About PNC Pavilion
PNC Pavilion is an outdoor amphitheater on the banks of the Ohio River in Cincinnati, Ohio, part of the Riverbend Music Center complex. It opened on May 24, 2008 (originally as the National City Pavilion) and seats about 4,100 people under its distinctive roof (cincyae.com) (www.citybeat.com). The venue was built to fill a gap between small clubs and large arenas in the Greater Cincinnati concert scene (www.citybeat.com). Its steep, tiered seating and acoustic-friendly design mean that even the farthest seats feel close to the stage – the fall-protective rake brings every row near eye-level with performers (www.citybeat.com). Fans often note that “every seat has a great view,” making it feel more like an intimate theatre than a typical open-air stage (www.tripadvisor.com) (www.citybeat.com). The facility bears its sponsor’s name (PNC Bank) and is owned by the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra. Though much smaller than the main 20,000-seat Riverbend stage (the J. Ralph Corbett Pavilion), PNC Pavilion is a crucial mid-size venue in the region and is one of only a handful of U.S. amphitheater complexes with two distinct stages (www.citybeat.com).
With its covered pavilion and integrated amenities (restrooms, parking, etc., shared with Riverbend), PNC Pavilion has become a beloved stop for touring acts of many genres. It’s notable for its modern steel-and-fabric canopy roof that protects all fixed seats from rain or harsh sun, combined with open sides for excellent natural airflow. Built on the existing Riverbend grounds, it was an economical $6.8 million project that reused parking, facilities, and concession infrastructure (www.citybeat.com). In just its first year, PNC Pavilion drew strong crowds and helped the symphony orchestra earn significant summer revenue (over $1.5 million profit in one season) (www.citybeat.com) (www.citybeat.com). By improving the concert lineup in Cincinnati, it has ranked the Riverbend complex around the top 10–15 nationally in overall attendance among outdoor venues (www.citybeat.com).
Events and Programming
PNC Pavilion hosts a wide variety of performances, typically from late spring through fall. The venue is home to the Cincinnati Symphony and Pops summer pops series, but it is best known for contemporary touring shows. Past concerts have spanned rock, pop, country, folk, jam bands, metal, and comedy. Acts from classic rock legends (like Peter Frampton, Deep Purple, Melissa Etheridge, Slash or Jethro Tull) to modern alt-rock (Smashing Pumpkins, Cage The Elephant, Barenaked Ladies) to country stars (Dierks Bentley, Allison Krauss, Cole Swindell) have graced the stage (www.concertarchives.org) (www.concertarchives.org). Tribute and cover bands (e.g. Rumours of Fleetwood Mac, Brit Floyd) and multi-act tours (’80s nostalgia shows, rock festivals) are also common. The pavilion often features diverse lineups: for example, the summer 2024 schedule mixed classic jam-band acts (Warren Haynes, Little Feat), punk-pop tours (Real Friends, Silverstein), and pop headliners (Sarah McLachlan, Skylar Grey) (www.concertarchives.org) (www.concertarchives.org). Family-friendly or themed specials (such as KIDZ BOP Live) may also appear in the lineup.
Shows at PNC Pavilion typically sell in advance, often through Ticketmaster or the artist’s official channels. Notable past sold-out events include Kings of Leon (2009) and various multi-genre tours. Recurring local events sometimes utilize the pavilion — for example, summer pops by the CSO utilize the space, and special collaborations (like Beck performing with the Cincinnati Symphony in 2025) have occurred (www.concertarchives.org). Ticket prices vary with the artist, generally ranging from about $30 up to $100 or more for premium shows, with tiered levels (standard seating, reserved box, and occasional VIP packages). Multiple sources may offer tickets: primary sale is usually online, while a limited number might be available at the venue box office. (Note that VIP/platinum packages often sell out online before day-of-show (riverbend.org).)
Tickets and Booking
Tickets are mainly sold through Ticketmaster (or the artist’s chosen vendor) and occasionally through official fan club or venue presales. Shows often sell quickly, so sign up for newsletters or credit card presales if available. The PNC Pavilion box office is located near the main gate entrance, and you can buy tickets there without online fees if any remain (riverbend.org). However, not all ticket types are offered at the box office; in-person sale usually covers standard seating only (VIP/Platinum packages are seldom sold on-site) (riverbend.org). Box office hours typically run during business hours and on show days (check notice), and they accept cash, credit/debit cards, and even Apple/Google Pay for concessions and remaining tickets (riverbend.org).
