About Showbox SoDo
Showbox SoDo is an indoor live music venue in Seattle’s SoDo district (south of downtown). It opened in mid-2007 when the owners of the historic downtown Showbox converted the old Fenix/Premier warehouse (1700 1st Ave S) into a modern concert hall (www.seattlepi.com ) (justapedia.org ). The building retains a raw industrial feel – exposed brick walls, heavy timber beams and a high open ceiling – blending historic warehouse character with updated club amenities. Owned and operated by AEG’s Showbox Presents, the theater holds roughly 1,800 fans capacity (standing-room) (www.seattlepi.com ) (aegworldwide.com ). In its first years it quickly became a Seattle music landmark, hosting popular rock, indie and electronic concerts (an example lineup included acts like Kid Rock, Heart, Dropkick Murphys, The Pogues, M.I.A. and The Hives) (www.showboxpresents.com ). Today Showbox SoDo’s large size, central location near stadiums, and strong sound/lighting systems make it a go-to venue for both local bands and national touring acts. Its industrial-chic space and proximity to Lumen Field and T-Mobile Park give it a unique character as a big-city rock club.
Events and Programming
Showbox SoDo hosts a wide variety of events year-round, mostly concerts and live music shows. You’ll see everything from indie-rock, funk and hip-hop bands to electronic DJs and comedy or nostalgia nights, often on a weekly or even nightly basis during peak seasons. Local favorites and national artists both play here: for years the venue’s calendar has included Seattle-relevant acts (Minus the Bear anniversary shows, KEXP-sponsored nights, etc.) and major touring headliners (punk, metal, pop, EDM, and more). Ticket prices vary by show – small local bands might charge in the $20–$30 range, mid-level national tours around $40–$60, and big-name acts can reach $80 or higher. (VIP upgrades like front-row “tables” can add on a premium.) Many shows are all-ages events, especially earlier in the evening, while others are 21+ due to alcohol service. Performances at Showbox SoDo typically have energetic crowds – concertgoers often praise the full, punchy sound system, vibrant lighting, and the feeling of being on a packed dancefloor (www.tripadvisor.com ). Visitors note it’s great for big sing-along and dance shows, and that even from the rear the stage is visible. Over the years it’s hosted genre-spanning acts; for example, writers have highlighted that its “industrial warehouse vibe” perfectly suits live rock and EDM, with fans dancing on the wide-open floor space and enjoying crisp, clear audio where “each beat hit just right” (www.tripadvisor.com ).
Tickets and Booking
Tickets for Showbox SoDo events are sold officially through the venue’s ticket partners and box office (not scalpers). For each concert, tickets typically go on sale weeks or months in advance. You can buy tickets by phone (the venue’s call center runs daily 6am–8pm), but the most common way is online via the organizers’ site. Additionally Showbox SoDo has a physical box office window: its hours are limited (currently *Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10:30am–2:00pm* (www.showboxpresents.com )), so plan accordingly. Presales (for fan clubs or mail lists) may open sooner; signing up for the venue newsletter is a good strategy for hot shows. Prices will be listed at time of sale – as noted, many shows range from about $20 for smaller acts up toward $50–$70 for bigger stars. Some concert promoters also offer meet-and-greets or VIP packages. Finally note that a venue policy prohibits outside food/drinks and enforces ID checks where required, so come prepared (see Policies). In short, your safest bet is buying ahead: use the authorized ticket avenues, check the venue’s official announcements (no external links here), and avoid rushes or unofficial sellers. For last-minute “door” sales, the venue sometimes sells a limited number of tickets at the box office if a show isn’t sold out, but it’s not guaranteed.
Seating and Layout
Showbox SoDo is fundamentally a *general admission* venue, meaning most of the floor is standing-room only. When you walk in, you’ll see a large flat dance floor facing the stage at one end of the warehouse. The venue does not have fixed theater seats; instead, there are a few reserved options. For special concerts you can purchase *table upgrades*: small reserved tables (for 2 or 4 people) in the front or side areas, each served by a table waiter (www.showboxpresents.com ). Otherwise all other ticket buyers stand on the open floor. The main floor is very spacious – fans say it “gives you plenty of room to dance” and even at full sell-outs it doesn’t feel extremely cramped (www.tripadvisor.com ). Sightlines are good throughout: even at the back the stage view remains solid. In fact, reviewers often mention that “even from the back, the views of the stage were solid,” with no tall balcony or pillars to block the view (www.tripadvisor.com ). A handful of small raised areas along the walls (for staff or equipment) exist, but it’s mostly one level. Acoustics are excellent for this size: renders crisp, clear sound that “packs a punch,” filling the hall with bass-heavy music (www.tripadvisor.com ). As a tip, avoid standing right against the subwoofers at the stage front – the audio can be overwhelmingly loud there. Apart from that, no area is truly “bad”; fans find highlights near the stage for immersion or in the middle for balanced audio. For first-time visitors, know that Showbox SoDo’s signature industrial decor, open floor, and peripheral bar/lounge make it feel like a classic energetic rock club experience.
