The Venue Vault: Reference Guide

️ Historic Theatres

• The Empire Theatre (Charline McCombs):
• Capacity: 857 seats.
• The Vibe: An intimate, ornate 1914 gem. Perfect for comedy, children’s theatre, and acoustic sessions.
• Fact: Restored in 1998; it’s the “little sister” to the Majestic, offering a much more close-up experience.

• The Tobin Center for the Performing Arts:
• Capacity: H-E-B Performance Hall (1,746); Alvarez Studio Theater (232).
• The Vibe: Modern world-class acoustics. The “crown jewel” of the River Walk cultural scene.
• Fact: The floor in the H-E-B Hall is “rotatable,” meaning it can switch from flat-floor cabaret style to tiered theater seating in minutes.

️ Arenas & Stadiums

• The Frost Bank Center:
• Capacity: ~18,500 (Basketball); 19,000+ (Concerts).
• The Vibe: High-energy home of the Spurs and massive global tours.

• The Alamodome:
• Capacity: ~64,000 (Football); expandable to 72,000.
• The Vibe: The “Big House.” Used for stadium-level tours (think Taylor Swift or Metallica) and Monster Jam.

• The Freeman Coliseum:
• Capacity: ~10,150.
• The Vibe: A vintage 1949 “art deco” arena. It has a gritty, classic San Antonio feel—home to the Rodeo and mid-sized rock tours.

Modern & Outdoor Stages

• The Espee (formerly Sunset Station):
• Capacity: ~3,100 (Boutique Amphitheater).
• The Vibe: An outdoor boutique amphitheater in St. Paul Square. Historic train station vibes with premium sound.

• Boeing Center at Tech Port:
• Capacity: ~3,100.
• The Vibe: The most high-tech venue in the city. Built for esports and massive LED-heavy concert productions.

• Sunken Garden Theater:
• Capacity: ~4,800.
• The Vibe: A limestone quarry turned amphitheater (built in 1930). It’s the “OG” outdoor venue of San Antonio.

• Paper Tiger:
• Capacity: Flexible (250 to 1,000 across two stages).
• The Vibe: The heart of the St. Mary’s Strip. Loud, raw, and indie. Be Sure To See: The St. Mary’s Strip Survival Guide: How To Own the Night

SEE THE LATE NIGHT TACO MAP: ST. MARY’S EDITION!

District Guides

• The Pearl District: A culinary and cultural hub centered around the historic Pearl Brewery. Best for: Farmers markets, Hotel Emma, and high-end pre-show dining.
• Southtown & Blue Star: The “Arts District.” Best for: First Fridays, contemporary art galleries, and eclectic bars.
• St. Mary’s Strip: The “Nightlife Artery.” A collection of dive bars, live music clubs (The Mix, Lonesome Rose), and late-night taco trucks. Be Sure To See: The St. Mary’s Strip Survival Guide: How To Own the Night

SEE THE LATE NIGHT TACO MAP: ST. MARY’S EDITION!