The Criterion Information
Who knew that The Criterion would become such an important part of Oklahoma City’s entertainment life. But ever since it first opened to the public in 1921, it had quickly cemented its place in the hearts of theater-goers in the city. It first opened to the public for $700,000 as one of downtown Oklahoma City’s most ornate theaters. It featured designs that had never been seen before in the city and a style that was undeniable from the moment a guest walked through the front gate.
And it remained so for over 50 years until the theater first closed in 1973. But when it reopened, the theater regained its former glory in a large way and has played host to Grammy-winning rockers, country music superstars, and some of the biggest pioneers in Jazz music to date. And it celebrates this heritage with a diverse and impressive range of performances every year.
This venue represents Oklahoma City’s commitment to world-class entertainment, serving as the city’s go-to destination for concerts and events. The Criterion OKC has established itself as an essential part of Oklahoma City’s cultural landscape. From its flexible seating options to its cutting-edge sound systems, every aspect of this venue delivers an exceptional entertainment experience for young and old.
Located at 500 E. Sheridan Ave in the bustling Bricktown District, this purpose-built venue offers exceptional sightlines, professional-grade acoustics, and comfort for audiences who want to kick back and relax. The two-story facility easily accommodates over 3,000 guests with certain event configurations, making it perfectly sized for intimate performances and major touring acts alike.
A big part of the venue’s appeal is that it was designed specifically for live performance rather than retrofitted from some other purpose. This intentional setup creates optimal listening experiences from every seat in the house. It’s also why The Criterion features removable seating, allowing it to transform the space from a general admission standing-room venue to a fully seated theater-style setting overnight.
Additionally, the venue’s three full-service bars ensure you won’t spend your evening waiting in long drink lines. Modern amenities include state-of-the-art lighting, impressive sound engineering, an atrium glass curtain wall, as well as a second-level balcony that accommodates up to 1,300 guests. The facility operates under Levelland Productions and Live Nation, which is why it brings nationally recognized touring acts to Oklahoma City on a regular basis.
About Downtown Oklahoma City’s Premier Music Destination
Back in the day, the Criterion Theater was a historic silent film cinema that first opened in 1921. However, by 1973, this building was demolished. The current venue, located in the Bricktown district, is a different establishment altogether. But the name has stuck, and its significance to the region’s cultural evolution is alive and well.
The Criterion has built its reputation as Oklahoma City’s premier mid-sized concert venue, filling a crucial gap in the city’s entertainment ecosystem. The facility opened with Oklahoma native Ben Rector christening the stage before a capacity crowd. Since that inaugural performance, it has successfully hosted an impressive roster of national touring artists across multiple genres.
The venue’s relatively modern construction utilized input from entertainment industry professionals to create optimal acoustics and sightlines. The huge facility spans approximately 39,000 square feet across two levels, providing ample space for crowds yet maintaining an intimate atmosphere that artists and fans appreciate equally. For example, you’ll notice the designers’ attention to detail in everything from the stage height to the placement of video screens, ensuring everyone can enjoy clear views of the performance.
As a guest, you’ll appreciate The Criterion’s commitment to accessibility and comfort, including elevator access to all public areas and dedicated accessible seating and parking. Three strategically placed bars on different levels will minimize your wait time and keep the crowds flowing smoothly. The main bar downstairs serves as a central gathering point, while two additional bars upstairs flank each side of the bustling balcony level.
If you’re a fan of variety, you’ll be pleased to know that this beloved Oklahoma City venue hosts diverse programming beyond traditional concerts. You’ll find comedy shows, theatrical productions, and special events filling the calendar year-round.
The Criterion can close off and curtain the second-story balcony for smaller performances to create a more intimate setting when needed. It’s perfectly positioned between intimate club settings and massive arena experiences, so you’ll be treated to a great experience, no matter the show.
A Brief History of The Criterion’s Impact on Oklahoma City’s Arts and Culture Scene
The Criterion emerged because Oklahoma City recognized a need. The city wanted a mid-sized concert venue to attract touring acts that fell somewhere between club shows and giant arena performances. Prior to 2016, artists looking to play for audiences of 2,000 to 3,500 fans had limited options in Oklahoma City, and many tours bypassed the city entirely.
The development of The Criterion began in earnest around 2012, when Alliance Investments partnered with Levelland Productions to create a purpose-built concert facility. You’ll appreciate that developers took roughly four years to bring the project to fruition, working through financing challenges and securing partnerships with Legacy Bank, Lincoln Capital Group, and MADCO of OKC. Bucher Design Studio created the architectural vision while Hill Commercial Construction handled the build-out after the groundbreaking in 2015.
