About Elevation
Elevation at The Intersection is a modern 800-person concert venue in downtown Grand Rapids (sectionlive.com). It opened in 2018 as a newly finished basement club underneath The Intersection’s main hall (revuewm.com) (www.grmag.com). This “multi-tiered” space features a floor-level stage plus elevated seating and bars (localspins.com) (localspins.com). The renovation added new bathrooms and a large bar counter, giving Elevation a sleek, club-like interior. In practice the room fits roughly 800–1,100 fans (officially 800 (sectionlive.com)) in a roughly 12,000-square-foot area (localspins.com). Elevation bridges the gap between the main 1,500-capacity showroom and the 400-capacity front lounge (“The Stache”), providing a mid-size venue for acts that fit in between (revuewm.com) (www.grmag.com). In other words, Elevation lets popular rising artists play Grand Rapids without skipping the city or overshooting to a huge arena. The Intersection’s owners call it “Elevation” because it helps elevate developing acts to a larger audience. As of 2025, Elevation is a key part of Grand Rapids’ live-music scene – its parent venue is often called one of West Michigan’s most successful clubs (localspins.com), celebrating over 50 years of history (localspins.com) and ranking among Pollstar’s top world venues of its size (localspins.com). Elevation’s sleek new design and strong production system make it a standout spot for both performers and the crowd.
Events and Programming
Elevation hosts a wide variety of shows throughout the year. The Intersection complex often runs 230–300 concerts annually (revuewm.com), and Elevation itself typically handles over 100 performances per season. You’ll find an extremely diverse lineup here – everything from rock, indie-pop and metal to EDM, hip-hop, country and alternative funk (localspins.com) (localspins.com). The venue books national headliners and up-and-coming acts alike. In recent years the stage has seen indie-rock bands (for example, Dayglow, Caamp), electronic producers (Geistform, Marc Rebillet, 1788-L), metalcore and punk bands (Like Moths to Flames, Mustard Plug), as well as hip-hop/R&B stars (Tee Grizzley, Marc E. Bassy) and singer-songwriters (Andrew W. Boss, Joy Oladokun). Festival-style events also occur: WYCE’s annual Jammies – a showcase of Michigan artists – is held here (localspins.com), and special themed nights (like the popular bass-heavy country-dance series) will spread across all four rooms of the club (localspins.com). Summer brings a few outdoor “Rock the Lot” shows on the parking lot next door (localspins.com). In short, the schedule is packed nearly every week, covering all genres. Ticket prices vary by act; smaller local shows can be around $15–$25, while touring headliners often run $40–$60 or more.
Tickets and Booking
Tickets for Elevation events are sold through the official venue channels. You can buy online via The Intersection’s official site or join their mailing list for announcements (sectionlive.com), and the box office at 133 Cesar E. Chavez Ave SW is open Wed–Fri noon–6pm (sectionlive.com) (it also opens during shows). If a show isn’t sold out, tickets may also be available at the door (usually starting one hour before showtime). Keep in mind that all sales are final (sectionlive.com). The venue explicitly warns that third-party resellers and scalpers are risky (they may charge far more than face value and might not honor the ticket) (sectionlive.com). Indeed, one fan reported paying $73 via a reseller for a ticket that was only $25 face value (www.tripadvisor.com.vn). To avoid surprise fees, purchase only through the official box office or authorized channels and double-check prices before you pay. For popular or limited-capacity shows, plan to buy early – tickets often sell out fast. The Intersection typically offers reserved seating into Elevation on select shows (sectionlive.com), but most events are general admission. Tiered pricing depends on the act: observe the posted price tiers and any VIP upgrades (some shows sell meet-&-greet or extra perks). Box office hours, presale codes and ticketing updates are announced via the venue’s social media and newsletter – subscribing can help you score seats at face value.
