Ames Center Review

Love this place They book fabulous shows it's got great acoustics good seating, it's just an all around great venue

Don't get me wrong. The place is Beautiful, I had a bad experience with 1 employee. When you rent out the area for a wedding and people are so selfish that they go in and do pictures in court yard and play with Dogs and not one person will More

This was the first time I have been there, it is beautiful, the theater was big but the seats were at a weird angle.

Very nice venue and pleasant staff. We were there for a magic show, but I would like to see a concert here sometime.

Seating was comfy, Bathrooms were nice and clean, Theater seemed to be setup well. If I had one complaint it would be that the bar is in a very poor location so you end up with a mess of a line to get a drink.

Nice clean. Fun culture events. Only thing I would like to change is the lack of family rest room

Had a great time watching Juggling the Jenkins, but was quite offended when ladies started coming into the men's room during the intermission. Spoke with one of the workers there, so hopefully this does not happen again. They are NOT gender neutral restrooms.

Beautiful venue with spacious seating. We were near the back and didn't struggle to see the stage. Parking is close and easy to access and is free.

A nice cozy little family friendly venue in the Heart of Burnsville. Good view from the balcony seats and free parking.

Seating is really close don't have much room in you chair, everything else was great .

Fun location to see shows. Helpful, friendly staff. Easy parking.

Attended a dance recital here. Nice place. Wouldn't want to live in Burnsville and pay the taxes for it, though.

Nice and clean laid back venue. Music sounded good sitting in the row farthest back.

Update10/21: The Ames center made things right for my family regarding the Led Zepplin show. I very much appreciate that especially since this was a very special celebration for us. That means more to me than any bad experience we had. * As a short person it is still hard to see in some spots, and as a tall person it can be hard to comfortably sit in some spots without their legs touching the chair back of the person in front of them... however, calling ahead might resolve these issues because the people here are willing to help ensure a good customer experience.

I love the Ames Center,I go there every year to see the Nutcracker, I like the Ames because it is not to big or ect.

This place is freezing, even my son thought it was COLD, and it's not the first time!

Went to buy tickets because I had trouble doing it on line. They ended up cheaper than the online option.

This is a decent enough venue when you consider it's suburban location. The tickets for just about every show is over priced.

Nice Theatre. Smaller and more intimate than Downtown Mpls/St Paul.

My wife and I go see the nutcracker around Christmas time every year here. It's always great!

That was our first time going to the Ames Center and will definitely will go back. Easy to get to and lots of easy parking.

Great Winter Dance Party Show last night! These performers truly honor the memories of Buddy Holley, Richie Valens and JP Richardson.

Saw Rudolph with my grandaughter. It was a very good cast and fun show for the little ones

The Ames Center is a wonderful venue for live performances. Great sight lines and fabulous acoustics. Please join us for a performance with the Dakota Valley Symphony and Chorus.

Arrived early b4 ann'l lighting of 200K Xmas lights in Nic. Commons Pk. & heard 2 choirs rehearsing prior 2 their performance. Beautiful voices .. put us in Holiday spirit!

Did not like the seating. Continually having to look around people in front to see. Liked Plymouth Playhouse much much better!! Doubt we'll be back!

We have seen five shows at the Ames Center. We enjoyed all five. Easy to park. Easy to get in and out of. Staff is always super helpful. It's great having such a nice venue so close to us. Andy and Bing Christmas with Ben Utecht and Mick Sterling was great. Well paced and sounded great. Seemed like a very professional presentation.

In a unique location, with some pretty good preformaces, throughout the year.

Loved the show and the venue is pleasant and includes an art gallery.

Bought tickets at box office to save almost 20.00 in fees. Very friendly, helpful staff & free parking. Can't wait to see the 2 events!

Attended a dance competition here. The place was nice and clean. The staff was courteous and helpful. The drawback was no outside food or beverage allowed and their concession prices were high.