For hot shows, it’s wise to plan ahead. Check the official Riverbend Music Center website or subscribe to their newsletter for announcements of on-sale dates. Popular concerts may offer “4-pack” special deals (group ticket bundles) or multi-show passes when multiple Riverbend events are announced together. Door sales (at the box office on the event day) are possible if a show isn’t sold out, but often the box office will simply remain open until showtime. Always verify the event date, and remember that a valid printed ticket or mobile code is required for entry.
Seating and Layout
PNC Pavilion’s seating is arranged in a single sloped bowl under the canopy. The stage is at one end, with all fixed seats facing it in sections that fan outward. These sections are labeled by letter and row. Because of the steep rake, even back rows are relatively close to the stage vertically – in fact, many concert-goers note that “every seat has a great view” of the performance (www.tripadvisor.com). Seats nearer the center and a few rows back often provide a good balance of sightline and sound, while front rows are closest to the stage but require looking up at performers. There is no separate “general admission” pit; all seating is reserved. Long side aisles run from front to back for easy movement. By design, all pavilion seats are covered by the roof, so attendees stay dry even in rain (riverbend.org).
The depth behind the fixed seats contains a gently sloping lawn area (part of the Riverbend grounds) where patrons often set up folding chairs. On show nights, the lawn is open to ticketholders who wish to sit farther back or on grass. The lawn area has large numbered pillars for orientation and two big video screens that activate after dark so those seated on grass can still see the stage actions (www.tripadvisor.com). (For families with small children, kids under 5 are admitted free on the lawn with an adult, whereas all gulls aged 2+ require a purchased seat in the pavilion (riverbend.org).) Keep in mind that the lawn is uncovered, so if you choose lawn seating you may want a blanket or low chair – though most people treat the pavilion proper as the covered grandstand. Overall, sightlines are good throughout; officials and fans alike emphasize that obstructed-view seats are virtually non-existent and that the sloped design keeps views clean (www.citybeat.com) (www.tripadvisor.com).
Getting There and Parking
PNC Pavilion is located at 6295 Kellogg Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45230, on the former Coney Island park and current Belterra Park (Riverbend) grounds. It’s just off Interstate 471 in the East End section of Cincinnati, by the Ohio-Kentucky border. The easiest driving route is via I-471 (take Exit 2/Coney Island to Kellogg Ave) or from I-275 to Route 32 East. Follow signs for Riverbend Music Center/Belterra Park; the pavilion shares the same site as the main amphitheater. (As a landmark, the Meinert Pavilion and Belterra Casino complex are adjacent.)
Parking is plentiful and included in all ticket purchases (no extra parking fee). Enter through one of the park gates — usually Gate 1, Gate 2 or Gate 4 (Coney Island side) or Gates 6–8 (Belterra side) (riverbend.org). Parking lots open about 2 hours before showtime (riverbend.org). Standard lots are first-come, first-served and within a short walk of the venue entrance. Accessible parking spaces are widely available; those needing closer access should enter Gate 2 for the nearest handicapped spots (riverbend.org). After the event, traffic can build up. Many concertgoers advise patience — expect a 20–30+ minute wait to exit immediately after the show (www.tripadvisor.com). If possible, park near an exit path so you can leave more quickly, or stay put and let the traffic clear if you’re not in a rush.
For those not driving, Cincinnati Metro bus route #24 serves the Newport/Anderson Town area and stops at or near Riverbend Music Center (moovitapp.com). You can use the Metro schedule or apps to plan an arrival by bus. Rideshare drop-offs (Uber, Lyft, etc.) are directed to an official pickup lane by the venue’s main entrance (marked the “rideshare lane” on site) (riverbend.org). Cabs and shuttle vans can also use this area. Note that tailgating (drinking or grilling in the parking lots) is strictly prohibited (riverbend.org), so plan to arrive and wait without outside food or drinks. If you need to park an RV or bus, special parking areas (Lot 9 at Gate 2) are designated for oversized vehicles (riverbend.org).
Inside the Venue
Upon entry, all guests will pass through security screening (metal detectors and bag checks) (riverbend.org). Carry a small clear bag (no larger than 12×12×6 inches) if you have any personal items (riverbend.org). Prohibited items include weapons of any kind, professional cameras (only pocket-sized digital cameras allowed), outside alcohol or large coolers, glass containers, laser pointers, and any liquids except empty water bottles or commercially-sealed soft drinks (riverbend.org) (riverbend.org). If you have questions about a specific item, the on-site staff can advise. Remember: there is a strict no re-entry policy at PNC Pavilion (riverbend.org), so once you leave you may not come back in.
