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# Neal S Blaisdell Arena – premier event venue in Honolulu, HI, concerts, community gatherings, accessible seating, rich history

Neal S Blaisdell Arena, located in Honolulu, HI, is a premier venue known for hosting a variety of events, including concerts, graduations, and community gatherings. Established with a vision to create a space for cultural and entertainment events, the arena has become a beloved landmark in the city. Over the years, it has garnered positive reviews for its accessibility and seating arrangements, although some visitors have noted areas for improvement, particularly regarding acoustics and restroom facilities. The arena's commitment to community involvement and its rich history make it a focal point for entertainment in Honolulu.

## History

### The story of Neal S Blaisdell Arena

Neal S Blaisdell Arena was founded with the vision of providing a versatile space for entertainment and community events in Honolulu. The arena was named after Neal S. Blaisdell, a prominent figure in the city's history, who played a significant role in promoting cultural and civic activities. The arena's establishment marked a pivotal moment in Honolulu's development as a hub for arts and entertainment, reflecting the community's desire for a dedicated venue that could accommodate large audiences for various events.

### Milestones and growth

- **1964**: Opening of the arena, initially designed to host sports events and concerts.
- **1970s**: Became a popular venue for major concerts, attracting international artists.
- **1990s**: Underwent renovations to improve seating and accessibility.
- **2000s**: Expanded its role to include community events, graduations, and cultural festivals.
- **2010s**: Continued to host a diverse range of events, solidifying its reputation in the region.

### Cultural and local influence

The arena has played a crucial role in shaping Honolulu's cultural landscape. It has hosted numerous significant events, including graduations, concerts, and community festivals, fostering a sense of unity and pride among residents. The venue's ability to attract both local and international performers has enriched the cultural fabric of the city, making it a vital component of Honolulu's identity.

### Continuing the tradition

Today, Neal S Blaisdell Arena continues to uphold its founding vision by hosting a variety of events that cater to the diverse interests of the community. The arena's commitment to accessibility and inclusivity ensures that everyone can enjoy the performances and gatherings held within its walls. As it moves forward, the arena remains dedicated to enhancing the experience for attendees while preserving its historical significance.

## Community

### Community involvement

Neal S Blaisdell Arena actively engages with the local community through various initiatives and events. It serves as a venue for local organizations and schools to host their events, fostering a sense of community and collaboration. The arena's management often collaborates with local businesses and artists, promoting the rich cultural heritage of Honolulu.

### Community notion about the place

The community views Neal S Blaisdell Arena as a cherished venue that embodies the spirit of Honolulu. Many residents have fond memories of attending concerts, graduations, and other significant events at the arena. While some have expressed concerns about certain aspects, such as parking and acoustics, the overall sentiment is one of appreciation for the arena's role in bringing people together and providing a space for shared experiences.

### Events and gatherings

The arena hosts a wide range of events throughout the year, including concerts, sporting events, and community gatherings. These events not only entertain but also serve as a platform for local artists and organizations to showcase their talents. The arena's ability to adapt to various event types has made it a versatile space that meets the needs of the community.

## Offerings

### What Neal S Blaisdell Arena offers

Neal S Blaisdell Arena offers a variety of amenities and services designed to enhance the visitor experience. From comfortable seating to accessible facilities, the arena strives to accommodate all attendees. The venue is equipped to host large-scale events, ensuring that every guest has a memorable experience.

### Dining and food experience

The arena features several food and beverage options for attendees. While the selection may vary depending on the event, visitors can typically find a range of snacks and refreshments available for purchase. However, some reviews indicate that the food options can be limited, and lines may be long during peak times. Visitors are encouraged to arrive early to secure their desired items.

### Events and packages

Neal S Blaisdell Arena hosts a diverse array of events, including concerts, comedy shows, and community festivals. The venue often offers packages for group events, making it an attractive option for organizations looking to host gatherings. The flexibility in event planning allows for a wide range of experiences tailored to different audiences.

### Facilities and features
- Accessible seating options
- Multiple restroom facilities
- Concession stands with food and beverage options
- Spacious arena layout for various events
- Parking facilities, including accessible parking

## Pros and Cons

### Key insights from reviews

Reviews of Neal S Blaisdell Arena highlight both positive and negative aspects of the venue. Many attendees appreciate the arena's accessibility and the variety of events it hosts. However, some have raised concerns regarding parking logistics and the quality of the sound system during concerts.

### Compliments and strengths

Visitors often commend the arena for its comfortable seating and good sightlines, allowing for an enjoyable viewing experience. The venue's location in Honolulu makes it easily accessible for residents and tourists alike. Additionally, the arena's commitment to hosting local events fosters community engagement and support.

