I have been to the Van Buren for many shows over the years, but on May 23, 2025 they really outshined themselves! One grievance, of course, is the lack of nearby parking. I typically avoid this by getting there early, but had to work later than expected on this evening. I brought my mom who needed to enjoy the show from a wheelchair. I dropped her at the venue with a friend while I hunted for parking. When I returned, the line was quite long but the staff let us go through security without an additional wait. Once in the door two separate employees came to help guide as I rolled my mom to a fantastic, gated-off section to audience-right of the stage. It was a great, unobstructed view for her and I was able to stand nearby in the event she needed anything. Everyone working was so gracious and helpful. Navigating big events with someone with severely limited mobility is incredibly stressful but everyone at the Van Buren was truly the rock star that night.
First Visit to The Van Buren — Absolutely Impressed!
This was my first time visiting The Van Buren, and I have to say: I am genuinely impressed.
From the moment we arrived, the entire experience was handled incredibly well. The VIP Early Entry email told us to be on site by 4:30 PM for entry around 5:45 PM. In Phoenix. In 113-degree heat. And with almost everyone wearing black (myself included). 😳
And yet, The Van Buren’s staff showed they understood exactly what that experience was like for their guests.
First “color me impressed” moment: they had a huge iced water dispenser set up outside the venue so people waiting in line could get cups of water — completely FREE. In that heat, that was not just appreciated; it was fantastic.
Second: I watched security staff repeatedly come in and out carrying zip-lock bags filled with ice and hand them out to people waiting in line. They started with the people who had arrived earliest. That small gesture said a lot about how much they cared about the crowd.
Third: They opened the lobby early, letting us get inside shortly after 5 PM instead of leaving everyone standing outside until the scheduled entry time.
Fourth: The security team was outstanding. They were polite, respectful, professional, and genuinely accommodating to everyone who had been waiting.
Fifth: When we were finally allowed into the main hall around 5:45 PM, they managed the crowd extremely well. They kept things organized and safe, making sure nobody rushed the stage and risked getting hurt or hurting someone else.
But the biggest “WOW” moment came while we were waiting for the show to start.
A little after we got into the main room, an employee came rolling a cart along the front barrier selling beer, water, and snacks. He was quick, friendly, polite, and even offered to run up to the bar if someone needed something else. He came through multiple times throughout the evening. I have never seen that kind of service at a standing-room concert before.
And then there was the water service again. Security walked the front line with cold cups of water from large water barrels and handed them out to anyone who wanted one.
Did I mention it was FREE? Because that matters. Especially in that heat.
Another thing that impressed me: those of us on the rail at the front were allowed to place our merchandise over the barrier on the stage side to keep it safe from the crowd. We couldn’t reach it during the show, but afterward security came back through and returned everyone’s belongings. They didn’t have to do that — but they did.
Security was truly amazing all night. They maintained control without being aggressive. They were firm when needed, but always respectful and friendly.
I did witness one incident where some people who were not part of VIP Early Access tried to force their way toward the rail before the opening act, shoving and pushing their way forward. A drink was even thrown. Security responded immediately. They stopped the behavior, clearly explained that any further incidents would result in removal without warning or refund, and made it very clear that it was not an empty threat.
What impressed me most was that even while handling a difficult situation, they remained professional and respectful.
The Van Buren is a fantastic venue. It’s large enough to feel like a real concert experience, but small enough to feel intimate. It’s clean, well-appointed, and staffed by people who seem like they genuinely care about doing their jobs well.
Those soft skills? You can’t just train that.
First visit, and I can say with confidence: I WILL be back.
Full seating guide