The general atmosphere in PNC Pavilion is relaxed and friendly. Seating is bench-type fixed chairs, so you may wish to bring a small seat cushion for comfort. The covered roof and open sides mean you’ll feel like you’re outdoors but sheltered. Drinks and concession stands are located around the concourse. A variety of food and beverages are available, from standard concert fare to Cincinnati staples – for example, sold items often include Skyline Chili and Graeter’s ice cream along with burgers, pizza, and BBQ (riverbend.org). Beer and mixed drinks are also sold at the outdoor bars (standard ID checks apply) (riverbend.org). The venue is primarily working off a cashless system at concessions, but machines and registers usually accept credit cards and digital payments (Apple/Android Pay) (riverbend.org) (riverbend.org), and there are ATM machines available onsite in case you need cash. Restrooms are scattered around the lobby areas (look for signs or venue maps upon entry); family/companion restrooms are also provided. (cincyae.com).
Merchandise booths set up along the concourse sell tour T-shirts and souvenirs. There is a coat check available for a small fee if you want to stow jackets (especially on cooler evenings). The pavilion provides ADA amenities throughout – an elevator or ramp can be used for accessible seating areas, and there are companion seats built into the ADA sections (riverbend.org). If you have special needs, you must request ADA seating when buying tickets or visit the customer service booth at the gate for assistance (riverbend.org). Sign language interpretation is available for many shows on request (arrange via the venue ahead of time) (riverbend.org). Service animals (per ADA rules) are welcome (riverbend.org), but pets and other animals are not permitted. Finally, cell signal is generally available around the venue, but venue Wi-Fi may be limited or slow; it’s a good idea to download digital tickets and ride-share apps in advance before you get in line.
Nearby Amenities
If you arrive early or plan to stay late, there are a few dining and lodging options within a few miles. Just off I-471 (Kellogg Ave interchange) you’ll find convenience eateries and bars, including the Stadium Sports Bar & Grill (American tavern fare) within about half a mile (www.tripadvisor.com). A cluster of chain restaurants and service plazas lies within 2–3 miles, mostly on the Kentucky side in Wilder/Newport (e.g. an IHOP, Greenside Smokehouse, etc.). Cincinnati’s larger dining scene (local pubs, pizza shops, diners) is located farther west in the Cold Spring and Wilder area (a short drive into Kentucky). If time allows, downtown Cincinnati is only about a 15-minute drive away over the river, with countless pre-show options.
For lodging, the closest hotels are in the Newport/Wilder area of Kentucky, roughly 5–8 miles from the pavilion. Examples include the Hampton Inn & Suites Newport/Cincinnati, the Comfort Inn & Suites Northern Kentucky (Wilder), and the Holiday Inn Express & Suites in nearby Wilder (ratings around 4/5) (www.tripadvisor.com). These are often booked by concertgoers. Some people also stay in central Cincinnati neighborhoods (Downtown, Oakley, or Blue Ash) which are a bit farther but offer more hotel choices. Given the summer season, hotels can fill up quickly on big concert dates, so it’s wise to reserve in advance. Nearby parking apps and hotel shuttles may also drop off at Riverbend.
What Makes This Venue Special
PNC Pavilion is unique for its blend of size, setting and sound. At 4,100 seats, it’s large enough to attract major national artists yet small enough to feel personal – making it a “Goldilocks” venue in Cincinnati (www.citybeat.com) (www.citybeat.com). The architecture – a steel-framed roof with graceful curves – is eye-catching. Acoustically, it performs better than many larger amphitheaters: the designers added baffles and a steep rake so music carries cleanly to the crowd without harsh echoes (www.citybeat.com). The result is often described as more “theater-like” than a typical open shed. Its intimate scale booked acts that might otherwise skip Cincinnati, from classic folk singers to mid-size rock bands (www.citybeat.com) (www.citybeat.com). By pairing 4,100 fixed seats under cover with a scenic river view, it offers performers and audiences a refined alternative to both indoor arenas and sprawling lawn concerts.
