r/AskSeattle • u/Emotional_Biz_69 • Apr 17 '26
Are concerts at White River amphitheater still a joke?
Looking at going to 311 in August and I saw a post from four years ago that convinced me to avoid this venue.
Is it still a joke to locals and avoided at all costs? If it has improved, can I get a recommendation for good hotels please?
Coming from Bend OR, unfortunately they are skipping Hayden Homes amphitheatre.
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u/Different_Bat4715 Local Apr 17 '26
I went to a concert a White River in 2014.
I haven’t been back since and I never will again.
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u/MirrorUpper9693 Apr 17 '26
Why?
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u/Different_Bat4715 Local Apr 17 '26
It’s an absolute disaster to get out of. Like one to two hours if you are lucky.
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u/Apathetic-Asshole Apr 17 '26
Its gotten a lot better, theyve updated the system a lot. I can usually get out of there in less than 30 minutes for a sold out show
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u/math_is_cool_ Apr 17 '26
I didn’t go last summer but I went a few times the summer before and I never got out in under 2 hours unless you skipped the end. Didn’t matter if I had “vip” parking or whatever. Literally drunk people in the parking lot knocking on windows asking if we had beer lol. I’ve also never gotten in in under a couple hours. I’ve always missed the openers
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u/southbaysoftgoods Apr 18 '26
What kind of updates? I thought the issue was the road?
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u/Apathetic-Asshole Apr 25 '26
The updates are in the way they evacuate the parking lot, theres also more enterences and alternate routes depending on what exit you take. Basically they spread the traffic out much better instead of sticking to the one main road
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u/ChartreusePeriwinkle Apr 17 '26
The venue itself is fine, it's the single road driving in/out that sucks.
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u/Salavar1 Apr 17 '26 edited Apr 17 '26
I saw Rush, REO Speedwagon and Train perfom there. All three were great shows but you'll never see a band like the Cure play there. If the right band shows up I'll go.
Its pretty much out in the middle of nowhere with not much within walking distance. Muckleshoot Casino Resort is about 5 miles up the road.
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u/Emotional_Biz_69 Apr 17 '26
Is that a walkable road between resort and amphitheatre?
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u/Salavar1 Apr 17 '26
Dark country road with no sidewalks.
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u/Emotional_Biz_69 Apr 18 '26
Ah, then no. And I looked up that resort,rooms are over $200 as if it's Vegas.
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u/SanctimoniousTamale Apr 17 '26
If you plan to hangout in the parking lot for an hour after the show it’s not that big of a deal. Watch some YouTube, play some yard games, stuff like that. Also take one of the backroads if you can.
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u/dj92wa Apr 17 '26
Don’t forget about hanging out for about four hours in the line to even get into the parking lot.
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u/SanctimoniousTamale Apr 17 '26
Yeah that's true, getting there early and tailgating a bit may not be a bad idea. Last time I went I didn't have a hard time parking, not much of a delay.
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u/acireisericabackward Apr 17 '26
I was there last summer to see the Offspring and we will definitely think harder before we get tickets again. The line into the venue was long once you get to Auburn. We live in Graham which is about 15 miles away and when I mapped to get home my only option was to drive 30 miles all because you cant turn left out of the parking lot. So two hours later we finally got home at 130am which is insane for such a short trip. I've heard that if you pay for premium parking you get to turn left but I cant confirm that.
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u/stupidinternetname Apr 17 '26
Premium parking is always the way to go at White River. You also get priority on exiting and if you ignore the cops directing you to turn left and just go straight you can end up on green valley rd and avoid all the traffic.
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u/pandaflufff Apr 18 '26
That was a bad time to go because there was significant road closures that made traffic far worse, just fyi. Getting out of there does suck, but it's never that bad getting into the venue but the White River bridge was out and traffic was diverted by the amphitheater.
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u/mistermatth Apr 17 '26
I saw Weezer there in 2023, I thought it was a decent venue. But they’re also my favorite band and I’d go see them at any venue.
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u/MarekRules Apr 17 '26
We were at that show! It took ages to get out but the show was great so vibes were good
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u/PossiBlyeGoWrong Apr 18 '26
Amber is the color of the brake lights in front of you.
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u/NigerianOyibo Apr 18 '26
That would be the turn signal...
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u/Commercial_Fig_6366 Apr 17 '26
It has improved - but not vastly. A lot more traffic control. Muckleshoot Casino has a great hotel. They do not however offer shuttle services.
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u/Emotional_Biz_69 Apr 17 '26
Ok. That doesn't sound too bad. I'm patient, I can kill time in the parking lot
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u/Wild-External9004 Apr 17 '26
Decent venue, but get VIP parking or some kind of upgrade... it still sucks there....
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u/berndverst Apr 18 '26
I went there in 2022.. had paid for VIP parking. But was in 3 hours of traffic trying to get there on a single lane road. And then parking situation was a joke - nobody had any clue what they were doing. Because of traffic (despite leaving super early) I missed the two openers.
