John Paul Jones Arena
Charlottesville's premier arena for major concerts, thrilling sports, and unforgettable live events.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, great for concerts.
John Paul Jones Arena
Best Time
Fewer crowds, great for concerts.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Charlottesville's premier arena for major concerts, thrilling sports, and unforgettable live events.
"Great venue. Been to many events here from concerts (Dave Matthew’s, Chris Stapleton, Jelly Roll) Basketball games, monster truck events."
🎟️ Book Tickets in Advance
Popular concerts sell out fast! Check Ticketmaster and the official JPJ website for tickets.
🚗 Parking Strategy
Purchase parking passes early. Garages can be slow to exit post-event.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Live Music Spectacles
Main Arena
Experience electrifying performances from top artists like Tyler Childers, Zach Bryan, and Chris Stapleton.

PBR Bull Riding Action
Main Arena
Witness thrilling bull riding competitions with top cowboys and bulls.

UVA Basketball Games
Main Arena
Cheer on the University of Virginia Cavaliers during exciting NCAA basketball games.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Navigating JPJ Arena: What to Know Before You Go
Accessibility and Seating at JPJ
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎟️ Book Tickets in Advance
Popular concerts sell out fast! Check Ticketmaster and the official JPJ website for tickets.
🚗 Parking Strategy
Purchase parking passes early. Garages can be slow to exit post-event.
🚶 Safe Walking Routes
Walking from nearby hotels is generally safe, especially around campus areas.
🎒 Check Bag Policy
Clear bags are often preferred. Avoid delays by knowing the arena's rules.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Book Tickets in Advance
Popular concerts sell out fast! Check Ticketmaster and the official JPJ website for tickets.
🚗 Parking Strategy
Purchase parking passes early. Garages can be slow to exit post-event.
🚶 Safe Walking Routes
Walking from nearby hotels is generally safe, especially around campus areas.
🎒 Check Bag Policy
Clear bags are often preferred. Avoid delays by knowing the arena's rules.
👀 Seat View Matters
Upper sections can have obstructed views. Research seat views for concerts.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
John Paul Jones Arena is a well-maintained venue praised for its helpful staff and comfortable seating, making it a great spot for concerts and sports. However, some visitors find the numerous steps challenging and certain upper-level seats can offer obstructed views during performances.
"A very nice venue very clean. The staff were for the most part very helpful and very customer service oriented. The only issue that I have is the steps. I took my almost 80 year-old mother to see a concert and there are just way too many steps for people to have to maneuver up and down. I guess it’s the same way throughout all of Charlottesville. Everything is uphill lol"
Leata Washington
"I honestly was not expecting the venue to be as comfortable or easy to get in and out of. I am a big guy but I was very comfortable in the seats crammed in it all. Getting in and out was a breeze we got there 20 to 30 minutes before the show is due to start did not have to wait to go through security. There were plenty of drinks and snacks available for purchase. I'm already looking for other concerts to go see at the arena."
Willy
"Great venue. Been to many events here from concerts (Dave Matthew’s, Chris Stapleton, Jelly Roll) Basketball games, monster truck events. Easy parking if you have a parking pass, garage is not bad but a pain to leave at the end. Seats are good but I prefer the lower section over the top. Floor is not the best but can be good depending on the show. Highly recommend if seeking a fun evening. Food selection is good."
MATTHEW SODIKOFF
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The John Paul Jones Arena (JPJ) is located on the University of Virginia campus in Charlottesville, VA. It's easily accessible by car via major highways. For those staying nearby, walking from hotels like the Kimpton is considered safe, especially in campus and residential areas.
Public transportation options may be limited, so driving or ride-sharing services are common choices for attendees.JPJ offers several parking garages and lots. Purchasing a parking pass in advance is highly recommended, especially for major concerts and events, to ensure a spot and potentially a smoother entry.