Getting There and Parking
Showbox SoDo’s address is 1700 1st Avenue South, just south of CenturyLink Field (Lumen Field) and T-Mobile Park. It’s in a largely industrial neighborhood, adjacent to the stadium district. By car, there is *no* dedicated venue parking (www.axs.com ) (www.showboxpresents.com ). Street parking is very limited and often restricted by permit, so don’t rely on finding a free curb spot. Instead, drivers usually use one of the paid lots or garages nearby – many people park in the stadium lots (Mariners or Seahawks lots) if they’re not in use, or in private parking structures around 1st Ave S or near the stadium. Be prepared to pay typical event rates (often $20+). Rideshares and drop-offs commonly use 1st Avenue right by the venue entrance. Public transit is usually easier: the venue is about a 10–15 minute walk from the International District/Chinatown Station or the Stadium Station on Link Light Rail (www.axs.com ). Simply take Link to “Stadium” (near Safeco Field) and walk southwest a few blocks. Several King County Metro bus routes also stop very close – notably the 21/37 line on 1st Ave S at S. Holgate St, only about a 3-minute walk (www.axs.com ). In summary, your best bet is transit or paid lot. Plan to arrive early (at least 30–60 minutes before showtime) because traffic can be busy, especially if there’s a game at the stadiums. When leaving, nearby main streets (1st Ave South, Royal Brougham) feed easily back to I-5. Rideshare pickup often takes place at 1st & Holgate or 1st & Royal Brougham. Keep in mind that on busy nights the area fills with concert and game crowds, which can affect both driving and Lyft timing.
Inside the Venue
Once you’ve made it to Showbox SoDo, here’s what to expect. The main entry opens directly onto the large concert floor – staff will check your ticket and ID (if required) at the door. There are no seats: be ready to stand and move on the club floor. The venue enforces a strict bag/search policy, so bring only essentials (often they require clear bags or small clutches). Upon entry, you’ll find a lively industrial-art decor with string lights and some neon. Bars and drink service: Showbox SoDo has multiple well-stocked bar areas. A highlight is the upstairs *SoDo Lounge* bar – a 21+ area with a small upstairs stage and seating which opens about an hour before doors (www.tripadvisor.ca ). Patrons in the lounge often get to enter the concert area first, since staff sometimes admit them before the main queue (www.tripadvisor.ca ). (Insider tip: arrive early and enjoy a drink upstairs for speedy floor access.) Besides the lounge, there are main-floor bars serving beer, cocktails and sodas. No full kitchen is available, but soft pretzels, snacks or pizza slices are sometimes sold. Everything is cashless: bring card or use mobile pay only. Coat check is available for a small fee (and required for any prohibited items) (www.showboxpresents.com ). Merchandise tables for the performing acts are usually near the back. Restrooms are at the front of the house – note they are fairly far from the stage, so you’ll have to move through the crowd to reach them. People recommend using them during breaks. The crowd at Showbox SoDo is typically energetic and friendly; reviewers frequently mention the “buzzing” pre-show atmosphere as excited fans gather outside chatting about the setlist (www.tripadvisor.com ). Once the lights go down, the large dance floor comes alive – many fans dance or sing along, feeding off each other’s energy on the bright, booming sound and light show (www.tripadvisor.com ). Overall, expect a concert-club vibe: casual attire, moderate security, and an emphasis on the shared live-music experience.