Seating and Layout
Elevation’s layout is straightforward but versatile. The main floor is flat and open for general admission standing crowd. At floor level, fans stand right up to the stage riser. Behind the crowd there are a few rows of raised seating against the back wall. Above those (and slightly set back) is a narrow mezzanine with a handful of VIP booths and bar tables, offering premium views of the stage (www.eventticketscenter.com) (sectionlive.com). Many shows use just the flat GA floor, but select concerts do offer assigned seats in those rear sections (and the mezzanine booths) if you purchase a higher-tier ticket (sectionlive.com) (www.eventticketscenter.com). For best sightlines, center of the floor is ideal – either right on stage center (for full immersion) or along the midline where the view is clear. The stage itself is not very large, so side-angle views (far left/right) can be a bit cropped; staying centered avoids any speaker stacks or structure blocking. Acoustic production is highly regarded: intersection engineers say the in-house PA and monitor rig sound “awesome” (localspins.com), with punchy live audio throughout the room. Fans often note that front-to-back the sound is well balanced, so even farther back or on the balcony you’ll hear clearly. (Tip: if you’re sensitive to volume or vibration, earplugs are recommended, as Elevation can get very loud. Conversely, being up on the raised platform/table area lets you get some physical distance from the speaker stacks.)
Getting There and Parking
Elevation is located at 133 Cesar E. Chavez Ave. SW in Grand Rapids (the corner of Grandville Avenue and Cesar Chavez, formerly Cherry Street) (localspins.com). Several bus lines stop just outside – for example, Rapid transit routes 9, 10, 13 and others serve the Cesar Chavez/35th Street (Cherry) stop nearby (moovitapp.com). The city also runs a free downtown circulator (The DASH) that connects major downtown points, and that may stop within a block. If driving, downtown Grand Rapids offers many parking options. There are on-street paid meters (usually 2-hour limit during evenings; use quarters or the mobile app) and many nearby parking ramps and lots. In fact, downtown is known to have “ample inexpensive parking” (www.urbangr.org), so you can often find a spot in a public lot a few blocks away (for instance, the Grand Rapids Community College lots or small free 2-hour lots on Croswell Ave) if street parking is full. Expect to pay a few dollars for parking (especially for all-night events) unless you time it right. If convenience is key, drop-off or rideshare can be easier: ride-share drivers and cabs commonly use the Grandville/Wealthy intersection or Cherry Street as a convenient drop point. In summary, public transit options serve the corner directly (moovitapp.com), and driving is fine if you don’t mind paying for a safe spot. Plan extra time on busy nights to find parking or consider public transit to avoid downtown traffic.
Inside the Venue
Expect a classic club-concert experience once you step inside. Entry is via ticket scan by the front bar area. Security staff will generally perform a quick pat-down or metal-detector check (sectionlive.com), so arrive with pockets empty if possible. The space is dimly lit aside from the stage lights; the mood is energetic and casual. Multiple bar stations are available (Elevation’s new build-out included “impressive new bars” downstairs (localspins.com)) serving beer, wine, and mixed drinks; drink prices are typical for a concert club (expect $6–$10 per beer, more for cocktails). There is no kitchen – food is not sold inside – so plan to arrive fed. Staff are friendly and often wear black club shirts, helping handle the busy flow during big shows. A coat check counter is provided seasonally (when the weather is cold) (sectionlive.com), where you can leave jackets and bags for a small fee; in warm weather coat check may not be available, so carry only what you need. Restrooms (updated in the 2018 renovation (revuewm.com)) are located just off the main floor; expect some lines at halftime but they should cycle quickly. The crowd demographic varies by event – it could be a young EDM crowd dancing, a hardcore fanbase in band shirts, or a mixed-age audience. Overall the atmosphere is friendly and respectful; fans often mention that Intersection’s staff keep the space clean and secure. As a small tip, if you plan to use your cell phone (for photos or messaging), service generally works but can be spotty under capacity – better to text earlier. No outside food or drink is allowed, and professional photo/video equipment (detachable lenses) is prohibited (sectionlive.com); cell-phone pictures are usually okay so long as they don’t bother other fans. Finally, note the venue has a strict no re-entry policy (sectionlive.com) – once you leave to go outside, you cannot come back in. If you step out to smoke (only allowed in the designated downstairs area) or meet someone, be prepared to stay out until next show.