Culturally, PNC Pavilion helped revitalize Cincinnati’s live scene when it opened. The city had no mid-size outdoor amphitheater before (aside from 4,500-seat Fraze Pavilion in Dayton), so Riverbend’s second stage immediately expanded booking options (www.citybeat.com). This broader slate of shows boosts the local economy – patrons often travel from out of town, dine and stay in Cincinnati, and spend at concessions – while providing a significant revenue stream to the public symphony that owns the site (www.citybeat.com). Locals appreciate that the pavilion stays busy with an eclectic range of genres (rock to country to folk) that otherwise might bypass the market (www.citybeat.com) (www.citybeat.com). Many Cincinnatians cite the PNC Pavilion as a summer tradition; it has hosted historic festival nights and countless “bucket-list” performances, from world-class tribute bands to major touring superstars. Its very existence on the lovely Riverbend grounds adds to the city’s music legacy and offers fans a comfortable outdoor concert experience.
Visitor Tips and Information
- Arrive Early: Gates usually open about 90 minutes before showtime, with parking opening 2 hours early (riverbend.org) (riverbend.org). If you arrive too late, you may face a traffic backlog. Lining up no more than an hour before doors (as staff allow) is recommended to enjoy the pre-concert atmosphere and avoid crowds at entry (riverbend.org).
- Ticket Safety: Only printed or mobile tickets from official sources (Ticketmaster or the box office) are valid – duplicates or fan-to-fan transfers can be risky. The box office (by the main gate) sells a limited inventory, but check online first for pricing and seating charts. Remember: no re-entry once you leave (riverbend.org).
- Dress Comfortably: Cincinnati weather in summer can be warm or sometimes rainy. Since all seats are covered and uncovered areas are limited, rain will stay off you in the pavilion, but bring a light jacket for after dark or if on the lawn. Wear shoes suitable for walking up the sloped concrete or grassy lawn. Sunscreen and hats are still a good idea for waiting outdoors during daytime shows.
- Bags and Chairs: A clear plastic clutch or bag no larger than 12”×12”×6” is strongly recommended (and often enforced) (riverbend.org). Small compact folding chairs (no higher than 12” seat height) are permitted on the lawn (riverbend.org) (riverbend.org), but not in the fixed seating bowl. Seat cushions or blankets are allowed for comfort. Do not bring pop-up tents, oversized umbrellas, or any large framed chairs – they will be refused due to sightline and safety rules (riverbend.org) (riverbend.org).
- Kids and Age Restrictions: PNC Pavilion concerts are generally all-ages unless otherwise noted (riverbend.org). Children under 5 may be admitted free if remaining on the lawn with a parent (each requires an adult ticket) (riverbend.org). For pavilion seating, anyone age 2 and older needs a ticket; children under 2 must sit on a parent’s lap. Portables strollers can be brought in but may need to be folded and stowed at points of entry for safety.
- Accessibility: The venue is fully ADA-compliant with wheelchair seats and companion seats in premium locations (riverbend.org). Service animals (per ADA) are welcome (riverbend.org). If you require sign language interpretation or other accommodations, request these through the Riverbend office well in advance (at least 3 weeks prior) (riverbend.org).
- Food and Drink: Concessions offer a standard concert menu plus local favorites (Skyline chili, Graeter’s ice cream) (riverbend.org). Alcohol is sold to guests age 21+ (with ID check, no refusals for intoxication) (riverbend.org). Outside food is allowed if it fits in a small bag/cooler meeting policy (up to 12×12×6) and should not include alcoholic or glass containers (riverbend.org). Free water refill stations are often available by restrooms; bringing an empty bottle to fill up is wise.
- Prohibited Items: As noted above, nothing with sharp edges or metal weapons, no glass, no outside alcohol, no large backpacks, etc. (riverbend.org). Cameras are limited: only point-and-shoot pocket cameras are allowed (no detachable lenses or professional/video cameras) (riverbend.org). Radios, boom boxes, and fog machines are not allowed. Anyone caught violating policies (e.g. using laser pointers, smoking outside designated areas, climbing structures) will be ejected without refund (riverbend.org) (riverbend.org).
- Weather Policy: The pavilion is covered and all fixed seats stay dry in rain. Lawn areas are not covered, so weather may affect lawn seating. All concerts run rain-or-shine (riverbend.org) (riverbend.org); there are no rain checks or refunds for bad weather once the show starts. In the event of severe weather, follow venue announcements via social media or PA system for instructions.
- What to Bring: Bring your printed or digital ticket, a valid ID (for age verification), and a charged phone. Earplugs are a good idea for very loud shows. A sweater or windbreaker might be handy on cool evenings. Cash is handy for small purchases, though credit cards are widely accepted; ATMs are inside if needed. If you have special needs or require wheelchair seating, bring documentation or purchase an ADA ticket in advance (riverbend.org).