Nearby Amenities
Showbox SoDo is in an area with a few late-night spots but not a restaurant row. If you want a meal beforehand, note that the immediate block is mostly industrial, though there are a few quick eats (bodegas, a coffee shop, small bars). For more options, consider driving or taking a short ride to nearby neighborhoods. Just to the north is the International District (Chinatown), about 1.5 miles away, which has many Asian restaurants (Pho, sushi, ramen, etc.). Downtown Seattle is 2–3 miles north; Uber or light rail can get you to dozens of restaurants and bars in Pike Place, Belltown, or Pioneer Square. Right at the venue, you’ll find some sports-themed bars and grills catering to game crowds (for example near the 1st Ave S/King Street corridor). If you prefer to dine before a show, arriving an hour early lets you hit one of the local pubs or a quick table in a casual brewpub. For late-night returns, the area is relatively quiet. The Link rail and Metro buses run late on weekends, or rideshares can pick up on 1st Ave S after the show. If you’re staying overnight nearby, note that hotels are not in the immediate block, but many downtown and Stadium District hotels (downtown hotels or spots like Residence Inn/Marriott in Belltown, or motels near I-90) are within a few miles, making a short commute (10–15 min drive or $10 ride) to the venue.
What Makes This Venue Special
Showbox SoDo’s uniqueness comes from its blend of history, scale and atmosphere. Unlike a sterile modern arena, it’s a converted brick warehouse that retains a sense of past industrial Seattle. One truly special aspect is how it ties into Seattle’s music legacy: it’s officially part of the famed “Showbox Presents” family, so it serves as an expansion of the city’s most iconic concert club into a larger space. It has preserved much character – think original wood beams and rough-hewn brick – while adding top-tier lighting and sound (AEG’s investment guarantees that). Over the years many bands consider a SoDo show a career highlight, giving the venue a storied reputation. Fans love that it can host, in one night, both a dancing EDM festival or a semi-intimate indie-rock show with a capacity under 2,000 – it’s a size in-between an arena and a small club. Seattle music journalists and locals often note that Showbox SoDo keeps the city’s live scene strong by offering big names in a gritty, authentic setting. In practice, this has meant meeting touring bands in afterparties and catching hometown group reunions there. The concerts frequently create memorable communal moments: as one fan put it, the place makes you “feel like part of something bigger for the night” (www.tripadvisor.com ). In short, Showbox SoDo matters because it brings big-music energy to Seattle’s underappreciated SoDo district, preserving rock’n’roll charm amid high-profile stadiums – a venue both artists and audiences consistently praise for its vibe, sound quality and raw, celebratory feel.
Visitor Tips and Information
For first-timers, a few practical tips ensure a smoother visit to Showbox SoDo. **Arrive Early.** Doors often open 1–2 hours before showtime; arriving when doors open lets you pick a good spot on the floor. (If you need priority access, know that ADA ticket-holders are sometimes admitted early to choose their seating, as are guests from the lounge bar (www.tripadvisor.ca )). Before entering, have your photo ID ready if it’s a 21+ show – Washington law requires a legal ID for anyone entering the bar or being served alcohol (www.showboxpresents.com ). **Check the Rules.** The venue enforces a strict no-reentry policy (once you leave, you can’t come back). All purchases inside are cashless (bring a card). Prohibited items include outside food/drinks, large backpacks or purses (only small clear bags or clutches typically allowed), and professional cameras or obscene items (www.showboxpresents.com ). Only non-professional point-and-shoot or phone cameras are permitted (www.showboxpresents.com ), and no recording gear. Coat check is available for personal items or bags (www.showboxpresents.com ). Smoke and vaping are banned indoors. **Health/Comfort.** Showbox SoDo is climate-controlled but can get warm with a full crowd, so dress in layers or comfortable clothes. Wear comfortable shoes since you’ll be standing or dancing. Protect your ears – the sound can be very loud. The ventilated space stays busy, so staying hydrated is key (buy water inside). **Accessibility.** The venue is wheelchair accessible (there is a lift to reach the upper SoDo Lounge) and has ADA theater seating near the stage (if needed, notify staff or purchase ADA tickets). Accessible restrooms exist – ask staff to direct you. **Enjoy the Atmosphere.** Expect a rock-club vibe: friendly fans, lively light shows, and staff that sometimes stream music pre-show. If you’re 21+, consider checking out the SoDo Lounge upstairs before the set; the drinks there are good and you might get let into the venue floor from the bar first (www.tripadvisor.ca ). Lastly, plan your exit: crowd congestion can occur, so stay with friends and meet at a clearly decided spot. By keeping these tips in mind – arriving with ID, dressing smartly, and knowing the flow – you’ll focus on the fun of the show. Its industrial character, booming sound system, and communal energy make Showbox SoDo a standout Seattle venue, and a little preparation goes a long way in enhancing that experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I buy tickets and are there box office hours?