Nearby Amenities
Elevation sits amid a lively downtown neighborhood. Just a block north on Wealthy Street and in the surrounding area you’ll find many casual dining spots: pizza joints, burgers, Mexican grills, sandwich shops and a bakery are within walking distance. A few steps east on Fulton Avenue brings you to brewpubs and gastropubs. If you need sit-down dining or a fuller menu, Greenville Ave / Division Ave corridors (just a few blocks away) host everything from steakhouses to ramen shops. For drinks before or after a show, several bars are in area – the venue itself has a spacious back bar, and down the street are craft beer pubs and cocktail lounges. Hotels are plentiful downtown: the Grand Rapids Marriott, JW Marriott, Courtyard by Marriott, and others are all within 0.5–0.7 miles (10–15 minute walk). Late-night bar hopping is popular, and ride-share drivers frequently wait nearby after shows. When visiting, it’s wise to arrive early (at least 30–60 minutes before doors) to enjoy a meal and secure parking. In bad weather or late hours, sticking close to the venue area or using a cab/Uber is safer. Overall, Elevation benefits from the city’s robust downtown; everything from coffee shops to brewpubs to hotels can be found just a short walk or drive away.
What Makes This Venue Special
The Intersection (and its basement Elevation) has long been legendary in the Grand Rapids music scene. Fans and artists praise it for quality: touring acts often say it’s “the best night of the tour” thanks to top-notch sound, lighting and easy load-in (localspins.com). Architecturally, the 2018 expansion was quite unique: the venue took an old basement and converted it into a multilevel concert club with sleek modern finishes (www.grmag.com) (localspins.com). Culturally, it matters because it fills a vital niche. In a city famous for breweries and a growing downtown district, The Intersection gives both big-name and up-and-coming bands a single address. Its 50-year history (localspins.com) means generations of shows have happened here, from classic rock to EDM. The owners often point out that Grand Rapids lacked a well-equipped 500–1,000 capacity club before Elevation, so it really “takes artists to the next level,” giving local fans a chance to see acts that otherwise might skip town (revuewm.com) (localspins.com). Many local traditions revolve around it, too: the annual WYCE Jammies showcase, big annual Halloween or Block Party events, and so on happen here. In short, it’s special because it’s a top-tier mid-size club in a city that loves live music. Both musicians and audiences appreciate that the production quality is high (excellent PA and lighting) and the vibe is intimate compared to larger houses (localspins.com). The venue’s transformation of an overlooked basement into a go-to music spot demonstrates Grand Rapids’ growing arts scene, and that makes Elevation (and The Intersection) beloved by the community.
Visitor Tips and Information
When planning a visit, here are some quick tips. Accessibility: The venue is ADA compliant on the main floor (sectionlive.com), with an accessible entrance and restroom. Doors: Shows generally start 7–8pm; doors often open 1 hour before. Arrive early to beat the lines. Bags & Entry: Only small clear bags (12″×6″×12″) and clutches are allowed (sectionlive.com). Bring a valid photo ID if you plan to drink; anyone 17 or younger can enter (no alcohol sold to them) (sectionlive.com). Dress Code: Concerts have no formal dress code – casual attire and comfortable shoes are best. It can get crowded and energetic on the floor, so wear something you don’t mind getting jostled or spilled on. Security: Expect a quick metal/wand search (sectionlive.com). Leave valuables at home if possible. Cameras: Personal cell phones and small cameras are fine, but full DSLR cameras with removable lenses are prohibited (sectionlive.com). No Re-entry: Once inside, re-entry is not allowed (sectionlive.com) (except for a stepping-out smoking area). Food & Drink: No outside food or drink is permitted (sectionlive.com). There are bars inside with snacks and standard concert fare (jerky, chips) for sale, but you may want to eat beforehand. Coat Check: Available during cold months (sectionlive.com) – it’s a good idea if you have a large coat. Behavior: Be respectful. Staff enforce strict alcohol laws and security rules (sectionlive.com), and they do so to keep the venue safe and fun. Seating: By default it’s standing room; if you prefer to sit, check if the show lists reserved seating. Transportation: Plan how you’ll get home. Late-night buses run but may not cover all neighborhoods – rideshare or a designated driver is common. Enjoy the Show: The crowd at Elevation is typically friendly and comes for the music. With these tips, you’ll have a smooth, fun night at one of Grand Rapids’ premier concert venues.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Elevation at The Intersection and where is it located?
