Step Inside: The Van Buren in Arizona

The Van Buren in Downtown Phoenix, Arizona turns every performance into one long joyride. Once an alluring auto showroom built almost 100 years ago, the modernized music hall still shares its flashy roots along with an updated flourish and state-of-the-art sound. Learn more about the midsize concert venue making big noise in The Valley of the Sun below.

The Van Buren History

The Van Buren followed a long road to becoming one of Downtown Phoenix’s hottest music hubs. Built in 1929 as the car dealership headquarters of Phoenix Motor Company, the building enjoyed its prime real estate on a lively strip of the city during the auto boom in the ’50s. Although the 20,000 square-foot facility spent several years in vacancy, it underwent significant renovations starting in 2015.

The restoration project revealed much of the building’s original design by Lescher and Mahoney, the same firm responsible for Phoenix’s Orpheum Theatre. Due to the long-standing foundation and surviving elements of the Phoenix Motor Company building, The Van Buren was added to the Phoenix Historic Property Register in 2017 and the National Register of Historic Places in 2018.

Under the operation of local Stateside Presents promoter Charlie Levy and Live Nation, The Van Buren opened on August 23, 2017 with a headlining performance by Cold War Kids. The music hall quickly realized its new purpose in the community, winning Best New Music Venue via the Phoenix New Times in 2017, followed by six consecutive wins for Best Midsize Music Venue through 2023. Inviting a broad lineup that encompasses rock, rap, country, world music, local acts and more, The Van Buren has hosted highlight performances from artists such as Billie Eilish, Dua Lipa, Kacey Musgraves, Killer Mike, Death Cab for Cutie, Orville Peck and Gogol Bordello.

Get to Know The Van Buren

Venue Features

As a near-century old building standing in Downtown Phoenix, The Van Buren holds some historical esteem. The natural prestige of the former Phoenix Motor Company building is undeniable upon entering the sprawling, 10,000 square-foot  showroom with the original roof trusses high above. However, the music hall offers much more of a modern spin on the building’s vintage charm.

Upon passing the stylish, stark white exterior, guests will enter through the lobby adorned with two chandeliers and an exposed brick backdrop. Design for The Van Buren’s interior was led by the Tucson, Arizona architectural firm Patch & Clark Design, while the show-stopping Sonoran Desert landscape mural against the stage was completed by Tucson artist Gary Patch.

Aside from the lobby and main floor space, The Van Buren features an H-shaped mezzanine level supported by wrought-iron railings for obstruction-free viewing. Venture outside to find the outdoor patio, where guests can gather, grab a drink or take a beat throughout the show.

Seating and Viewing Options

Shows at The Van Buren are primarily standing room only, but there are a variety of viewing options around the venue. The performance space is divided between the general admission floor and the Mezzanine, with the latter holding The Van Buren’s VIP areas and balcony boxes.

The Van Buren holds a capacity that maxes out at 1,800 guests. For a detailed look at different viewing options, check out The Van Buren seating chart.

Venue Accessibility

Although tickets for designated ADA seating are only offered at select seated events, guests seeking ADA-compliant facilities and services can arrange accommodations for any show at The Van Buren. Contact the Box Office prior to the event by phone at (480) 659-1641 or email info@thevanburenphx.com with your order confirmation number. Ahead of purchasing tickets, the venue advises guests with ADA accessibility needs to seek the reserved ADA section on the floor for seated shows, or select floor tickets for general admission shows.

Parking and Admission at The Van Buren

The Van Buren is located at  401 West Van Buren Street in Downtown Phoenix. The venue does not offer on-site parking, but metered parking, paid garages and self-serve street parking options are available throughout the neighborhood. Guests can also use nearby public transportation via bus, with lines that stop at Van Buren Street/3rd Avenue, Fillmore Street/4th Avenue and Adams Street/3rd Avenue, or Light Rail, which hits the Van Buren/1st Avenue and Van Buren/Central Avenue stations.

Concertgoers can expect doors to open one hour before the show’s start time, though admission times vary by event. Before queuing up, make sure to leave behind any bags that violate The Van Buren bag policy of 12″ x 6″ x 12″ or smaller. Venue rules also include no backpacks, professional video equipment, outside food or drinks, unsealed liquids, weapons, drugs, and more detailed on The Van Buren’s visitor page.

Nearby Attractions

Food & Drink Near The Van Buren

Although drinks are aplenty, food is not served at The Van Buren. Instead, guests can grab a quick bite at Ziggy’s Magic Pizza Shop next door, or stick around for a drink and some arcade games at the adjoining Stardust Pinbar. Within a block, guests can also dine at the Via Della Slice Shop for pizza, Cocina 10 for Mexican or Gus’s for “world famous fried chicken.” The State 48 Brewery across North 4th Avenue doubles as a restaurant and neighbors Quartz cocktail bar.

Hotels Near The Van Buren

Visitors to The Van Buren can find immediate accommodations at the Fifth Ave Hotel directly across Van Buren Street or City Center Downtown Motel one block away. There is a wide selection of hotels to the east and closer to central downtown Phoenix, including the Hyatt Place Phoenix/Downtown, the Westin Phoenix Downtown and the Hilton Garden Inn Phoenix Downtown.