6500. Show times for the remaining 2010 concerts are 8 p.m.
The Beacon Theatre sits in the heart of New York City on 2124 Broadway between West 74th and 75th. Concert goers can take the subway to the West 72nd Street/Broadway or 72nd Street/Central Park West stops. Both bus and train options are also available. For concert goers driving themselves, a number of parking garages are located with a few blocks of the venue. Parking is also available on the street.