Elevation is the 800-capacity concert room in the basement of The Intersection music venue in downtown Grand Rapids (sectionlive.com). It’s located at 133 Cesar E. Chavez Ave SW (the corner of Grandville and Cesar Chavez streets) (localspins.com), just beneath the main stage. The space was built in 2018 and is designed for mid-size live shows.
How many people can Elevation hold?
Elevation’s official capacity is about 800 people (sectionlive.com). (Some reports note it can hold up to ~1,100 depending on layout (localspins.com).) This makes it larger than The Intersection’s smaller front lounge (The Stache) but smaller than the 1,500-person main showroom. The venue uses the floor space flexibly, but whether standing-room or some seated areas, roughly 800 attendees is the norm.
What kind of performances are held at Elevation?
Elevation hosts a wide range of music acts. Both national touring bands and local/regional artists appear here across many genres. You’ll see rock and indie bands, metalcore and punk, electronic/EDM nights, hip-hop and R&B artists, and even country/Americana performers. Special events like local music award shows (WYCE’s Jammies) and themed dance parties also happen here. In short, almost every style of live music has played Elevation.
How do I buy tickets for Elevation at The Intersection events?
Tickets are sold through the venue’s official channels. You can purchase them online via The Intersection’s box office (partnered with its ticketing service) or in person at the venue’s box office (open Wed–Fri 12–6pm (sectionlive.com), and on show nights). Some shows may also sell tickets at the door if not sold out. It’s safest to buy in advance from the official site to avoid reseller scams (sectionlive.com) (sectionlive.com).
Does Elevation offer reserved seating or is it general admission?
Most shows at Elevation are general admission (open floor standing). However, the venue does have a small elevated seating area and stage-side seats that are reserved for certain events (www.eventticketscenter.com) (sectionlive.com). Check the event details: if it lists reserved or VIP tickets, those spots are held in the rear seating or balcony. Otherwise you’ll have GA access.
Can I buy tickets at the box office or at the door?
Yes. If a show isn’t sold out, tickets can usually be bought at the door on the night of the event (often starting ~1 hour before showtime). The traditional box office at The Intersection (on Cesar Chavez St) sells tickets in person during weekday business hours (sectionlive.com) and sometimes on concert days. However, availability isn’t guaranteed after advance sales close, so it’s best to get tickets beforehand if you can.
What is the bag and camera policy inside Elevation?
Elevation enforces standard concert bag and camera rules. Only clear plastic bags (up to 12″×6″×12″) or small clutches are allowed inside (sectionlive.com). All bags will be searched upon entry (sectionlive.com). Outside food or drink and selfie sticks are not permitted. Personal phone cameras are usually fine, but professional cameras with removable lenses or video rigs are prohibited (sectionlive.com). In short, bring only small items in a clear bag, and leave large gear at home.
Are outside food or drinks allowed at Elevation?
No. Elevation’s policy forbids any outside food or beverages (sectionlive.com). You should plan to eat before arriving or use the bar inside for snacks and drinks. The venue has concession stands and a full bar on-site where you can purchase water, soft drinks, beer, and other beverages during the event.
Are minors allowed at Elevation events?
