Southwest Florida Event Center

I noticed my initial review didn't get published... I went to see the TOOL tribute band, Schism on 4/21/2018. They were, as always, INCREDIBLE!!! The SWFL Event Center has some really annoying policies. Regardless of what kind of ticket you purchase, you are expected to order a minimum amount of food, and you are charged for that, regardless of whether you eat or not. We know the show is going to be great, so we paid and ordered from the menu. Hands down, the vote was unanimous, the food was deplorable, it was unfit for consumption by anyone at our table, not just the party we came with. I personally got the $24. grilled salmon, that was dry and tasteless, my friends' ordered fish & chips, coconut shrimp and calamari which were all dry, overcooked, and rubbery, all garbage, nothing was even half as good as the frozen stuff you can buy at a local supermarket. Based on the amount of food we saw being thrown away, it's safe to say we weren't alone. When you see insanely expensive menu options, you are not expecting cheap, sub-par frozen provisions. I've honestly, had higher quality meals on an airplane. The venue itself was the right size for the show, there was no issue with safety, everybody was searched prior to admission and there were plenty of armed security guards. The set-up inside was bizarre to say the least. A dinner theater is great if you are serving fine food, and providing some form of light entertainment while folks are eating. But this isn't the best idea for a rock concert. People like to stand, move around a bit, not all customers are into the kind of experience that really suggests they remain seated. And since the food and pricing seems to be the single biggest let down people complain about, your rock and rollers may find their money better spent on a venue that is primarily focused on concerts. In other words, if you can't bring in decent food, don't waste the time or money on it. Don't force people to order food just to throw it away and not refund people due to your BS policy, when they say everything is terrible and they want their money back. (Work smart, not hard) If you want a dinner theater: Bring in plays and better food. If you want an intimate concert venue: Ditch the menu, bring in the bands! Listening to your clientele, might just save the place from going under...
1 6 years ago (30-05-2018)

My dad & I went to the SWFL Event Center to see George Clinton. I am in a wheelchair so I called to get my tickets. I spoke with Kim & she was so kind and helpful accommodating my special needs. The band was running a bit behind but the owner & staff were busting their behinds to make sure everyone was able to get their food & drinks in the lobby. The food was good (fish n chips & pizza). There is not a bad seat in the venue & the concert was AMAZING. We will absolutely go back.
5 6 years ago (07-05-2018)

Saw Steve Earle May 16, 2018. Love the fact they had him at this venue, but the venue fell short on sound quality and how they arranged seating. During 2 key moments of popular songs there was ear piercing feedback. I felt like the sound guy was tuned in only to the acoustic guitar and the pedal steel guitar. The rest of the instruments sounded muddy or just too loud as compared to what they should have. Steve's vocals were excellent and Steve did a helluva job. Hats off to the whole band. The seating was poorly arranged for this type of show. There was no real place to stand comfortably. Most everyone was seated the entire show which is a total downer. I don't appreciate the fact that they were not clear about when the opening band was starting. I missed the first song because they made it seem like 8 was the opening band time. The sound people need to go listen to a show at The Ranch in Fort Myers or Cigar Bar live and take some lessons on what sounds good.
3 6 years ago (17-05-2018)

I was here to see Big Bad Voodoo Daddy and had a great experience. Service was good and the food was decent. The sound was really good and I really enjoyed myself. One suggestion would be to offer some craft beer to the beer selection. Drink local🍺
5 6 years ago (26-05-2018)

First time and great experience. We went to see a tribute to Motown featuring Glen Leonard (former Temptations) and the Hitsville. The performance was breathtaking, highly entertaining and professional. We were on the first row just by the stage, and the sound was very good. Food and service were also really good. Quick and efficient. Looking forward to the next event... One piece of advice to the management: don't forget to respond to reviews, whether they are good or bad...
5 7 years ago (07-03-2018)