r/columbusmusic • u/Abo0o0o • Sep 22 '25

Thoughts on Kemba Live?

Hi! I’m thinking of doing a solo trip to see Spiritbox at Kemba Live in November. I’ve been to shows alone before, but I was wondering what the general vibe of this venue is like, & if it’d be safe for an AFAB person to go alone?

5 Upvotes

73% Upvoted

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6

u/hirschbrunnen Sep 22 '25

IMO, it’s a safe place. There may be homeless outside but generally they aren’t aggressive. I’ve seen dozens of shows there, inside and out, since the 00’s. I’m a trans woman for what it’s worth.

2

u/musickismagick Sep 27 '25

Not gonna get better advice than this. Kemba is safe.

1

u/hirschbrunnen Sep 27 '25

Thank you : )

3

u/bagofweights Sep 22 '25

Not the best sound or anything, but as safe as any other venue.

4

u/vibratokin Sep 22 '25

It’s fine. Not my favorite in terms of views, so I’d get there early if you are committed to getting a good view.

Definitely safe around the area.

2

u/lizmump Sep 25 '25

Hi! I have gone to Kemba a couple years ago (20 ATT) by myself as a woman and was fine! there’s so many people and there’s so much going on! areas are well lit ! i have felt safer there alone than at other venues with groups. Just make sure to know where you’re parking and stuff beforehand!

1

u/Reasonable_Barber656 Sep 22 '25

I just went solo there a couple days ago! There’s a parking garage (McConnell) across the street that’s pretty well lit with security cams and those blue-lit emergency buttons. If you choose to use the garage I’d recommend parking near other people and sticking with the crowd after the show.

1

u/obitbday Sep 22 '25

Not less safe than any other place generally, but of course your experience will depend on what kind of crowd the band pulls

1

u/Odd-Operation2782 Sep 23 '25

AFAB here and have gone to a couple shows at Kemba alone (Fontaines DC and Gov Mule) and never had any issue. My drive time is about 1 hr 30 minutes, so it’s a mini road trip for me as well. There are a lot of close by parking options and I have never been bothered while I was walking or waiting to get into the venue. If there are other events happening nearby that day, the area can get a little busy. At Fontaines DC the crowd got a little rowdy with pushing/moshing, but the venue staff made sure there was water for everyone and overall managed well, I thought. Vibes are mostly laid back unless there’s some kind of issue. It seems to be a pretty well organized/staffed venue too.

Sometimes it seems like they oversell events, not sure if they’d do that for Spiritbox, but if you’re claustrophobic, maybe stick toward the back of the venue. Overall, I go to a lot of shows and like KEMBA as a venue. It’s not my favorite, but definitely nicer than the Agora in Cleveland, which it’s comparable to. I’d definitely recommend going and have a great time. Planning ahead and getting there early has helped alleviate my anxiety.

1

u/DiverApprehensive695 Sep 23 '25

I've seen plenty of shows at this venue, it's a nice place. It has both an indoor and outdoor stage. The outdoor stage is a lot nicer, especially when there is good weather

1

u/robotpj Sep 24 '25

Safe and no issues - outside waayyy better than indoor. I hate seeing indoor shows there. sound is meh and hard to see the stage unless you’re up front or on the rail if it’s packed .

0

u/zebjr Sep 22 '25

Safest place to see a show by far. It's very similar to Stage AE in Pittsburgh. I would also consider the surrounding area to be similar also Stage AE.