It depends on the event. Many shows are all-ages, which means kids and teens can attend with a parent/guardian. There is no general age limit for entry. However, any show that sells alcohol will typically be marked as 17+ (or 18+); in those cases, underage guests cannot purchase alcohol and might need to remain in a limited area. Always check the event listing – if it says “All Ages”, minors are fine; if it’s strictly 18+ or 21+, they will need to be 18+ or 21+ respectively (and have ID). In short, younger teens can usually come to concerts unless the show is explicitly 17+ or 21+.
Is Elevation accessible for guests in wheelchairs or with disabilities?
Yes, the venue is ADA-compliant (sectionlive.com). Elevation has a ramped entrance (or elevator) and a designated viewing area on the main floor for wheelchair users. Accessible restrooms are also available. If you need special accommodations, you can contact the box office or venue in advance to ensure a smooth entry and seating arrangement.
Is there a coat check at Elevation?
Yes. During cold-weather months, Elevation offers coat check service for guests (sectionlive.com). You can check a jacket or coat for a small fee. When the weather is warm, coat check may not be open, so on hot nights you should carry any jacket or bag with you. In-season or out of season, small clear bags are allowed; just note that any item checked will require pickup at the end of the show.
Can I re-enter the venue if I leave during the show?
No. Elevation enforces a strict no re-entry policy (sectionlive.com). Once you enter, you are not allowed to leave and come back in (the only exception is stepping outside to the smoking area). Plan accordingly – for example, use the restroom or get any outside items (like a jacket) before you enter.
What public transportation is available to reach The Intersection?
Grand Rapids’ RTA (Rapid) bus system serves the area. The Cesar Chavez/Cherry Street stop is right beside The Intersection. Multiple routes stop there – for example, buses 9, 10, 13, 33 (and others) run along Cherry/Cesar Chavez (moovitapp.com). These connect to downtown hubs like Central Station. There is also the free DASH downtown circulator linking nearby areas. If you use public transit, check the RTA schedule, but rest assured you can get very close on foot.
Where can I park when attending a show at Elevation?
Parking is plentiful in downtown Grand Rapids. There are on-street paid parking spaces (metered short-term parking) on Cesar Chavez and nearby streets, typically with a 2-hour limit. A few public lots and parking garages are located within a few blocks. In fact, the city notes that downtown has “ample inexpensive parking” (www.urbangr.org). You might find free 2-hour spots (for example, small Croswell Lot) or use a garage. If you arrive early, you should be able to park nearby – consider paying for overnight city parking or catching a bus afterward to avoid rush leaving.
What nearby restaurants and hotels should I consider?
The Intersection is in a busy part of downtown. One block north on Wealthy Street you’ll find casual dining (pizzerias, tacos, burgers, coffee shops). Nearby on Grandville and Fulton avenues are brewpubs and bistros. If you want sit-down meals, downtown has diners and chain restaurants a few blocks away. Hotels are plentiful: the Marriott/Courtyard, JW Marriott, Amway Grand Plaza and other downtown hotels are each within a 10–15 minute walk. Basically, plenty of pre- or post-show dining and lodging options exist just outside the venue.
Are cell phones, cameras, or recording devices allowed?
Personal phones and small cameras are fine for photos and videos, as long as you’re not blocking others. However, professional cameras with detachable lenses or any large video equipment are not allowed (sectionlive.com). Sound recording devices or professional microphones are also banned without permission. In practice, using your phone to snap memories or post on social media is okay. Just be respectful – if a band or venue specifically forbids recording, you’ll see it noted on the ticket or at the entrance.
Is there a dress code at Elevation?
There is no formal dress code for Elevation – casual attire is the norm. Concerts here range from rock shows to EDM nights, so you’ll see everything from band T-shirts and jeans to club attire. Wear comfortable clothes and shoes you don’t mind dancing or standing in all night. If it’s winter, bring a warm coat (you can check it in (sectionlive.com)). As always at concerts, closed-toe shoes and layers are a good idea for comfort and safety on the dance floor.