Be prepared for potential congestion when exiting the garages after a large event.Yes, walking to the arena from nearby areas, particularly campus housing and graduate schools, is generally considered very safe.
As with any urban environment, it's always wise to be aware of your surroundings and traffic.Yes, ride-sharing services and personal drop-offs are common. There are designated areas for drop-offs and pick-ups, which can be a convenient alternative to parking, especially for avoiding exit traffic.
To minimize traffic delays, consider waiting a bit after the event concludes before attempting to leave the parking garage. Alternatively, pre-purchasing a parking pass for a specific lot might offer a slightly less congested exit route, though significant delays are common for large crowds.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Tickets for events at the John Paul Jones Arena are primarily sold through Ticketmaster, the official ticketing partner. You can also check the official JPJ Arena website for event schedules and links to purchase tickets. Keep an eye out for resale markets, but always buy from reputable sources.
The arena typically enforces a clear bag policy to expedite security checks. Small clutch purses are usually allowed. It's crucial to check the specific event's policy on the JPJ Arena website before your visit to avoid issues at the entrance.
Discounts are not always available, especially for high-demand concerts. However, for certain events like PBR rodeos or family shows, early bird specials or group rates might be offered. Following the arena's social media and signing up for newsletters can alert you to potential deals.
For popular concerts, arriving 30-60 minutes before the scheduled start time is recommended to allow ample time for security checks, finding your seats, and purchasing concessions without missing the beginning of the show.
Yes, the John Paul Jones Arena has a box office, but its operating hours can vary, especially on non-event days. It's best to check the official JPJ Arena website or call ahead to confirm their hours if you plan to purchase tickets in person.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
For concerts, the 'best' seats depend on your preference. Lower sections generally offer a more intimate experience, but some find upper-level seats provide a better overall view of the stage and production. Be aware that some upper seats may have obstructed views due to speakers or stage equipment.
Yes, some seats, particularly in the upper levels, can have obstructed views of the stage or screens due to the placement of speakers and other arena infrastructure.
It's advisable to research seat views online before purchasing tickets for a concert.The arena offers a variety of concessions, including classic arena fare like hot dogs, nachos, and popcorn, as well as some local Charlottesville options. Drink selections typically include soda, beer, and wine.
Yes, the arena is designed to be accessible, with designated seating areas, elevators, and accessible restrooms. Visitors with specific needs should contact the box office in advance to arrange accommodations.
The atmosphere varies greatly by event. Concerts are often energetic and lively, with fans singing along.
Basketball games are passionate, and PBR events are thrilling. The arena staff are generally noted as helpful and customer-service oriented.📸 📸 Photography
Generally, non-professional cameras and phone cameras are allowed for personal use at most events. However, flash photography is usually prohibited. For concerts, specific artist policies may apply, and professional camera equipment is typically not permitted without prior authorization.
For capturing the overall atmosphere, the concourse areas offer good vantage points. During events, focus on capturing the energy of the performers or the action on the court/stage. Be mindful of restrictions on flash and professional equipment.
Video recording is usually restricted to personal use on mobile devices and may be prohibited for professional or commercial purposes. Some artists may have specific policies against any form of recording during their performance.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🎶 Music Lovers
💰 Budget-Conscious Travelers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Concert Experiences at JPJ Arena
However, it's worth noting that seating can be a factor in the concert experience. Some visitors have reported that seats in the upper sections can offer obstructed views, with speakers sometimes blocking screens. For the best experience, researching seat views online before purchasing tickets is highly recommended. Despite potential seating challenges, the overall sentiment for concerts at JPJ Arena is overwhelmingly positive, with many looking forward to returning for future shows.
Beyond Concerts: Sports and More
Event staff at JPJ Arena are frequently highlighted for their helpfulness and customer service orientation, contributing to a positive overall experience. The venue is generally well-maintained and easy to navigate, making it a comfortable place to attend a wide range of events. Parking, while available, can be a point of congestion, especially immediately after an event concludes.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit