Arena Shows
CHI Health Center Arena & Convention Center in downtown Omaha has hosted a lot of big-name acts over the years. Its seating capacity is about 19,000 for a concert.
In 2013, Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln (about an hour away from Omaha) opened and has started drawing some concerts away from Omaha.
It’s also popular for people to drive to Kansas City (3 hours away) or even Des Moines / Ames, Iowa to catch a concert.
Other Popular Venues
Stir Concert Cove
Stir Concert Cove is very popular for its summer concert series. It’s an outdoor venue attached to Harrah’s casino in Council Bluffs. Concerts run from May to September.
Sokol Auditorium / Sokol Underground
Sokol Auditorium has a rich music history. It has a capacity of 1,500 and in the past 20 years, many famous acts have played at the venue before they were famous.
Holland Performing Arts Center
Although it’s home to the Omaha Symphony, the Holland Performing Arts Center plays host to some unique and memorable concerts. The world-class acoustics of the center create a perfect environment for acoustical performances.
Slowdown
Slowdown is located in the NoDo (North Downtown). It opened in 2007 and the building also houses the Saddle Creek Records offices and warehouse. At full capacity, it can accommodate 700 people.
Steelhouse Omaha
This venue opens in 2023. It is downtown near the Holland Performing Arts Center and the new Gene Leahy Mall.
It’s a flexible space built to accommodate audiences of 1,500 to 3,000.
CAPACITY
Sumtur Amphitheater
The Sumtur Amphitheater is an outdoor venue in Papillion. It is starting to host more concerts and events.
Benson Entertainment District
There are several smaller bars in Benson that play host to daily shows.
The Waiting Room Lounge is located in Benson along with Reverb Lounge, Barley Street Tavern,
Booking Companies
1% Productions
1% Productions is a live music and entertainment business that books hundreds of shows per year. They own The Waiting Room Lounge and also book bands for other venues. If you love music, join their email list so you know what shows are coming up.