baycenter for the performing arts

Little theater great , reasonably priced, could walk and didn't need to worry about parking! Fun for kids and grandma too.

My husband and I went to the Bay Center this past weekend to see Gallagher perform for Comedy at the Beach. The last time I was in the Bay Center, prior to this weekend, was for my senior prom. So, I really couldn't imagine the Bay Center being set up with a stage & seats (like a concert hall or performing arts theater). However, I was pleasantly surprised. The venue ended up being really good for an intimate comedy routine. The seating was arranged really well. I can't imagine there being a bad seat in the house with the set up. Also, with it being a smaller center, even the farthest seats from the stage--aren't bad! Besides, if you sit in the back, you have a beautiful view of the bay through the huge floor to ceiling windows inside the Bay Center. We ended up buying tickets at the venue, the morning of the event. Since the premium seats were sold out on the Internet, we planned on getting standard seats (IF they were still available at the venue). Since they were in the midst of setting up, they discovered that they would be able to add another small side view section of premium seats. We ended up with premium seats even though we waited until the day of the event to buy tickets! WOW. Premium seats at this event meant being right up front when Gallagher sent food flying by way of his Sledge-O-Matic. Plastic tarps & ponchos were provided to the 1st couple of rows to help keep you dry/clean. Plus we were given nice printed color programs at the event. These came in handy. The show did not start until 8:30pm, however the doors opened at 7pm. Seats were 1st come 1st serve by section (with the exception of a few reserved seats). We arrived shortly after 7pm, were quickly admitted and were in our seats in no time. There was an open cash bar & Kickin' Chicken was selling food items. We skipped the food and drinks, so I cannot comment on price or quality. Even though we did not dine here prior to the show, we were glad we had arrived early. Gallagher was seen walking around the stage area before the show. He took photos and signed autographs (FREE program came in handy here) all the way up until show time. So since we go there early, we got a photo with Gallagher and an autograph. Not sure IF you would get this at a large venue, so I was glad we saw this show at the Bay Center!Overall, we had a great experience at the Bay Center. The show ended up being really fun. We enjoyed the act and the Bay Center made the event hassle-free. Parking was fairly easy since it was off-season. During the busy beach season, parking can be more difficult in this town. So, that is one thing to consider. But, I would definitely attend another event at the Bay Center!