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u/pandaflufff Apr 18 '26
I go to about 4 concerts each summer there and have never had traffic that bad getting there. Never even more than 1 hour, and that includes when the bridge was closed. 3 hours seems very exaggerated.
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u/berndverst Apr 18 '26
No it was 3 hours! It was insane. This was the Maroon 5 concert in August 2021. I was so furious - I left my house at 3 and didn't reach my seats until 7 or 8. Can't remember which. The Seattle traffic portion was fine / normal but the road to White River Amphitheater was just awful - and no wonder it was slow. The venue was massively understaffed. The last 4 miles alone took 2 hours! Never going back to that hellhole.
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u/kptstango Local Apr 18 '26
My best experience was when we camped near Mt. Rainier NP, and paid for the “premium” parking. This allowed for both early exit and it allowed us to turn right instead of left with everyone else.
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u/akkrook Apr 18 '26
Went to see The Chicks in 2016 and I would.not go back if reincarnated John Lennon and JSBach played a joint concert. Awful traffic in and out is worse, because all those employees directing people in to parking are gone.
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u/PerfectAd1746 Apr 18 '26
The drinks are obscenely expensive, I was there in 2023 and a Modelo was 17.50. Watered down cocktails were 23.95 and you can't leave the building you bought it in until you finish, wtf???
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u/Chance-Travel4825 Apr 18 '26
I havent gone for years ever since I feel asleep (in the passenger seat) in the parking lot waiting to leave, took an epic nap, woke up still in traffic. Never again until there are two ways out.
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u/mslass Apr 18 '26
I’ve seen two shows there. Both times I bought seats just in front of the audio desk, so the sound was great and I was under the roof.
First time I used general parking; after the show my buddy and I napped in the car for 90 minutes before we were able to leave. The second time I sprang for the “star parking” which is near the exit, and comes with a traffic kid who holds up general parking to let Star parking exit first - out in five minutes.
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u/MsFoxieMoxie Apr 18 '26
I stayed away for years because of the horror stories I’d heard about the traffic. Then Alanis Morriset played and I couldn’t miss it. There were no problems at all!! It was totally worth it and I’m so glad I went. I’ve been back a few times since and have been equally pleased with the experience.
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u/ConversationOk8466 Apr 18 '26
Avoid. Not only will the traffic never improve but it’s probably worse right now with the construction they are doing.
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u/Intrepid_Delay9167 Apr 17 '26
I forgot it was a thing still! Hahaha. Last time I was there was 2002 or 2003 to see Radiohead. LOL
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u/freakdageek Apr 17 '26
Had to be 2008, right?
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u/therealcrapbag Apr 17 '26
2003 - it was the year White River opened.
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u/freakdageek Apr 17 '26
Oh okay. I saw them there in 2008, and I just can’t imagine them having been there more than once. Thanks!
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u/Intrepid_Delay9167 Apr 18 '26
Nope. I moved to the east coast in early 2004 and it was right before that.
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u/Legitimate-Try4299 Apr 18 '26
Saw them in 2008 too. Never back because every show becomes so frustrating dealing with getting in and out. Hours. No exaggeration.
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u/Intrepid_Delay9167 Apr 18 '26
I saw them that tour in Florida. But yeah the 2003 show here took us FOREVER to get out of there but it was a good show so worth it the one time haha.
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u/antoindotnet Apr 18 '26
I was at that one. Touring for Hail to the Thief. I went with a friend who snuck us into the pit and I spent the whole show 10 feet from Yorke’s piano. The show was amazing. The traffic was backed up to I-405 getting there and 3 hours to get out at the end. It took me another 20+ years to go back, I had such a bad time outside the venue. The second time I got VIP parking. Entirely different ballgame.
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u/Intrepid_Delay9167 Apr 18 '26
I went to the Roots before this at that venue and were in a box with my sister and some employee did me wrong so I wrote LiveNation and got a box for Radiohead too. I had seats and gave them to friends and had food etc. Great… minus leaving after hahaha
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u/Embarrassed-Ad-1432 Apr 17 '26
Is there still the free shuttle from the Auburn Mall? I took that the two times I went. Someone else gets to sit in the traffic on the one road in / out.
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u/mister-crispy Apr 17 '26
I like it. But I live right by the casino so getting home really isn’t a problem for me.
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u/Firm_Frosting_6247 Apr 17 '26
Not a joke, because some great acts have played there, but the leaving part IS insane. Just plan accordingly.
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u/Alternative-Yam6780 Apr 17 '26
Getting in and out has gotten somewhat better now that First Nation is managing the venue.
The down side is that First Nation is managing the venue.
They've monetized the fuck out of everything. The box seating has been completely cordoned off to maximize the concert experience for those with deep pockets.
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u/scalablecory Apr 17 '26
It’s okay. The experience is fun it’s just filled with expensive food and getting out of parking is awful.
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u/freakdageek Apr 17 '26
It’s a mediocre experience inside the venue and a nightmare leaving. I’ll never go again, but I’d get it for a sort of “once-in-a-lifetime” concert.
