Farm Bureau Live At Virginia Beach

This is another throwback Thursday review. The VA Beach amphitheatre is so broad and spacious you can get a good view, of the concert from anywhere. If you buy lawn seats they have the option to upgrade to your ticket to a seat in the pavilion for a severely reduced price. (Only $ 10 bucks the last time I was there). I didn’t do it, but in retrospect it would’ve been a good investment because it rained at both concerts ha-​ha. But I was a broke college student at the time and I was penny pinching. Needless to say the next time I attend a concert I will be shelling out the extra cash for a seat in the pavilion.
There’s an excellent VIP program here where you can get priority parking, and in my case get up close and personal with the artist (depending on the show and artist of course.). I swear I was literally 6 inches from Jesse McCartney’s face and it was the greatest experience of my life seeing that acoustic performance before the main show.
Everything is expensive here (as with any concert venue) so you may want to eat before you come.
The next time an act you like is coming here, go ahead and buy a ticket. You’ll enjoy yourself.

Great concert venue… BUT I recommend sneaking in your own alcohol. The 300% markup is insane. Amazon has tons of devices that can be used to assist you in sneaking alcohol in, also most products are cheaper than the cost on one beer.

Venue: After attending several concerts this summer and being appalled at the lack of crowd control at the Dover downs/​wilderness Big Barrell and Firefly Festivals we thoroughly enjoyed our time at Farmbureau. It was very well organized (as always) and after my 3^rd time here I can stick to the presumption that every event here is enjoyable. I’ve sat in the seats as well as the lawn and both were great! Be prepared to stand if you have lawn seats because you never know who will be in front of you but that’s the same at any amphitheatre across the country. If it’s wet bring tarp to put under your blanket and some ponchos.
Parking: I’ve read that there’s no tailgating here yet I’ve done it three times with no problems — I’m not sure where they’ve parked but if you are parking in a school parking lot then no you can assume you won’t be tailgating! Duh.
Exit: we left in record time and it was so meticulously organized both in and outside the venue!
Will definitely be back and we’re happy to drive the 2.5 hours to get here!!!

KID ROCK CONCERT WAS ONE OF THE BEST! Credit card entry was smooth and fast! FOREST SIDE concessions especially the AGPI booth were exceptional and the managers were friendly and great! It was an AMAZING, ROCKING Night! Loved It! Thanks Chevrolet for Helping with the prices! WE LOVE YOU, KID ROCK, FOREIGNER AND THE VA FARM BUREAU! Great concert, Great people, Great food and Drinks!

This was our first time attending a concert at this venue. I read some of the other (poor) comments and it makes me think that these people haven’t been to many other venues for comparison. I thought this place was great!
My husband, sister-​in-​law, brother-​in-​law and I saw Dave Matthews Band. This was my 26^th DMB show, my husband’s 46^th show, my sister-in-law’s 30? 40?-something show and I believe my brother-in-law’s 60-​something DMB show… Needless to say, we have all seen our fair share of concerts… Anyways, about this venue:
The location was fairly easy to get to and there was ample parking. We had heard about how the parking didn’t open until 90 minutes before the shows but since it was 1. Raining. 2. We have kids and 3. I’m pregnant anyways… Tailgating wasn’t in our plans to begin with. (Gone are the days when I used to start partying at 11am for a 7pm show.)
I find it comical when people complain about beer prices because this is to be expected. I don’t think I have ever come to a concert thinking I was going to get a deal on drinks. My husband found a stand with $ 10 drafts. We didn’t think that was too bad and he limited himself to 2.
There seemed to be plenty of restrooms and even when there was a line around mid-​concert, it went pretty fast. I even commented on how clean the facilities were.
As for the seating– we ALWAYS get SEATS to ALL shows we go too. Again, now that we are in our 30s, we do not attempt lawn seats… Ever. One Unilocaler was complaining about lawn– yeah, it blows. Don’t get tickets there then. Spend more money and get an actual seat. PLUS, when it rains (like practically EVERY DMB show we go to), you won’t get drenched. I don’t think I’ve sat in lawn at any show since like 2002. Duh.
After the show, we were able to make it to the car and exit the parking lot in record time. It was fantastic! Probably one of the fastest concert departures I have ever had… Wow wow.
All in all, we HIGHLY recommend this venue!!!

Been coming here for about 15 years or so. Good venue. However, everything here is over priced as HELL!!!

