Varsity Theatre
Minneapolis, MN

Varsity Theater is located in Dinky town, which is the heart n' soul of the University of Minnesota social scene.  The unique look and amenities set the venue apart from other clubs that showcase alternative music. For that reason alone the venue is great to catch a show, but don't expect to find it offer anything else.

SIGHT LINES & SOUND
Good sound regardless of where you are in the venue. Even if you are outside having a cigarette, you can still hear the live music via speakers. If you are standing, there isn't a bad spot in the house to see a performance. On the sides of the stage there are plush seats & couches to sit. Due to people standing right in front of you, if you happen to catch a booth or a seat close to the floor, you won't be able to see the stage. You will definitely want to get to the venue early to get a couch or seat on the upper portions of the seating area.

SECURITY & STAFF
Security is pretty much non-existent at the venue.  The staff working the door is professional and friendly.  On the other hand, it was far from friendly at the bar.  The bartender was just a jerk off.

COST OF A DRINK
$2.50 for a can of Pabst Blue Ribbon. Yes, you read that right. No Miller Lite. No Bud Light. Yeah, maybe cause it's a college campus they have endorsements on certain beers, but I don't care. And $2.50 for a can? A can of Pabst Blue Ribbon nonetheless? That is absolutely ridiculous.

BATHROOMS
Wish I didn't have to mention these. Two elevated urinals, and one stall with a wooden door. The entire bathroom is probably as big as many of your pantry rooms in your homes. Not necessarily nasty & unclean though. Feel free going #1 here, but not #2.

PARKING
Welcome to the University of Minnesota campus – notorious for bending you over and trying to steal every single penny they can out of you. Unless you are fortunate to find street parking – and you won't – you are going to pay for parking. The best deal we found was paying $3 for an open lot that is a couple blocks away.  If you park anywhere else, you are going to pay by the hour.

OVERALL
Great ambiance for an alternative show. Just don't expect much from the bar, bathrooms, and a possible bad parking situation. However, the environment is great with a majority of the concert goers being kids from campus. There is a broken pool table upstairs – but if it is ever working that is a nice added touch. The couches and seats upstairs, in the lobby, and along the sides of the venue where the show is on is a touch you won't find anywhere else.