On January 9, 2020, our church group from Abiding Savior Lutheran in Mounds View, MN traveled to the Ames Center in Burnsville, MN for a fun afternoon to attend "Hark, The Basement Ladies Sing". Their performance was remarkable! I think this production was the most excellent I have witnessed. The characters they portray, the environment and props, audience participation...it reminds me so much of the little country church I attended when I was young. All of their productions are just good, clean fun and entertainment.
I have been to the Ames Center twice so far. Each time was to enjoy productions of "The Church Basement Ladies".
The Ames Center is very, very nice. Their staff is courteous and accommodating, especially for our folks that need a little extra help. The seating in the theater was so much better this time. The last time we attended, the seating was not very stable. They now have more of a theater seat, which is more comfortable. The risers are on scaffolding-type supports, then the chairs are on the risers. It was much more stable, comfortable, more room, and the rows were a little higher apart between, so you could view the theatrical production much better! The sound system was excellent.
The thing that I would like, is for the actors to be on a stage, but not too high. However, it may be safer for them to not have to worry about going off the edge. In my opinion, a stage just sets the actors apart, as more special, celebrity status. Currently, the performance is on the concrete floor. I've always been seated in the 4th or 5th row up, which is perfect for me. I don't know how it looks from the floor-level first row or one of the top rows. The rows are identified by letters, while the seats are numbered. You really need a keen eye to find the number on the seats, but maybe it's just my eyesight.
This particular theater wasn't huge, seated maybe 250. It was a very appropriate size for this type of performance.
There is a small concession stand with beverages, popcorn, candy, etc.
The restrooms are nice, too.
My overall review of the theater is very, very good and accommodating for most abilities and disabilities. I feel the seating/risers could be improved for my peace of mind. I guess I'm just used to a seat attached to the actual floor. I felt safe and secure with the seating/risers though. Maybe if they would just put up wood or some kind of covering so you can't see the underside of the risers, therefore hiding the scaffolding. They have a curtain there, but it has not been entirely extended, so you can still see the underside.
I only gave it 4 Stars because of the seating risers. All in All, it's a wonderful theater!!
But I also want to put in a good word for "The Church Basement Ladies" productions. The tickets are reasonably priced, in my opinion, and the laughs and musical numbers will stay with you for a long time! Each actor has performed in numerous productions in addition to "The Church Basement Ladies". They are all very talented and skilled. I highly recommend enjoying their shows!! Bravo!!

I've seen several shows there, modern and trendy venue for theatre, comedy, maybe even concerts. Not a bad seat in the place. A few good restaurants in area. Can't complain. Wish they booked more events there.

We were in a smaller theater for Church Basement Ladies. The play was excellent but seating was horrible. The folding chair seating had no space between chairs. It was extremely uncomfortable and the pitch was too low so was unable to see most of the stage. For the price of tickets it was unacceptable. We will not return!

We finally got the chance to go last night and see Shaun Johnson and the big band experience. The Ames center was decorated so nice for the holidays, greeted upon entering.
The theatre was roomy and very comfortable to sit back and enjoy!

Brittany,
Was so helpful in helping me to switch my tickets, when I had mistakenly bought them for the wrong performance. Allowing to see both of my niece and cousin's daughter perform in the Nutcracker! Thank you!!!

Night of Queen was fantastic! Great show! Ames needs more bathrooms on the 2nd level though.

Security ladies here were very rude and clearly hated their jobs.

We saw the church basement ladies performing and we were treated terrific by the staff at the Ames Center

Great for photos, hanging out, family fun, and seeing a show

Fantastic venue. Stadium seating. Onsite parking ramp. Much better venue to see a concert or show than the outdated Orpheum and State theaters in Minneapolis.

Visited here for a lovely orchestral performance which my family quite enjoyed. The volunteer staff was very welcoming and pleasant. The snack/drink bar had a nice selection of beverages to choose from during intermission. And the on-site box office ensured we had ready access to information regarding upcoming events and performances.

It was awesome I saw the Nutcracker and it had the theater was beautiful

Tonic Sol-fa was fabulous! ! If you enjoy A Capella, this group is highly recommended! ! Been following them since 2005 :)

Nice small theatre with good seating and easy parking. Went here for a dance competition and glad I ate before hand because there is no outside food or drink allowed and their in-house food was EXPENSIVE.

Very pretty, Church Basement Ladies was great. Nice bar service and pop machine, beautiful rest room.

Amazing establishment! Easy to get in and out of. Extremely convenient and clean! We will definitely be back.

Love this place, hard pressed to go into Minneapolis for a show, sit in traffic, pay a ton for tickets and parking, and sit in tiny uncomfortable seats after seeing shows at the Burnsville performing arts center.

It's a nice place for small shows. A nice local theater. Was kind of weird that they closed the bar shortly after the event began, but I don't know if this is something they always do, or just this specific event.

Fantastic place to hear a concert. All seats are great. The sound system is top notch, especially if you like to hear the lyrics and like to avoid the extra loud bass. Free parking ramp just a few steps away. Fun fountains and pool area on the front plaza.

3.5 stars. Act was excellent!!! 1964 the tribute... awesome, it was like watching the actual Beatles in concert. BUT, the seating was terrible, uncomfortable, no cup holders, minor stuff... good time all together :)

FANTASTIC venue... I saw Steve Vai there last night and it was such a great, intimate setting to see him. Free parking on both sides of the venue too. Will definitely be back again soon \m/\m/

Very nice facility. Not a bad seat. Not huge, but not small either. Friendly staff. Music was a little loud for me, but not excessive for a concert... I'm just a little sensitive.

Loved seeing the Church Basement Ladies again. Great show!!

Nice intimate setting for shows and concerts. Great acoustics!

Good venue for concerts. Love the outdoors ampitheater. Water for kids to play in.

Lots of variety in programming!
Looking forward to C S Lewis!

A very nice theater. The lobby is a little small for 1000 people, but not bad. The seating is good but pretty steep. Parking is handy with an attached ramp. Park downstairs to avoid the traffic jam after the show.

This is an intimate venue for smaller concerts, but very nice! Acoustics are excellent, and overall a fun place.

Excellent building, clean friendly. Great amenities. Easy to find, good parking.