After one year, the team delivered a finished venue in time for its March 2016 debut. That first show drew a capacity crowd eager to experience Oklahoma City’s newest entertainment destination. After that, it was clear that the venue’s opening would catalyze much additional development in East Bricktown and change the region for the better.
If you’re exploring the area, you’ll notice that The Criterion’s success encouraged construction of hotels, apartment complexes, and retail spaces in the surrounding blocks. The concert hall became an anchor tenant that demonstrated the area’s viability for entertainment and hospitality businesses. What was once an underutilized section of Bricktown transformed into a thriving entertainment corridor that quickly established itself as an essential stop for national touring acts.
Artists performing at the venue have praised its technical capabilities and the enthusiastic Oklahoma City audiences. The venue’s reputation continues to grow, as more tours include Oklahoma City for The Criterion’s perfect-sized space with professional amenities. Remember that when you attend events here, you’re part of a place that has fundamentally changed Oklahoma City’s position on the national touring circuit.
The Criterion Today
Today, the venue located in East Bricktown, is a wonderful theatre can hold around 4,000 concert goers for most events. And it’s better than ever at delivering stellar entertainment thanks to a partnership with the world-renowned Live Nation that helps them book the best shows for their guests. And this partnership keeps the venue’s reputation for diverse and well-known acts that play to sold-out crowds. And they also feature a variety of comedy shows and live events to deliver that top-shelf entertainment that theater-lovers prefer.
And the best part is that the venue is close to a wide variety of five-star restaurants and dining experiences, which has made it a popular destination for visiting tourists as well as travelers passing through Oklahoma City. And that commitment to being part of a total entertainment experience is what makes The Criterion one of the hot spots around.
Understanding The Criterion’s Pivotal Role in Oklahoma City’s Entertainment Scene
The Criterion occupies a crucial position in Oklahoma City’s entertainment ecosystem, serving functions beyond simply hosting concerts. Overall, it’s a venue that demonstrates how purpose-built entertainment spaces can catalyze broader urban development and cultural growth. You’re experiencing more than a concert hall when you visit The Criterion; you’re participating in Oklahoma City’s ongoing cultural evolution.
The venue’s economic impact extends throughout the Bricktown District as events bring thousands of visitors to support local restaurants, bars, hotels, and retail establishments. Since its opening, local businesses have flourished, creating a synergistic relationship where each entity strengthens the others.
As a visitor, you can feel the direct benefits through the diverse entertainment and dining options available before and after your show. You’re also benefiting from how The Criterion has elevated Oklahoma City’s profile as a tour destination for national and international artists. Booking agents and tour managers who previously overlooked Oklahoma City now include it in their plans because of The Criterion’s professional amenities, capacity, and popularity.
As needed, this venue also serves the local community through its private event capabilities. Corporate gatherings, weddings, and special events utilize The Criterion’s versatile space and professional staff with great success. This adaptability ensures the venue generates revenue and provides value to Oklahoma City, even on nights without concerts or shows.
The Criterion’s Notable Technical Specifications and Production Capabilities
If you’re interested in the musical quality or acoustic experience available at the venue, you’re sure to be impressed. You’ll find The Criterion equipped with professional-grade technical systems that meet various touring acts’ demanding requirements. The venue has invested heavily in sound, lighting, and staging equipment to ensure its hosted artists can deliver the performances they envision.
Understanding these capabilities helps explain why The Criterion attracts high-caliber talent and consistently delivers exceptional show experiences. For example, the sound system utilizes premium components calibrated specifically for the venue’s acoustic properties. You’ll experience balanced audio regardless of your location, with sound engineers having the tools and equipment needed to optimize each performance.
The lighting capabilities here also include intelligent fixtures, LED systems, and conventional theatrical lighting that create stunning visual displays. You’ll witness production values that rival much larger venues thanks to The Criterion’s commitment to immersive features. The lighting rig supports venue-provided equipment and touring production packages alike, ensuring flexibility for different types of shows.
The stage dimensions and load-in facilities accommodate full touring productions, including complex staging, video walls, and special effects. More elaborate and visually impressive shows are the result.
Lastly, the venue’s loading dock and backstage areas facilitate efficient load-in and load-out, making The Criterion an attractive stop for touring acts with substantial production requirements. It also accommodates touring acts’ technical riders, providing the flexibility artists need to present their shows as designed.
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