### Contrasts and notable mentions

While many reviews are positive, some attendees have noted issues with acoustics during concerts, suggesting that improvements could enhance the overall experience. Additionally, parking can be a challenge during busy events, leading some visitors to recommend using rideshare services to avoid the hassle.

### Summary evaluation

Overall, Neal S Blaisdell Arena is a well-regarded venue that offers a variety of events and experiences for the community. While there are areas for improvement, particularly regarding sound quality and parking, the arena's strengths in accessibility and community involvement make it a valuable asset to Honolulu.

## Location & Nearby Attractions

Neal S Blaisdell Arena is situated at 777 Ward Ave, Honolulu, HI 96814, in a vibrant neighborhood that offers a mix of cultural and recreational attractions. The arena's central location makes it easy for visitors to explore nearby sites, including parks, restaurants, and shopping areas. The surrounding community is rich in history and culture, providing a backdrop that enhances the overall experience for attendees.

## FAQs

**What types of events are held at Neal S Blaisdell Arena** Various events, including concerts, graduations, and community gatherings, are hosted here.

**Is parking available at the arena** Yes, there is parking available, but it can fill up quickly during events.

**Are there food options inside the arena** Yes, several concession stands offer food and beverages during events.

**Is the arena accessible for individuals with disabilities** Yes, the arena provides accessible seating and facilities for all attendees.

**Can I bring bags into the arena** Yes, but large bags may be subject to inspection at entry points.

## Visit Neal S Blaisdell Arena Today

Neal S Blaisdell Arena invites you to experience its vibrant atmosphere and diverse offerings. With a rich history and a commitment to community engagement, the arena is a hub for entertainment in Honolulu. Whether you're attending a concert, graduation, or community event, the arena provides a welcoming space for all. Join the many who have enjoyed memorable experiences at this iconic venue.

e26278f8-0d0d-4bc0-85ba-d8a582e3ef23

Ok... so depending on what you're going here for and why. Not everyone likes to be indoors cause it can get hot and the worst part of this place is the bathrooms. It's so off and confusing to where it's at. But, it is a decent place to have most events! If it's for a concert... Like we just went to for UB40? UH DUH!!! TOTALLY % YES!!! Why? Cause you'll be able to enjoy the show and SEE IT from the seats your in rather than watch los rod it ON A JUMBO SCREEN. Plus too, there are different choices of seating. Most people love the UPPER LEVELS. Yet, the stairs are a killer! AND... NO BARS so everything is balance and grace. But if your like me who USE TO LOVE IT, but don't anymore cause you worry your legs will give... well, there's the ground floor that has bleachers of seats. The seats are so much better NOW than they were before. So, highly recommend the ground floor for those who refuses to walk up stairs. Then there's the lodges. K those are GREAT, yet, my fear is falling OVER the ledge. And the stairs you MIST WALM UP to get there too! Lol! It's been a while since I've sat in this arena for anything. I think the last time was for a concert back in 2013! LADIES OF THE 80's with the hubby. Hehehe there were so much hubbies there that night. It was unbelievable! Anywho... great place to be at for events, concerts and whatnot. But terrible place to use heels and tight clothes (if you know what I mean) Oh! Prices varies with type of events and I truly honestly believe it's absolutely RIDICULOUS sometimes. However, I get it, bills must be paid and people must be bought to make the event go smoothly! Okie dokes artichokes! Have a good one and mahalo for reading... CIAO!

0caf6101-54b4-44a0-ad72-b30f108bb104

A friend and I attended the Taemin Ephemeral Gaze concert on March 22. I entered the parking lot from King Street at 4:20pm so I could find a good parking space. Whoa, the lot was pretty full so I ended up further away than I would normally park but, all was well, I found a space between two columns. Had I arrived closer to the concert time, finding parking might have been an issue. We had dinner across the street at MW and came back to the arena at 7pm. Ingress was relatively simple; pass through two lines to check for contraband and bag inspection then through the gates. We headed upstairs to find our seats, not bothering to pick up any refreshments. We didn't avail ourselves of the services of an usher because the arena was well lit and we easily found our seats. We sat in section 1, directly across the arena from the stage. We had great sightlines to the stage and, because we were seated on a riser, didn't have to contend with fans standing in front of us or holding up their cameras. The concert started on time (hurray!) and we ran afoul of the poor acoustics of the arena. I've been attending concerts at the Blaisdell since the 60's and in all that time, they have yet to improve the sound system. Now, I don't know if Taemin brought his own sound system or if they rented one locally but the sound at our seats was muddy, and bass heavy. It was difficult to hear Taemin's voice clearly due to the reverberation of the sound bouncing around the circular arena. The concert lasted just over two hours and we walked downstairs and started to walk toward the parking but found we had to go back through the entry gates. (It had been a while since I'd been in the arena.) We bypassed the merch line as it was l-o-n-g! They should open up an exit to the parking lot near the Kapiolani end of the arena. No matter, I was able to get out of the lot and onto King Street in a few minutes. If they can improve the sound system, the Blaisdell would be a great venue for concerts. It's not large, so even the "cheap" seats gives one good views of the stage. We purchased our tickets on opening day so we paid more than half of the audience. We can't blame that on the NBC, but it was not good knowing that we could have scored much better seats for 1/5 of what we paid had we waited. Oh well, true fans don't care what it costs. :p