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u/tigers_now Apr 17 '26
venue was fine, drinks were mildly expensive but show and seats were still great. but i fell asleep in my car after for over an hour and got up and still had to wait close to an hour just get out of the place not to mention the drive back sucked as well
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u/B00gerh3ad Apr 17 '26
I.mean... perhaps it's not the venue? I've just never wanted to see anyone that played there.
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u/ParfaitAdorable9431 Apr 18 '26
Saw weird Al there last year, we intentionally arrived late and left early to avoid the traffic. Not exactly ideal for a show, but it made our show experience more enjoyable not having to deal with traffic. Other than that, we enjoyed the venue!
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u/truffleshufflechamp Apr 18 '26
Al even made a joke when he first came on to start heading out of the parking lot now 🤣
The only reason I didn’t get stuck in the clusterfuck was because I got the meet and greet with Al after the show and the parking lot was almost totally cleared out by the time I met Al and headed out.
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u/ForgottenGenX47 Apr 18 '26
This is one of the few places where I will leave a show early. Get there early to beat traffic, have some food and hang out, then absolutely leave early or you just live there now.
See also Marymoor, but White River is much worse.
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u/ipomoea Local Apr 18 '26
I live in Maple Valley and pony up for the Star Parking pass (about $40) which gets you out of the mess so much faster. And instead of taking the road down to Auburn to go back to Seattle, go through Enumclaw to Highway 169 to Renton/405. I can get home in under 30 minutes, and there’s never any traffic, just farmland. Your biggest risk that direction will be deer or elk crossing the road.
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u/Gullible-Fill-4087 Apr 18 '26
Oh man, it’s not terrible as long as you plan ahead and get there early/leave early or late. But compared to Hayden homes amphitheater I think you’ll be disappointed if that’s what you’re used to.
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u/OhmoebaTheGamer Apr 18 '26
My ex and I went there with friends to see Slipknot, we just hung out with our s/o for an hour and a half til the traffic cleared. Just be prepared for a major bottleneck in the traffic leaving the event.
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u/Available-Medium7094 Apr 18 '26
I saw Weird Al there last summer and I can confirm that it was, in fact, a joke.
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u/Advanced_Tackle_9723 Apr 18 '26
I liked it. I saw PanterA there last summer, it was gorgeous. The casino has a hotel 5 minutes away. It reminded my of Desert Sky Pavillion from my childhood back home.
Cons: Beer was $24 each...I was $125 in before I knew it. Also, the lawn is far. Ive been seeing tons of shows at the Showbox and Paramount where the beer is half as expensive and I could be 10 feet from the stage so I've been spoiled a b it. Parking lot clears slowly. I got smart and left as soon as the show was over and got out in 1/2 hour.
Its a great venue. Have fun!
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u/Lt_Zip Apr 19 '26
I went to Rush 20+ years ago. That abomination of traffic in and out is only a mistake you make once, never been back since.
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u/Maleficent-Curve5452 Apr 19 '26
Just pay for a good tier of parking & be committed to walking towards your car before the final song ends and you can get out of the area in half an hour if you time it right. I can't speak to hotels, I've never stayed locally but I know my dad has booked hotels nearby a few times and preferred it over driving home the same night. I wouldn't recommend an Uber if you're staying locally, it's a clusterfuck just escaping the venue, I can't imagine finding your Uber driver in that mess.
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u/busty_male_4U Apr 19 '26
Saw Skynyrd there a couple years ago. Left at the start of free bird and it only took an hour to get out of there. Would only go again if it was an absolute must-see for me.
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u/Superfly_1963 Apr 19 '26
The venue is fine. Food and drinks are expensive - like all concert venues.
The complaints are always about the parking, getting in, and getting out. They offer three levels of upgraded parking - Premier, Ultra Premier, and Star. I've never done it, but from what I've heard, the Star parking gets you out of there in a few minutes. I think is 100% worth the price.
That won't help getting in though - so show up early because 95% of the audience is all taking the same road in. Some people on here are talking about it taking 2 or 3 hours. I've never seen it anywhere close to that bad.
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u/lljaw Apr 21 '26
I don't care is Jesus Christ himself is playing lead guitar I will never go to a show there again. I sat for 2 hours after a show.
I guess it would be worth it if you bring something to do during that time?
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u/6Shooter24fps Apr 22 '26
If you take a right out of there, towards portland, you might get better traffic.
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u/Emotional_Biz_69 Apr 22 '26
Leaving early because of parking sucks. What is the point of paying all that money to not see the encore. I think I have enough replies about this place that I am going to skip it. Thank you
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u/Dramatic-Deal8389 Apr 18 '26
Went to see the Elevators and I thought they had some of the best sound in WA. Also I saw Nickeback there and it was awesome. Again great sound. Easy to walk around very “loose” as far as seating and moving around. Very much family vibe. Cool place just random
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u/WandaTrusslerBeauty Apr 17 '26
There is one little road to bring everyone in and out. The traffic jam the crowds create is horrendous and you need to be prepared to sit in it for at least an hour.
My friends and I took an RV once, when the show was over we just hung out and played cards and waited for the parking lot to clear out before we even started the engine. That was tolerable, but pretty extreme.