It’s a shame the least I can leave is ONE star. After the cluster … at the Billy Joel concert I say it deserves zero. I’ve been to this venue and others where the lawn seating means there’s actually a place to sit. This event however was not the case. Far from it. When we finally got thru the traffic near the entrance (30 min to go 1 mile) we were motioned by security to park at a nearby school and walk ¾ mile or so to the gate. I’m thinking no big deal since it should be a great show. We got thru the gate, hit the line for the restrooms and then got in line for the overpriced beer. I’m no dummy. I know prices are going to be higher but seriously, $ 23.50 for two cans of warm beer?
After that we headed for the lawn seats. Ha ha. I was amazed at the people squeezed onto each blade of grass. They were «packed like pickles». We ended up at the very top of the hill to try and search for just two vacant blades of grass but to no avail. We were sandwiched between the beer vendor, the standing crowd and the massive «ski slope» of a hill rolling down to the outer walkway. We decided to sit on that hill along with many others versus standing for 3 hours and constantly moving out of the way of beer vendors and the continuous line of people walking past who were desperately searching for a place to sit. We drank our warm beer and chatted for awhile with the slight background music from Billy Joel struggling to get over the hill and into our ears. All the while wishing there was a video screen down below we could look at. After enough frustration and the brakes giving out on our heels planted in the ground to keep from rolling to the asphalt and nearby hospital we decided to cut out early to avoid the equivalency of an LA freeway rush hour.
I seriously doubt that I’ll ever be back to this venue again. Sadly, this is the only concert in my life where I didn’t buy a T-​shirt. I didn’t need a reminder of this event whatsoever.
In closing, cheers to my fellow lawn seat people. We came but in the end, we got conquered.

I felt like I was back in time at this place. Horrible. No tailgating, gates open 90 minutes before show and people are made to stand in horrendously long lines. The vendors are way sub par, and lawn seating was forced into sections. I would not come down to see another show here. It’s not worth the trip. Needs serious updates to bring this place to 2015. Absolutely NO CELL SERVICE for VERIZON or ATT. The venue is not at all equipped for crowds. Not even close.

Great place for a show! Saw Gavin Degraw (awesome) open for Billy Joel (epic) and the acoustics were just fine. It’s an outdoor venue with a roof cover over the permanent seats. Really no bad seats in the place and even the people way back up on the hill looked to have a decent view. Will definitely come back here again.

The Amphitheater is a great venue to see your favorite artists! I worked at the amphitheater for many years when I was younger and I can tell you that the place is run by people that want the best for concert goers. When you pay top dollar to see a show, you should have an enjoyable time and I truly feel like the staff goes above and beyond to provide that.
If you haven’t been before, go out of your way to see a show there… you will not be disappointed.

One of my favorite venues in VA for concerts. I am an avid concert conisseur so anytime I get the opportunity to see one of my favorite bands, I jump at the opportunity. Most of my favorite music acts end up here at Farm Bureau. And, for good reason.
VIP is awesome– if you have the option of getting VIP, do so. VIP parking is easier and it is always a good experience. I have had my fair share of sitting on the lawn and my experiences are just as good on the lawn as it is in the front seated rows. View in the front — party in the back. If you have a large group, save the money and hit the lawn.
One thing I appreciate the most about this — and any other female can vouch for this — is their clean bathrooms. Not only are they spacious, but they are super clean. It is kinda awesome to be at a venue with this many people and have the ladies room under control. Props and snaps to Farm Bureau!
The only downside to this venue– and with most venues like this — is the prices for food and drinks. Always overpriced, i tend to eat prior to coming and try my best to not splurge on drinks unless necessarily. Sad fact that they don’t have options for those of us with dietary limitations (ex. gluten-​free and vegan options aren’t available for my fellow concert goers). Parking is free here, but it is always best to come early if you want a spot closer to the gate. And, i cannot stress enough how much you should buy your tickets in advance (save the money and hassle from standing in those awful lines).

VIP club is awesome with VIP parking. AC In the bathrooms. Zen garden. It’s legit. I loved the look of this venue and I had an excellent experience last weekend.
I’ve lived in Virginia Beach since June of 2007 and have never been to a show at Farm Bureau Live (or the Verizon Wireless Amphitheater as it used to be known). What a shame!
Now I realize this experience is a little pampered because we had VIP parking, VIP club access and front row VIP seats for the Goo Goo Dolls and Daughtry but still!
We arrived at around 5:50 for a 6:45 showtime. Traffic was pleasant and we were directed to the VIP parking area and promptly admitted to the VIP club lounge which I took plenty of photos of. It was so nice! There are about 3 bars — one that overlooks some water — one in the center with lots of tvs where you can actually watch the live show if you are in there grabbing a drink or a snack — and one off to the corner beside the bathrooms. The bathrooms were large and clean as well as air conditioned and the little toilet seats were shaped like guitars.
We sat near the little water garden with a bridge and waterfall and got some drinks and a snack of chicken tenders. The menu was pretty good and they even had a veggie wrap in a spinach tortilla roll which surprised me because usually it’s all fried fried fried at places like this and I don’t eat that sort of thing often.
When 6:45 rolled around we made our way to our seats and went into the main area where I saw a wide open space with more bathrooms, band goodies for sale, tons of food options and a cool bamboo wall leading to the huge venue.
The venue is large, well-​kept, and easy to navigate.
Our front row seats were obviously fabulous but I think there probably aren’t bad seats in the house. Even on the lawn you can see from the two huge video screens they have on either side of the stage where I’ll be for Rascal Flatts later this summer.
I went back to the VIP lounge to use the bathroom during a part of the show and had no issue getting back in with my wrist band and also had no issue trying to grab a drink or snack.
Although it was very crowded with a lot of folks there was plenty of room for walking around, using bathrooms, getting food, etc. I didn’t feel like herded cattle which is what I very much expected.
Even leaving was pleasant as we were directed right out at the light at concert drive.
I think this experience was almost a little too pleasant but this venue is one of the best I’ve ever been to. The whole zen, bamboo and water feature idea is really neat and I was very impressed with the ambiance of this place. I’ve been missing out on a hidden gem so close to my home for years! Time to make up for that now!