Tickets should be purchased through the venue’s official outlets (online or phone). Showbox SoDo’s own box office window is open for in-person sales *Tuesdays & Thursdays, 10:30am–2:00pm* (www.showboxpresents.com ). You can also call the ticket hotline or use the ticket website link provided by the venue. Popular shows may sell out, so plan to buy tickets as soon as they go on sale. Authorized resellers and presales (for fan-club or mailing lists) are common for big acts. Avoid third-party sellers if possible.
Is Showbox SoDo general admission or are there seats?
Showbox SoDo is mainly general admission (standing-room) on the concert floor. There are *no drop-in seats*; almost all tickets simply give you access to the open floor. However, some shows offer table upgrades – small reserved tables (for two or four people) in the front or sides, with private seating and server service (www.showboxpresents.com ). If you prefer a guaranteed seat, check if a VIP table is available for that event. Otherwise, expect to stand or dance during the show. Concert reviews note that even from the back of the floor “the views of the stage were solid” and the sound carries well (www.tripadvisor.com ).
What is the capacity of Showbox SoDo?
The main showroom at Showbox SoDo holds roughly **1,800 people** at full capacity (aegworldwide.com ). In addition, there is a smaller attached area called the SoDo Lounge (a bar/mini-venue) which holds about 300 people (www.showboxpresents.com ). These numbers are approximate and refer to standing-room configurations. Because it’s a flexible concert layout, occupancy can vary slightly by event, but 1,800 is the commonly quoted total for a packed music event.
Where is Showbox SoDo and how do I get there via public transit?
Showbox SoDo is at **1700 1st Ave South, Seattle, WA 98134**. It’s in the stadium/SoDo district, just south of downtown. For public transit, take the Link Light Rail to **Stadium Station** (near T-Mobile Park) and walk ~10–15 minutes south along Occidental or 1st Ave S (www.axs.com ). Several King County Metro buses also stop very close – for example, routes running on 1st Ave S stop at S. Holgate St (a 2-3 minute walk) (www.axs.com ). It’s roughly a 15-minute ride from Westlake transit tunnel. Uber/Lyft can drop off on 1st Avenue S in front of the venue. There is no on-site parking, so transit or rideshare often ends up easier (see below for parking tips).
Is parking available at Showbox SoDo?
No – Showbox SoDo does not have onsite parking (www.showboxpresents.com ). Street parking in SoDo is very limited and usually restricted. Visitors generally use nearby lots or garages. Close options include the big stadium lots (Mariners/Seahawks lots) when they aren’t hosting games, private pay parking structures off 1st Ave S or around the stadiums, and small pay lots on King Street or Holgate. All are metered or for-pay. If you drive, plan an extra mile’s walk or rideshare drop-off. Many fans prefer public transit for convenience, since paid lots can fill up or require a fee of $20 or more per event (www.axs.com ) (www.showboxpresents.com ).
What is the age policy at Showbox SoDo?
Age restrictions vary by show. Many concerts at Showbox SoDo are all-ages, but some are designated 21+ due to alcohol licensing (especially late-night shows or explicit content). Always check the ticket event description. For any 21+ show, valid government-issued **photo ID** (driver’s license, state ID card, passport, etc.) is required for entry and bar service (www.showboxpresents.com ). If you’re under 21, you may or may not be allowed in depending on the event; typically minors need to remain in a designated area or may be denied entry for 21+ shows. There is no formal dress code beyond casual (fans often wear T-shirts and jeans to rock shows). The venue is family-friendly during all-ages events, but no re-admittance is allowed once you leave.
Can I bring a backpack or outside food/drink?
Showbox SoDo has a strict bag policy and prohibits outside food and beverages. Large backpacks or luggage are not allowed. If you bring a bag, it typically must be a clear plastic bag, clear small backpack, or small clutch (exact policy can vary, so see the venue’s newest guidelines). All bags may be searched at the entrance. No outside water bottles, food, or alcohol can be brought in (this includes reusable water bottles or snacks) (www.axs.com ). The only exception is often sealed, prescription medication in original packaging. A coat check is available on site for jackets or to store restricted items, usually for a nominal fee (www.showboxpresents.com ). To stay comfortable, plan to buy any drinks or snacks from the in-house bars and concessions.
Are cameras or video recordings allowed inside Showbox SoDo?
