Events at Auditorio BB, Ciudad De Mexico

About Auditorio BB

Auditorio BB is a mid-sized indoor concert hall in the Condesa neighborhood of Mexico City (Colonia Hipódromo, Cuauhtémoc). Originally built in 1952–53 as the Cine Las Américas (a neighborhood movie theater), it was designed by noted Mexican architect José Villagrán García. This makes it not only a unique entertainment venue but also an important work of mid-century modern architecture (mexicocity.cdmx.gob.mx) (www.archdaily.co). In 2012 the space was fully renovated by Estudio Atemporal into a performance hall, preserving the original structural shell. The renovation wrapped the interior in a warm wood “skin” that was specifically chosen to enhance acoustics (www.archdaily.co). In its modern incarnation the venue seats roughly 3,000–4,000 people. (One official source lists a capacity up to about 4,000 (sic.cultura.gob.mx), while promotional materials quote ~3,252 patrons (www.merca20.com).) Auditorio BB was formerly known as Auditorio BlackBerry during the era of smartphone sponsorship – in fact, many locals still call it the “BlackBerry” auditorium by habit (www.merca20.com). Today the plain “BB” name reflects that legacy. In any case, the hall today stands out for its contemporary design and state-of-the-art sound, making it a popular spot on the local music scene.

Events and Programming

The Auditorio BB hosts a wide variety of events – mainly live music concerts but also special film screenings, comedy shows, and even the occasional sports or cultural event. Typical lineups range from international indie and alternative rock acts to Latin pop, hip hop, and electronic DJs. For example, recent bookings have included pop stars and indie bands: reviewers mention concerts by artists like Weyes Blood and Omar Apollo (both U.S. singer-songwriters) and Latin pop artist Feid. Local media note that international headliners have performed here – past examples include Lorde and LP, along with other styles like nightly boxing or lucha libre events, and even a local screening of Alfonso Cuarón’s film Roma (conciertosmx.com). The venue is used year-round, with shows on most weekends and many weekdays. Recurring events might include anything from a themed dance night to stand-up comedy specials. Ticket prices vary widely by event – smaller indie shows may start around a few hundred pesos, while big-name acts can charge well over $1,000 MXN for front-row or VIP seats. (As a ballpark, general admission or mid-level seats often run roughly $500–$800 MXN, while prime VIP areas may be $1,000–$1,500 MXN or more.) Presales (often via Citibanamex credit-card events) and price tiers for pit/floor versus balcony apply.

Tickets and Booking

Tickets for Auditorio BB events are sold through official channels like Ticketmaster (the primary ticketing service in Mexico) and sometimes at the venue’s box office on show night. For major concerts the venue’s box office usually opens on the event date and often only sells tickets if any general-sale seats remain. Advance purchase is recommended: many shows offer presale windows (e.g. Citibanamex or venue members) before the general on-sale. Announcements of upcoming events – including on-sale dates and presales – appear on the Auditorio BB website and on social media. As one article notes, events at this hall (formerly BlackBerry) have been promoted through Ticketmaster (www.merca20.com). In short, the safest way to get tickets is via authorized online sellers (Ticketmaster.mx) or the official Auditorio BB website link, and paying close attention to presale dates. Ticket prices and seating maps will be clearly shown on each event listing. Generally there are multiple price tiers: front/pit standing (sometimes labeled “VIP”), seated mezzanine/balcony sections, and economy balcony seats. Cheap “general admission” floor tickets can sell out quickly, so fans often try for VIP or seated tickets in advance for sold-out shows.

Seating and Layout

The hall features a ground floor (planta baja) with a large standing/dance area (often called the “pista”) plus some front seating, and an elevated mezzanine level with fixed tiered seats (www.archdaily.co). In other words, the layout is mixed: a first-floor unreserved area and a second-floor seated section. Acoustically the venue gets high marks – the interior wood wall paneling helps distribute sound evenly (www.archdaily.co). Many attendees report that sound quality is excellent, even in the rear, thanks to the hall’s design. In fact, one reviewer praised the “incredible acoustics” of the space (www.tripadvisor.com.pe). Sightlines can vary by seat: center seats and front-floor areas generally have unobstructed views of the stage. However, some visitors note that certain side or far-back seats may not see the stage well – as one said, “the seating arrangement doesn’t help much to see the stage” (www.tripadvisor.co). For the best experience, center-floor or first rows of the mezzanine are ideal. The general admission floor is notably roomy; patrons have remarked it is wide enough to dance or move freely (www.tripadvisor.com.pe). (One long-time concertgoer even called the hall’s structural design “unreal” for a venue this size (www.tripadvisor.com.pe).) VIP sections are usually on the floor near the stage or the front rows of the balcony; these offer premium views but cost more. Overall, audio clarity is excellent throughout the room, even at the back. (www.archdaily.co) (www.tripadvisor.co)