I have had several great concert experiences here! We had the country megaticket in the lawn. Then I had seats for Backstreet Boys, Bruce Springsteen, Maroon 5, Luke Bryan, and a few others. The lawn is fun, but it can’t beet sitting in the 100 level if you have the money to spend. The 200 level is a great place too. I had an awful experience with a group of people getting way too drunk and rowdy on the lawn at one of the country shows. I wish I had known about the security text system that they now have in place. If someone is ruining your experience you can text your location. I assume at that point they will send someone to check it out.
Parking is free which is fantastic! There is a lot of security walking back to your car at the end of the night which I really appreciate.

Saw Jimmy Buffett kick of his 2014 «This One’s For You» tour here.
Since we weren’t from the area we did our research on this venue & uncovered that the parking lots did not open until 4pm! Not much time for tailgating, which is pretty much an essential part of the Jimmy Buffett concert experience. So that was a downer at first. But since it was just my wife & I the shortened tailgate experience wasn’t terrible since we weren’t grilling. Instead, we grabbed sandwiches from the Farmers Market up on Dam Neck Rd. Best decision we made. I grabbed a 57 Meatloaf burger from the Princess Anne County Grill and my wife grabbed an Italian Hoagie from the Deli.
Since we got there right when the lots opened we were lucky to hear them doing the sound check for the concert. Which makes me think could you just park there and listen to any show??? Looking back the shortened tailgate time worked perfectly since it was a hot day, we didn’t have a tent, and the lot was dusty.
One further note, we were never hassled for drinking by any police or concert security who maintained a presence during our entire time in the lot. This came as a surprise to a VA Beach local when we were talking about the venue, so I felt I should include it here.
As far as the venue itself, it was a great place to see a show. We splurged for seats in Section 205 Row F; first row after handicap seating. Great spot.
Yes, beers were in the double digits but coming from Philly where Miller Lites are about 8 bucks at Phillies games, an $ 11 big a$$ can of Miller Lite wasn’t a big deal.
You know that song «Hotel California?» That one line where they sing «You can check in anytime you want but you can never leave.» I believe that explains the parking lot situation after any show at this venue. Exiting was TERRIBLE! We were at a standstill for almost 45minutes. Stark contrast to our super easy experience entering the lot.

A terrific venue to see a concert. There is covered seating but also a large lawn where you can spread out your blanket and relax under the stars.
The prices for drinks are idiotically expensive ($ 13 for a beer) so hopefully you have had your fill prior to the show by tailgating in the parking lot.
Upon leaving at the end of the show, I was very bummed to see what looked like millions of beer cups simply thrown on the ground. Maybe they should give you a $ 1 off of your beer purchase if you bring an empty cup to be disposed of in a bin.

An awesome place to go see a concert. I’ve been twice and have been lucky enough to sit in the pavilion. I’m sure lawn seats are cool but if you don’t mind dishing out the dough go for the seats. The only issue you may deal with is some douchebag standing up when everyone else is sitting down.
One thing I like is that they have two big screens so you can catch the action live or watch the TV screens from time to time as if you’re at home watching TV. The best part is catching the cool breeze especially on a hot summer night.
Plan to leave before the last song or you’ll spend an hour trying to leave. I parked on the left side of the main gate area and found parking easy to find and leaving very easy!
Eat and pregame beforehand!!! A bottled water is $ 4.50. Beers are north of $ ⁶⁄₇. Yikes!!!

I’ve been attending concerts at the amphitheater since I was in high school. They always bring great acts that fit the setting of an outside concert. It’s nice to have an option to choose covered seating or lawn seating. I base my choice on where to sit on the type of concert I’m going to see. Well that and the price. It’s a great place for festival concert with lots of different bands performing. Some of the best concerts I’ve seen have been brought to the amphitheater by local radio stations, 96x (X-​Fest) and FM99 (lunatic luau). The amphitheater also offers a great deal on the country mega ticket which gives purchasers tickets on the lawn for something like 10 big country shows. For an outdoor venue, you can’t beat this place.