18065830-68e3-402a-8b49-798c2c826ee9

Came here for the Jo Koy show. Parking is always a challenge as the lot is more of an enter one side, exit other side deal... except it's looooong so each lane you drive down is a commitment lol. There's plenty of accessible parking but again, it's a loooong row so you can end up walking for a while depending where you park. Hence, we opted to uber this time around... that way sobriety wouldn't be an issue getting home. :) Spacious arena with great acoustics! This was our first concert in this arena. We had attended a few musicals/shows in the theatre where the accessible seating is a bit too highlighted for my taste. But as for the arena, they have plenty of accessible areas. The seats are folding padded aluminum chairs... comfortable but not the safest if I'm trying to just hop to the 5th seat from the aisle (as I hoped I could do). As an alternative, the staff offered us seats in the nurse's/EMT corner. Our original seats were centered but about 40 rows back. The nurses' corner was close to the front but off to the side. We thought it was a very fair trade off! The show was amazing. A couple of opening comedic acts. Then Jabbawockeez performance (awesome sauce). And to round off the night, a performance by Wanya Morris. It was an epic show and we loved every minute of it! After leaving the arena, we saw a loooong line for waiting on car pickup services. We decided to walk/roll a few blocks away to call for a car; much less stress trying to maneuver through the crowds.

73220951-7ca4-458a-85ca-11e44e838059

I love this arena. I've seen many concerts and comedy shows with over a decade. They have a number of bathrooms, they serve food and drinks. Most of the time lines are short, and it is very safe. They have paid parking, but they do offer valet parking, but you have to pre-pay for that. Normally, there's parking to go around. But at this comedy show, the parking lot was full. But they had another parking area for everyone around the corner.

59f64d2f-dd5f-4b08-a182-5fc354f78388

Had a great night watching the great Tom Segura show. Had great seats and the price wasn't too steep but just right. Got there early and enjoyed the music playing. I really enjoyed the no phones allowed during the performance. I honestly can't stand phones on during any performance. Just enjoy the show with all your senses. Anyhow the only thing that was a negative was the fact that there were too many people getting up and moving from their seats during the performance. But that wasn't as bad as waiting to get out when the show was over. They had nosebleeds get our first then it went by rows. I didn't get it and it took forever to get out. Was just kind of scary to think if there was a fire, how long would it take us to get out?

98f53842-8ab2-4dca-a852-6b02e05e11f1

Went to Maoli concert last night and it was a great time when you're secured at your seats! It's the outskirts that you want to be aware of. Obviously you're not going to have the most perfect experience whenever you're at a concert unless you time everything correctly. First, the parking: $8 per vehicle. You can park on the side streets of blaisdell and by Thomas square too for free. The bag check security were cool, had no problems - i only brought what was needed in a clutch bag. You can bring in your bigger bags too but i would avoid bringing large bags at all cost. The ticket check in at the doors was smooth too. It was clear when aunty directed us to our section of seats and by the time we got to our section, another usher directed us to our reserved seating. Great! The confusing part that the arena could improve on is definitely their directory of where is what- from the restrooms, to the concession stand, to the rest of the concession stands and what they sell. Expect long wait times. Respect others around you. If you want to purchase food/drinks, respect the people who are waiting in line and don't cut, even though your friends are there. No. Just no. Pilau dat kine. Even 1 body adds up to the wait time of the rest of the line. It would be better if they had some X-marks on the ground or if they had a rope to hold the line in place to avoid problems. Other than that, i enjoyed the Maoli concert. Wish that he played longer than 1 hour lol. Tickets were reasonable on presale so we got lucky! Other than that, Blaisdell could use some touch ups when it comes to large crowds and everyone is everywhere. I'd rather go to another concert that's free flow with no assigned seating and outdoors. Anyways, Bring cash to avoid credit card fees , and expect overpriced food and drinks too.

