What First Avenue Is and Where It Sits

First Avenue is a concert hall and nightclub in downtown Minneapolis, located at 701 First Avenue North. It opened in 1970 as a rock venue and has remained one of the most recognizable music spaces in the United States. The building itself is a former Greyhound bus station, which gives it distinctive architecture with a marquee that faces the street.

The venue operates as a general admission standing-room space for most shows, with a capacity of around 1,400 people. It books touring bands, local acts, and established artists across rock, hip-hop, indie, electronic, and other genres. The space is known for its sound system and sightlines, and for the energy of its crowds.

Key Takeaways

  • First Avenue opened in 1970 in a converted Greyhound bus station and remains a major touring venue in the Upper Midwest.
  • The venue became nationally famous after Prince filmed his 1984 concert film there and performed there regularly throughout his life.
  • First Avenue hosts 200 to 300 shows per year across multiple genres, from touring acts to local Minneapolis bands.
  • The building's distinctive marquee and interior design have made it a recognizable landmark in downtown Minneapolis.
  • The venue operates a separate nightclub space called Seventh Street Entry, which books smaller acts and emerging artists.

Prince and First Avenue's National Recognition

First Avenue became nationally famous in 1984 when Prince filmed his concert film Purple Rain there. The movie featured live performances from the venue and became a cultural landmark. Prince performed at First Avenue regularly throughout his career and had a deep connection to the space and to Minneapolis as a whole.

The venue's association with Prince brought it international attention and cemented its place in music history. Even after Prince's death in 2016, First Avenue remains a pilgrimage site for fans of his work. The venue has hosted tribute shows and continues to draw artists and audiences who connect the space to that era of Minneapolis music.

The Building's History Before It Became a Venue

The structure that houses First Avenue was built as a Greyhound bus station in the 1930s. It served that purpose for decades, with the distinctive Art Deco marquee designed to announce bus arrivals and departures. When the bus station relocated, the building sat largely unused until it was converted into a music venue in 1970.

The conversion preserved much of the original architecture, including the marquee and the high ceilings. This history gives the space a character that newer venues do not have. The bones of the old bus station are still visible in the layout and design of the concert hall.

What Happens Inside: Layout and Show Experience

The main floor of First Avenue is a general admission standing-room space with a stage at one end. There is a balcony that runs around three sides of the room, which offers a different vantage point but is also general admission. The sound system is professional-grade, and the acoustics are considered good for a venue of that size and type.

Shows at First Avenue are typically loud, crowded, and energetic. The venue does not assign seats for most events, so arriving early gives you a better spot closer to the stage. The crowd is usually mixed in age and background, reflecting the range of artists who perform there.

Seventh Street Entry: The Smaller Stage

Seventh Street Entry is a separate performance space connected to First Avenue, located on Seventh Street. It has a capacity of around 250 people and books emerging artists, local bands, and touring acts that do not fill the main room. The Entry has its own bar and entrance, though it is part of the same building complex.

Many artists who later became famous played Seventh Street Entry early in their careers. The space is known for taking chances on new music and for being a launching pad for Minneapolis acts. It operates on the same general admission model as the main venue.

How to Find Out About Shows and Attend

First Avenue publishes its schedule on its website and through ticketing platforms like Ticketmaster. You can also sign up for email notifications about upcoming shows. Tickets for most shows go on sale weeks or months in advance, though some smaller shows may have shorter notice.

The venue is located in downtown Minneapolis and is accessible by car, bus, and light rail. There is street parking nearby and a parking ramp one block away. The neighborhood around First Avenue has restaurants and bars, so many people arrive early to eat or drink before a show.

First Avenue's Role in Minneapolis Music Culture

First Avenue is one of the anchors of Minneapolis's music scene. Local bands often view playing the main stage as a milestone, and the venue gives regular slots to emerging Minneapolis acts. The space has hosted thousands of shows over its five decades of operation, and many musicians who grew up in the Twin Cities have memories of performing or attending shows there.

The venue is also a tourist destination. People visit Minneapolis specifically to see First Avenue and to stand where Prince performed. The building itself, with its marquee and Art Deco details, is a recognizable landmark in downtown Minneapolis and appears in photographs and films about the city.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you sit down at First Avenue shows?

Most shows are general admission standing room only. The balcony is also standing room. Some special events or seated shows may have different arrangements, but you should assume you will be standing unless the ticket listing says otherwise.

What is the age policy for shows?

Age policies vary by show and by artist. Some shows are all ages, some are 18 and up, and some are 21 and up. The ticket listing will state the age requirement. If you are under the stated age, you cannot attend that particular show.

How early should I arrive to get a good spot?

For popular shows, arriving one to two hours before the doors open gives you a reasonable spot on the floor. For less crowded shows, arriving 30 minutes early is usually enough. Doors typically open an hour or more before the headliner takes the stage.

Is there parking near First Avenue?

Yes. Street parking is available on surrounding blocks, though it can be hard to find on busy nights. There is a parking ramp one block away on First Avenue North. Some nearby restaurants and bars offer validation for parking if you eat or drink there before the show.

Can you bring a camera or phone into First Avenue?

Most venues allow phones and personal cameras, but some artists or shows restrict recording. The ticket listing or venue website will note any restrictions. Professional cameras and video equipment are typically not allowed without prior permission.