New York City has several iconic event venues with a rich past and a packed schedule of upcoming events. Irving Plaza in midtown’s Union Square neighborhood is among these legends that continue to entertain New Yorkers and visitors from across the country. Take a look at the venue before you plan a visit. Here’s all you need to know about tickets, getting there, and parking near Irving Plaza.
Irving Plaza is used to being on the list of the best concert venues in America. The 19th-century charm of this restored ballroom-style music hall blends in with the upscale lounge and other modern amenities that offer the best concert experiences. From U2 to Paul McCartney and Bob Dylan, the historic NYC venue has hosted some of the biggest names in music. Irving Plaza is also one of the only two Live Nation concert halls in the city; Gramercy Park is the other. Apart from concerts, the historic venue also hosts private gatherings and corporate events.
Want to take a closer look at this iconic NYC music hall? Plan a visit soon! Whether you are booking tickets to an upcoming show or invited to a special event at Irving Plaza, here are some things you should know before you go. Learn more about the neighborhood, how to get there quickly, and find affordable Irving Plaza parking at a garage nearby.
What is the history of Irving Plaza, New York?
The Irving Plaza building was originally a Polish-American community center. The Polish Army Veterans of America District 2 bought it in 1948 and later, in the 80s, planned to convert it into condos. But the music hall has always been an event venue to date.
First, the hall became a popular punk and new wave hub when it was a rock music venue in the late 70s. In 1983, Chuck Terzella reopened it and introduced reggae and other ethnic genres, along with college rock, to the neighborhood. But the club went bankrupt, and Chris Williamson took over and brought alternative rock to the mix. By 1988, Irving Plaza was popular for hosting Milky Way hip-hop nights. However, the hall soon started facing local opposition as Irving Place gentrified.
In the early 90s, while the Polish Army Veterans continued ownership, Ron Delsener took over the club’s management. Over a decade later, Live Nation came on the scene and renovated Irving Plaza and reopened it in April 2007. They officially changed the music hall’s name to Fillmore New York At Irving Plaza, but it never caught on. So, they restored the Irving Plaza name in 2010 and commissioned a replica of the original marquee.
Live Nation closed Irving Plaza New York for renovations in 2019. But now it is back with a calendar full of upcoming shows and has opened its doors to private events like weddings and cocktails.
How many people can it host?
Irving Plaza has a maximum capacity of 1025 for the full venue. Depending on the area used, it can host events for 25 – 1000 guests. Apart from the large music hall, the building also has an expanded lobby, a lounge with a private bar, and balcony-level boxes.
How to buy tickets for upcoming events?
Live Nation event tickets are available online – check the Irving Plaza events calendar and book tickets here.
Access to Irving Plaza events is possible only through mobile ticketing. So, make sure you book your tickets via authorized websites only. Live Nation will not set tickets via email, and printouts aren’t accepted; you’ll need your phone to enter the venue.
For most events, doors open an hour before the scheduled show time, and the box office opens two hours before the door time. While events are usually for all ages, you must be 21+ to enter the onsite bars on the first floor and mezzanine levels.
What is the Irving Plaza address?
Irving Plaza is at 17 Irving Pl, New York, NY 10003.
The popular event venue is in Manhattan’s Union Square neighborhood. Union Square is only one block west of Irving Plaza. Live Nation’s other NYC concert hall, Gramercy Theater, is only a 10-minute walk away. You can easily find Irving Plaza at E 15th St. and Irving Pl. intersection. See the map below to plan your route:
How To Get There
14 St. – Union Square Station is only a two-minute walk from Irving Plaza; you can take 4, 5, 6, L, N, Q, R, or W trains to this subway station. 14th St. PATH station is about a 10-minute walk from the concert venue.
E 14th St/Irving Pl. and Union Sq. E/E 15th St. are the closest bus stops.
If you drive to the event, remember that traffic near Union Square can be challenging. Similarly, finding parking near Irving Plaza is also not easy. It’s best not to pin your hopes on street parking. Even if you find a vacant spot after driving around a few blocks, the time limits and other restrictions make it a risky option for event parking. Fortunately, several garages are available within walking distance of Irving Plaza. Don’t let NYC parking rates discourage you – we’ve got a solution for that.
See: Find the Best Spots for Union Square Parking in NYC
Where to find Irving Plaza parking?
Irving Plaza does not have an onsite garage or an official parking lot. So, you’ll have to find a parking spot – but doing that on the event day is not a good plan. There’s no guarantee you’ll find a space at nearby garages. Due to high demand, especially in the evenings, drive-up rates also go higher than usual. You can avoid all these problems by pre-booking parking near Irving Plaza online.
Check out 212 East 19th Street Garage; it’s only 0.3 miles or a 10-minute walk from Irving Plaza and has hourly rates as low as $11. Enjoy safe and affordable indoor valet parking for up to six hours for just $24 when you book a spot at this 24×7 garage.
See: How to Book City Parking on Way.com: A Step-by-Step Guide
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