Getting There and Parking

Auditorio BB is located at Avenida Insurgentes Sur #453 (with main access on Calle Tlaxcala #160) in Colonia Hipódromo, one of the Condesa neighborhoods (www.ticketmaster.com.mx) (conciertosmx.com). It sits just off the busy Insurgentes corridor and is easy to find on maps. The safest and fastest way to get there is by public transit. Metro Chilpancingo (Line 9, the brown line) is only a block from the venue（about 50 meters） (mexicocity.cdmx.gob.mx). Exit Chilpancingo station and walk a minute east along Tlaxcala toward Insurgentes to reach the entrance. Several Metrobus lines on Avenida Insurgentes also stop nearby (e.g. at Insurgentes/Tlaxcala). If driving, note that the Auditorio has no private parking lot (conciertosmx.com). However, the Puerta Condesa shopping complex adjacent to it has a large garage – this is the closest parkade and often offers event rates for concertgoers (conciertosmx.com). Additional commercial parking garages are located within a short walk (for example, on Tlaxcala and on nearby Baja California streets) (conciertosmx.com) (conciertosmx.com). As a fallback, street parking may be very limited on Fridays/Saturdays in this busy nightlife district. Consider arriving early or using rideshare (Uber/Didi) drop-offs on Insurgentes or Tlaxcala. Taxis and ride-hailing services are plentiful in Condesa and usually serve the venue post-show. If coming from farther away (such as Mexican suburbs), take the toll road or new highways into central CDMX, then route to Insurgentes Sur.

Inside the Venue

Atmosphere: Inside Auditorio BB the vibe is casual and concert-focused. Expect a modern, club-like interior with a modest lobby leading into the main floor. Upon entering, staff will check tickets and may do a security search; the process is usually quick and well organized (www.tripadvisor.co). Real ID is not typically required (tickets alone suffice), but always bring the cards if using a presale code or for VIP access. The house lights are dimmed before shows and the sound system is powerful – even the first beat can make the building vibrate, as one crowd member described (www.indierocks.mx). The general admission floor is flat and open; on busy nights it can get packed, but reviewers note it is still spacious enough to dance without feeling too cramped (www.tripadvisor.com.pe). The mezzanine (balcony) has fixed theatre seats in a balcony overlooking the stage, with good sightlines in the center sections. Security: Guards are present at entry and sometimes walk the floor. Typical concert rules apply: no outside alcohol, weapons, or large bags. Small clutch bags are OK; larger backpacks or professional camera gear are usually prohibited or will be inspected. Flash photography is often disallowed once the show starts. Smoking: the venue permits cigarettes or e-cigarettes only in designated outdoor/terrace areas (there is a small smoking zone on the upper level). (www.archdaily.co). Food & Drink: There are concession stands and bars inside. Beer (promptly served cold) and non-alcoholic drinks are sold, along with simple snacks (chips, candy or sometimes tacos/hotdogs). Reviews mention the bar is straightforward and quick – “the beer is cold and everything’s fine” (www.tripadvisor.com.pe). Prices are reasonable for a concert (beer ~ $50–60 MXN, soft drinks ~ $40 MXN, snacks ~$30–50). There is also a small food menu some nights (think hot dogs, pretzels or light fare). Cash and card are accepted, though bringing small bills can speed up service lines. Restrooms: Clean, unisex restrooms (and single-user handicap restrooms) are available on each floor. Patrons have said the bathrooms “are fine” (i.e. adequate for a venue this size) (www.tripadvisor.co). Coat Check/Wi-Fi: There is usually a coat-check counter during cold months (for a fee), but it is not guaranteed. General free Wi-Fi is not standard – cell service inside tends to be okay, so plan on mobile data if needed.