3792bb9d-deeb-4fd6-b598-b773dc124a18

Let me start off with saying I have many found memories of Neal S. Blaisdell Arena where I saw my first concert. This review is just what I experienced while at the Castle High School graduation on Saturday 5/18/2024. Three stars for allowing Castle to hold their graduation day there due to school repairs on campus and allowing the use of the exhibition hall for lei giving due to inclement weather. The rest is downhill. (1) As we sat in the arena, we noticed drops of water were dripping on us throughout the ceremony. Yes, there was heavy rain all week, but what the heck is wrong with the roofing. Obviously it is time for Replace and Repair! (2) The worst part of the evening was that the Blaisdell staff would not let anyone leave the arena near the end of the ceremony. We had agreed to hold the picture sign for our graduates for lei giving. The other participants probably had the "brilliant" idea as we were all held like cattle or salmon and not allowed to exit. Grateful there was no stampeding. I heard a few guests fainted due to the heat and the crowding. I understand the idea was to let the graduates exit first, but many of the graduates were standing at the last name balloon letters looking for the parents who were stuck inside the arena behind the general crowd. (3) We were instructed that we had to dismantle our sign: no poles allowed as the lei giving area was moved inside the exhibition hall. Again, thank you Blaisdell authorities for allowing a covered area for the graduates, family and friends. I get it. It is a safety issue. As rule following families removed and ditched the poles, we noticed Blaisdell staff had allowed rule breakers who entered via the side entrance with massive pole structures to keep the poles. No staff were seen telling pole holders to dismantle their signs with poles. Thoughts immediately made me think of the "Mall Cop" movie. I'm sure there are caring and good mall cops. This is just my thoughts on that evening. Thinking sometimes ignorance is bliss! Overall we were proud of our graduates and grateful the event was allowed to be held in a covered area. Sorry no pics as in the herding situation, I couldn't lift my arm up to snap a pic and didn't want to post any pole sign pics with graduates pictures or names. Congratulations to all the graduates! The parents were probably more stressed than you were!

4d59c945-124e-46c6-adcb-7f4a49f21b79

Get here early for any show. Preferably at least 1-2 hours before the show starts. You will need to find parking because the area fills up quick. If not be prepared to walk blocks. I took a Uber there and saw so many people walking far. I didn't want the hassle but I still was in traffic. It took 20 mins to go 5 mins away. I almost got out and walked. If you have scannable ticket you can go straight to the line inside. They don't scan at box office. The line was super long to get in. There were 3 places to get food. I chose the stadium sliders, fries and nutcracker mimosa. Boxes are available to carry food. The shirts sold out fast. I was able to get a shirt but the one I wanted was sold out. I finally got to my seat just as the show was starting. The floor seats next to the stage is fold down chairs. My view was obstructed the whole show due to fold down chairs. I had to look to the left or right to see and at times I couldn't see. I was in the 6th row from the stage on left side. Next time for $125 a seat I will be in upper rows. No more floor seats. The orchestra did a great job as well as the performers from the parts I could see and hear. At the end I just walked across the street and Uber picked me up there.

098faaa0-8694-4534-a70b-2aafb5607596

Hubby, daughter and myself came here for the new food and product event. Parking was $8 for all day. The event costs $6 per adult. Kids under 12 were free. This was such a cool event. There were food vendors and businesses that sold their products. I definitely support local businesses and love to see what businesses offer. I got to sample a few food items and play some fun games. The location was pretty huge and enough for lots of people. This event lasts until Friday October 7 to Sunday October 9, 2022. Definitely check it out if you get a chance. So well worth it. A fun event for adults and kids.

acd53bd1-6601-44dc-96db-29544d89417b

No bad seats here. The event we went to had a large crowd so the lines to get in wrapped around the corner. Once through security there was a few food options. Unfortunately most only offered one or two options each such as a cheeseburger and fries combo or two types of hot dogs. The way the stage is setup everyone can see the stage and the performer, provided that they move around it's all good for all attendees. There are several options to park a few blocks away, but there are other venues that probably are going concurrent so you should plan accordingly. Oh and they have a working payphone outside!

Discover Neal S Blaisdell Arena in Honolulu for unforgettable events and entertainment. Experience vibrant city life and book your visit today.

Honolulu Neal S Blaisdell Arena - Top Event Venue in HI

Honolulu

Neal S Blaisdell Arena

Honolulu County

Enjoy top concerts, sports, and entertainment at Neal S Blaisdell Arena in Honolulu. Book your tickets now and experience unforgettable moments!

Experience Live Events at Neal S Blaisdell Arena, Honolulu

Learn about Neal S Blaisdell Arena in Honolulu, a premier venue for concerts, sports, and events. Discover its history and what makes it special!

About Neal S Blaisdell Arena, Honolulu, HI

Opening hours for Neal S Blaisdell Arena, Honolulu. Find opening hours for Neal S Blaisdell Arena, Honolulu on 777 Ward Ave, Honolulu, HI.

Neal S Blaisdell Arena Menu Overview

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