The Cleveland Agora
The Agora Downtown |
If you want to see a concert in a venue with tons of history, class, and excitement then I highly recommend going to The Cleveland Agora. Located on 5000 Euclid Ave the Agora has been the best place to see a concert in Cleveland since the 1960’s. Over the years the Agora has changed a lot but every change has been good for the Agora and now it is better than ever. Many famous bands have, and still play at The Cleveland Agora as well as smaller local bands. The Agora has many shows every year so the chances that you can see your favorite band are very good. The Cleveland Agora in downtown Cleveland has been, and will continue to be the best place to see a live concert in Cleveland.
The original Agora opened its doors in 1966 near the campus of Case Western Reserve. The following year the Agora changed its location to the campus of Cleveland State University. It was at this location where the Agora became famous. The new location attracted not only college students from Cleveland State but also older adults from the downtown area. Many famous bands often made stops in Cleveland to play at the Agora including Bruce Springsteen, ZZ Top, Michael Stanley Band, and many others. The Agora became so popular that new Agoras opened up in other cities and states, but none were quite like the original back here in Cleveland. During the 80’s, the Agora even opened up its own recording studio in the arena. Many bands recorded live albums in this studio including bands like Def Leopard. Everything was going great for the Agora until out of nowhere a tragedy happened. In 1986 a fire broke out at the Agora and much of the building was completely destroyed.
Following the fire the Agora again moved its location, this time it moved to its current location on 5000 Euclid Ave. This location is not as close to Cleveland State but closer to the Downtown area. The move has not hurt the Agoras reputation as one of the best concert halls of all time. The Agora can currently fit about 2500 people in it to see shows, a much bigger crowd capacity compared to the older Agora which was standing room only. Many famous bands and rap artists still use the Agora frequently including Cleveland’s own artists Kid Cudi and MGK. Another Cleveland band that uses the Agora often is Bone Thugs N Harmony. The current Agora features its own parking lot which is watched by security during the entire concert to ensure safety. The area around the Agora is also heavily patrolled by police to make sure no crimes are committed while you are there.
MGK at the Agora |
For everything that The Cleveland Agora has been through its has endured and it has survived. No matter the location it has always been a landmark in the city of Cleveland and a great place to go and have a fun night. It is a place to go to with your friends if you are looking for a fun and memorable experience that you will never forget. That is why the Agora still stands today because people around the world know how special of a place the Agora really is. There has been many great memories for thousands of people who have seen shows in the Agora and I am very sure that in the next years to come there will be many thousands more.