Nearby Amenities

Food & Drink: Auditorio BB is surrounded by Condesa’s vibrant restaurant/bar scene. Within a few blocks you’ll find dozens of cafes and eateries. For a sit-down dinner before the show, popular choices include Nonna (Italian kitchen), MeroToro (upscale Mexican), and La Capital (contemporary Mexican) – all highly rated on local guides (www.tripadvisor.co). Several trendy bars and rooftops (Cabuya Rooftop, Cleo Cuisine & Cocktails) are just steps away for cocktails. If you’re in a hurry, casual taquerias like El Califa are around the corner, or grab nachos/chicken wings from a street food cart. TripAdvisor confirms this block of Insurgentes/Tlaxcala is packed with options (www.tripadvisor.co). Hotels: There is no hotel on-site, but the surrounding area has many accommodations. Condesa and nearby Roma offer boutique inns and small hotels within a 5-10 minute walk. Larger chains (Hilton, NH Collections) are a short taxi ride away along Insurgentes or Reforma. If you need to stay overnight, it’s wise to book early as popular weekend shows can fill local hotels. The venue’s TripAdvisor page even lists nearby lodging recommendations for travelers (www.tripadvisor.co). Timing: Traffic in Condesa can be heavy on event nights. It’s recommended to arrive about 30–60 minutes before show time. Plan your trip so you’re not rushing in at the last minute. Late-night transit: After shows (often ending around 11–12am), the Metro may still be running if it’s a weekend (CDMX Metro typically closes ~1am on Fridays/Saturdays). If not, Uber/Rappi/Via are plentiful here, or flag a city taxi. Nearby Insurgentes Blvd. has night buses (the “Rojo” lines) 24/7. It’s a lively area but always stay aware: Condesa is generally safe, but like any big city nightlife district, keep valuables secure.

What Makes This Venue Special

Several features set Auditorio BB apart. Architecturally, few mid-20th-century cinemas survive so intact, making it a historic gem. Its renovation kept the original Villagrán structure while adding a modern interior – visitors often remark on the “unreal” design and excellent sightlines (www.tripadvisor.com.pe). The wooden interior was crafted for sound, and indeed every seat hears music clearly (www.archdaily.co). Culturally, Auditorio BB has become one of Mexico City’s most “innovative” entertainment venues (conciertosmx.com). In one write-up it’s called “one of the most innovative spaces in Latin America,” reflecting its mix of concerts, film nights and sports events (conciertosmx.com). The venue has hosted a range of legendary moments – from intimate tours by indie stars to rock en Español concerts, even special screenings like the Mexico City premiere of Roma (conciertosmx.com). For local audiences, this hall has filled a niche between giant arenas and small clubs. It’s beloved for showcasing both international acts (Lorde, LP) and rising Mexican talent, giving local fans a spot to catch big names up close. Its urban location (in vibrant Condesa) also makes going to a show here part of a full evening out – dinner, drinks, then live music – all in one culturally rich neighborhood. In short, Auditorio BB is prized for its unique blend of architecture, acoustics, and atmosphere that make both artists and audiences feel at home.

Visitor Tips and Information

Accessibility: The venue provides wheelchair access via ramps or elevator, and dedicated seating (confirm availability with the box office). A limited number of companion/wheelchair spots offer clear sightlines to the stage. Restrooms include accessible stalls. If you have specific needs (mobility, hearing, etc.), contact the venue in advance; staff are generally helpful to accommodate. What to Bring/Not Bring: Good walking shoes are recommended (you may stand/rock for hours). A small cross-body bag or fanny pack is handy (avoid large backpacks or suitcases which will be checked). Personal cameras (non-professional) are usually OK for photos before/after the show, but flash photography during concerts may be banned by artists. Always wear comfortable, concert-appropriate clothing (light layers in winter; in summer note early show’s heat and after-party night chill). ID is not needed for entry unless the event requires age verification (usually 18+ shows with alcohol). Common Mistakes: Don’t assume easy parking – plan ahead or use transit. Don’t arrive at the last second; lines can form. Fans advise checking Metro hours if staying late, and reserving an Uber early if needed. Remember that downtown CDMX has strict drinking laws – you may be asked to finish any open container before leaving. Rules & Safety: No outside food or illegal substances; Knoxville. No re-entry is typical, so once you leave for the show you can’t go back out for a break. Smoking only in designated areas. Venue staff are usually courteous but will enforce rules firmly – follow their instructions during security checks. Enjoying the Experience: Bring earplugs if you’re sensitive to loud concerts (though the acoustics make it easier on the ears than some clubs). Familiarize yourself with the lineup beforehand so you can hold your spot in the pit if desired. Tip bartenders in pesos (cash) or ask if card is accepted. Take a moment in the lounge or balcony—it’s a cool spot to see the whole crowd and stage lit up. (www.tripadvisor.com.pe) (www.tripadvisor.co). And above all, soak in the historic vibe of this restored cinema-turned-concerthall — it’s unlike any other venue in CDMX.