Why Maine Savings Amphitheater in Bangor, Maine, is the Best Venue We’ve Been To

It’s no secret that over the last seven years, we Strange Grooves gals have been to many shows…like, A LOT of shows. This means we’ve experienced many venues, from literal basements to large stadiums in Los Angeles.

Over the years, we have realized that size doesn't matter regarding concert experiences. We felt safer and more cared for at the basement show than at the big stadium. 

But this isn’t a hit piece for big venues; it’s the opposite. Some larger venues are transforming how concertgoers, regardless of their seat, experience the show and the space, and the Maine Savings Amphitheater in Bangor, Maine, is leading the way. IN BIG WAYS.

Strange Grooves was lucky enough to be invited to see the incredible Hozier at the newly renovated Main Savings Amphitheater in Bangor, Maine. The venue, familiar to many Atlantic Canadians heading south of the border to check out shows, has undergone a massive overhaul over the last several years. We’re not bullshitting when we say it was the best concert experience we’ve had. 

A Stellar Venue Experience

Pre-show at Maine Savings Amphitheater

From the moment we arrived, we were impressed. The staff outside the venue was accommodating, answering questions and guiding us in the right direction. This might seem like a small detail, but navigating the venue made a huge difference. It makes finding your entrance/seat a breeze, one of the most chaotic parts of going to a show, especially in an unfamiliar city. It makes getting ready for it all worth it, and being greeted in a happy way helps keep the vibes! 

Hereo.

Maine Savings Amphitheater Washrooms

OK, speaking of chaos, let’s talk about the washroom situation.

Women know the pain points of going to the washroom at shows. The line is long, and they’re often filthy and out of toilet paper. Ugh. Frequently, we’d instead hold it until we got home, making enjoying the rest of the show uncomfortable.

The Maine Savings Ampitheater washrooms were a revelation! Dramatic, we know. But thanks to the dedicated staff, they were always clean and well-maintained. We never had to wait, there are no long lines, a game-changer at any concert. It seems so simple, but it makes all the difference. These guys get it! They provide a profound experience down to every detail.

Food and Beverages

Another standout feature was the grab-and-go beverage coolers. Getting a drink was quick and easy, allowing concertgoers to spend more time enjoying the show. No more leaving in the middle of a set, stepping over and around people to get yourself another Vizzy. Again, it is a simple addition that does wonders. 

Speaking of drinks, the Main Savings Ampitheater concessions need to be discussed. Not only do they have your stables, booze, water, etc., but you can also get full-blown restaurant-quality eats. We strongly recommend the Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich and Kanu Burger if you’re super hungry.

For those with premium tickets, the exclusive lounges were a fantastic perk. We had access to the Miller Lite lounge, which offered additional seating, a bar, and complimentary snacks. A++! The staff at all levels were beyond accommodating, excited to talk to patrons and that customer service was noted.

Parking at Maine Savings Amphitheater 

Maine Savings Amphitheater parking is probably the smoothest parking experience we’ve ever had at a larger venue—a hard stop. 

Here’s how it works: You purchase your parking ticket in advance through their website. It then appears as a show ticket on your phone/Ticketmaster account. On your ticket, it tells you your parking gate and the specific address for it (great if you’re using GPS to get around). When you get to your lot, a team member will direct you to your spot to park. That’s it!

Like most shows at larger venues, you can expect some traffic after the show. However, keep in mind Bangor, Maine, is a small city on the grander scale of things, so it’s not too bad. If you hate traffic, you can peace out early, but why miss the rest of the show?

LET’S TALK MERCH

The merch situation is the smoothest we have ever seen, too. You can purchase your merch before the show entirely, you can buy it there and have prepaid and pick it up, and if you are in one of the suites, the amazing merch team will come right to you with their iPad and make sure you get a memento from the show. This above and beyond is important because in 2024, people are spending more money than ever historically recorded on concert tickets, accommodations and merchandise. Having it accessible, sensory-friendly and just overall friendly is a game changer, and we encourage other venues to take note.

Where to stay in Bangor, Maine

Hotel Ursa in Bangor: The Perfect Concert Getaway

The Maine Savings Amphitheatre crew kindly arranged for us to stay at their partner hotel, Hotel Ursa. This boutique hotel on the University of Maine campus is a hidden gem just a 20-minute drive from the venue.

Hotel Ursa perfectly blends academic charm with modern comfort. The rooms are beautifully decorated, spotless, and devoid of dorm-like vibes. The hotel also boasts a fitness center, a relaxing lounge, and a delightful cafe called Major Minor, serving delicious coffee and breakfast options.

Why choose Hotel Ursa?

Concert-goers know all too well the exorbitant hotel prices that accompany big shows. It’s not unheard of for people to be spending CAD 800 for a room at the Super 8. We wish we were joking. 

But Hotel Ursa won’t do you like that. 

Hotel Ursa offers special rates for concert attendees, making it a more affordable and convenient option. 

While the idea of walking back to your accommodation after a concert is appealing, the reality of navigating crowds and waiting for elevators can be daunting. Hotel Ursa offers a peaceful retreat without the hassle.

Hotel Ursa is also a short drive from Bangor’s shopping district, so you can easily hit Target before the show or on the way home! Honestly, Hotel Ursa is Bangor’s best-kept secret. 

Even better? They gave us a code for our awesome Strange Crew if they’d like to book a room. Use “strangegrooves” when you make your reservation! *wink*wink*. 

Bangor concerts are where it's at

We’ve always loved coming down to Bangor for shows. Still, after seeing the exceptional audience and customer experience at Maine Savings Amphitheater and Hotel Ursa, we’re already counting down the days for our next trip!

Make sure you check out their upcoming shows and book your room now! Who knows, maybe we’ll see you there!