Arizona Financial Theatre

Stepping off Washington Street into the bright desert heat right outside Arizona Financial Theatre, you'll immediately hit the security line snaking down the sidewalk. It's a huge downtown spot that handles massive indie tours and rap acts, so security moves fast once you hand over your ticket. Don't bother bringing a big bag because they're super strict at the metal detectors, and you'll waste time walking all the way back to your car.

Inside, the lobby gets jammed instantly with people crowding the merch tables and yelling over the bass thumping from the main room. It's a massive seated auditorium with a pit down front where everyone rushes as soon as the doors open. The floor slants up toward the back, so you'll actually get a decent view of the stage even if you're stuck way back in the balcony rows. Just watch out for the drink prices because four-hundred West Washington ain't cheap for a tall boy.

Sound bounces off the high ceilings pretty loud, especially when a heavy bass-heavy band takes over the PA system. Bathrooms are tucked down the side corridors, and the line gets insane between sets. When the encore finally wraps up, everybody floods out the double doors straight into the warm Phoenix parking garages.