General photography and video policy: personal point-and-shoot cameras and smartphones *are* allowed for personal photos. However, any professional camera gear (detachable lenses, DSLR/mirrorless rigs, large lenses, or video cameras) is typically forbidden (www.showboxpresents.com ). Showbox SoDo and the band's official policy often only allow non-professional equipment. If you’re just using your phone or a small camera, you should be fine. Remember that flash photography is usually not allowed during shows. In short: leave the bulky gear at home, but snapping shots with your phone is generally okay.
Is there a coat check or storage available?
Yes – a coat check is available at Showbox SoDo. You can check coats, bags or personal items (especially anything restricted) before entering. There is a small fee (usually a few dollars) to check each item. This is useful because jackets and bags are cumbersome on a crowded dance floor, and the coat check can hold items you are not allowed to take into the hall. Please bring cash or card to pay the coat check attendant. Once you leave, plan to pick up your items immediately afterward, as late pick-up arrangements are not guaranteed.
Does Showbox SoDo have a bar or lounge area?
Yes – in addition to the general floor, Showbox SoDo includes a connected bar area called the *SoDo Lounge*. This is a 21+ upstairs lounge with its own small stage and ample seating, meant for socializing or smaller performances. The SoDo Lounge opens about one hour before main showtime (www.tripadvisor.ca ). It has a full bar and often plays music or a DJ to warm up attendees. Entry into the SoDo Lounge requires being 21 and showing ID. Outside, this lounge is famous for letting its patrons into the main concert area before the general admission line, effectively giving you a head start in the crowd (www.tripadvisor.ca ). Note that the actual venue floor is separate; once your show starts, everyone from the lounge merges onto the main floor like any other ticket-holder.
Is Showbox SoDo wheelchair accessible?
Yes. All entries to Showbox SoDo are wheelchair accessible (www.showboxpresents.com ) (there are no steps at the main entrance). Inside, the main concert floor is flat and open, providing space to maneuver a wheelchair or seating device near the back or sides of the stage. The venue also provides ADA features: for example, a wheelchair lift extends to the upstairs SoDo Lounge (www.showboxpresents.com ). Accessible restrooms are available (ask a staff member to direct you). If you have specific accessibility needs (companion seating, etc.), it’s best to request ADA tickets in advance. In practice, ADA ticket holders are often allowed early entry to position themselves in the designated side areas before the show begins, so you can choose your spot. Always reach out to the venue in advance if you have questions about mobility accommodations.
What food and drink options are available inside?
As an indoor club, Showbox SoDo offers licensed alcohol and a limited selection of concession snacks. There is a full bar (serving beer, cocktails, wine, and non-alcoholic drinks) in the main hall, plus the upstairs SoDo Lounge bar for 21+ guests. Expect typical club drinks (draft and bottled beers, well drinks, etc.) and bar snacks like pretzels or chips. No full restaurants are inside, so if you want a meal, eat beforehand. Everything inside is cashless, so be ready with card or mobile pay. While alcohol is served, soft drinks and bottled water are also available to keep you refreshed. Menus and prices (e.g. $8–$12 for specialty cocktails, ~$6 for beers) depend on the event and local market. Remember: outside drinks are not allowed, so you must purchase all drinks from the venue’s bars during the show.
Do I need to arrive early and how long do shows last?
Yes, it’s wise to arrive early. The venue typically opens its doors 60–90 minutes before the advertised showtime. Getting there early secures a good spot (especially if you want front row delivery) and reduces long lines. If you have coveted VIP or ADA seating, you may be admitted up to an hour early by mentioning it at the door. Concerts at Showbox SoDo usually run around 2–3 hours total (including all opening acts). Expect the headliner to take the stage roughly 1–2 hours after doors open. Plan accordingly for travel – traffic and foot crowds can be heavy after the prior event (like a game) – and for the show length (most people exit quickly once the main act finishes).
Is smoking allowed at Showbox SoDo?
No, smoking of any kind (including e-cigarettes or vaping) is not permitted inside Showbox SoDo (www.axs.com ). This is standard for indoor Washington venues. If you need to smoke or vape, you must step outside into the open-air area. Exits to the street are at one or both ends of the building, but note that if you exit mid-show, you will likely not be able to re-enter without buying a new ticket (no re-entry policy). Dress warmly if it’s cold outside between sets. Also, there is an outside courtyard area by some clubs, but at Showbox SoDo the street-level sidewalk is the only space – it can get crowded with people at intermissions.
