The world famous Agora Theatre and Ballroom has been a staple of Cleveland’s nightlife since its birth as the Metropolitan Theatre in 1913. The venue has played host to iconic musicians like Lou Reed, the Clash, Duran Duran, Metallica, Bruce Springsteen, Bob Marley, Nine Inch Nails, GWAR, The Police, U2, Patti Smith, Smashing Pumpkins, The Foo Fighters, Justin Timberlake and Cleveland’s own Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, just to name a few.
It was announced just under a year ago that entertainment giant AEG Presents, LLC would be restoring the 2,000-capacity theater (and 600-capacity ballroom with renovations to the entire building including updates to its sound and lighting systems, hospitality areas, backstage quarters and customer amenities.
New air conditioning and heating units have been installed, the old bars have been replaced, bathrooms have been renovated, security and safety has been updated, that god-awful wood flooring was torn up to reveal the original tile and phone batteries will finally stop draining during shows because Wi-Fi is finally available.
The renovations are somewhat bittersweet, as the gritty locale and structure beaten with years of rock and roll added to its charm. However, the aging building was beginning to deteriorate into something that would actively turn guests away.
Sure, there’s something inherently punk rock about using the women’s restroom and praying to all that is holy that you don’t actually make contact with the toilet seat, but once show-banners and beer advertisements are being used to cover holes in the walls, it’s time for some for some repairs.
Thankfully, while renovations did include the load-in areas for bands and other events, the infamous brick wall adorned with decades of signatures has been untouched, and the history of all who have come to play still remains.
The unveiling of the new and improved Agora Ballroom and Theatre is set for Thursday, July 19, but AEG Presents has released a series of photos showing the remarkable work overseen by Justin Miller, the project manager for the Agora’s renovations.
Say goodbye to the walls coated in years of cigarette smoke, booze and debauchery, because this ain’t your granddad’s Agora anymore.
This article appears in Jul 11-17, 2018.
They’re going to have to radically change the type of show as the previous clientele would crap all over the stall walls and floor, piss in the sinks and throw up in the staircases.
I wonder if that cool homeless fellow, Stickman, will still hang out around the entrance…
Went to the Agora for the Spring Fling and was TOTALLY DISAPPOINTED – despite the renovations. We purchased VIP tickets (and paid nearly twice GA). When we arrived, we were informed that all performances were moved to the ballroom and completely closed off the main theater. During the performances, the Agora’s sound equipment kept malfunctioning to the point that most of the sets had to be stopped to fix issues with mics, amps and lighting.
We didnt receive any benefit for paying VIP. When we asked to speak to someone about the actual benefit of VIP and the extra $40 per ticket we paid, Cory Hajde, told us we were suckers for buying VIP. He was almost aggressive when we asked if there was any seating for VIP since we purchased VIP so my pregnant wife would not have stand for the nearly 6 hours of performances. There is no renovation that can make up for taking advantage of people. I’ll keep my patronage to venues (like House of Blues) that treat people with respect and dont try to scam them.