Majed J. Nesheiwat Convention Center
A versatile venue in Poughkeepsie hosting concerts, comedy, ice sports, and community events, with a notable ice arena.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Check schedules for concerts, comedy, and sports.
Majed J. Nesheiwat Convention Center
Best Time
Check schedules for concerts, comedy, and sports.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A versatile venue in Poughkeepsie hosting concerts, comedy, ice sports, and community events, with a notable ice arena.
"Seating and parking are frequent complaints, but the variety of events keeps people coming back."
🎯 Check Seating Charts
Review seating arrangements carefully before buying tickets to avoid obstructed views.
🚗 Factor in Parking Delays
Expect longer exit times from the parking lot post-event.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
McCann Ice Arena
Inside the Convention Center
Home to ice skating events, from open skates to competitive games and unique 'Guns & Hoses' matchups.
Live Event Performances
Main Hall
Hosts a variety of shows, from tribute bands like Killer Queen to comedy acts and comic conventions.
Community Events & Festivals
Various areas
Features events like the Hudson Valley Wing Fest and comic cons, bringing diverse crowds and vendors together.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Seating & Visibility Concerns
Parking & Traffic
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Check Seating Charts
Review seating arrangements carefully before buying tickets to avoid obstructed views.
🚗 Factor in Parking Delays
Expect longer exit times from the parking lot post-event.
📞 Box Office Accessibility
The box office may not always answer the phone; try to resolve ticketing issues in advance.
🎤 Sound Quality Varies
Some attendees report mixed acoustics; manage expectations for sound.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Check Seating Charts
Review seating arrangements carefully before buying tickets to avoid obstructed views.
🚗 Factor in Parking Delays
Expect longer exit times from the parking lot post-event.
📞 Box Office Accessibility
The box office may not always answer the phone; try to resolve ticketing issues in advance.
🎤 Sound Quality Varies
Some attendees report mixed acoustics; manage expectations for sound.
⛸️ Ice Arena Fun
Enjoy public ice skating sessions at the McCann Ice Arena.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
The Majed J. Nesheiwat Convention Center offers a diverse range of events, from concerts and comedy to ice skating. However, visitor experiences are often impacted by significant issues with seating comfort, obstructed views, and challenging parking lot egress, leading to frustration for some attendees.
"Horrible! You are literally sitting on each others lap. You pay $150 for a ticket to sit in a folding chair. It is floor seating so if you are so fortunate to have someone tall sitting in front of you, good luck trying to see the stage!
Parking: Parking across from the venue, in a parking lot with one exit. Prepare to take 20-30 mins to get out of the parking lot."
Mike K
"Attended a dance recital and not at all impressed with seating arrangements and several aspects. It's all floor seating, so seeing the stage if seated beyond maybe from the tenth row back is trying. Seats are too close together, making it uncomfortable side to side and the rows are spaced too closely. Stepping on toes or tripping was the order of the day.
Then there is the booze aspect. Who serves booze at a mostly children's dance recital???"
Verizon YouTubeTC
"Awful! The worst place we’ve ever seen a concert. The doors opened a half hour late getting in which added to blocked isles and not being able to see the band. We literally missed the entire first act because of people arriving late and not being able to find their seats. The seats are poorly lettered and the isles get crowded quickly which blocks the view for people who got there on time to see the show. All we heard was the band singing, couldn’t see a thing for a good 50 minutes. When purchasing tickets online you think you’re purchasing good seats, you get there and end up on the floor. I would NEVER buy floor seats. Three other couples around us said the same thing. The acoustics were awful! All three bands sounded tingy, there was a very high pitch in their voices and instruments. Something was just off with the sound. We ended up leaving early because it was that bad. Definitely a different kind of crowd attending shows here. Look around for the exit because this is definitely a trampled scene waiting to happen. We won’t be returning."
Cindy D
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The convention center is located in Poughkeepsie, NY. It's accessible by car, and public transportation options like Metro-North Railroad can bring you to Poughkeepsie Station, which is relatively close to the venue.
Parking is available, often across from the venue. However, be prepared for potential traffic congestion and delays when exiting the parking lot after events, as there's typically only one exit.
Yes, Poughkeepsie is served by Metro-North Railroad, making it accessible from New York City. Check local bus routes for closer access within Poughkeepsie.
Yes, drop-off points are usually available near the main entrances. This can be a good alternative to dealing with parking lot exit delays.
Arriving earlier than the scheduled event time can help you navigate traffic and find parking more easily.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Tickets are typically available through the event promoter's website or authorized ticketing platforms. Some events may also offer tickets at the venue's box office, though it's best to confirm availability and operating hours.
Ticket prices vary widely depending on the event. Some events, like tribute concerts, might have tickets around $32.50 plus fees, while others, like comedy shows, could be around $150 for floor seating.
Availability at the door depends on the specific event. It's always recommended to purchase tickets in advance, especially for popular shows, to guarantee entry and potentially better seating.
Late arrivals may face challenges finding seats, especially if aisles become crowded. Some events have experienced delays in opening doors, causing attendees to miss parts of the show.
Keep an eye out for flash sales or early bird specials, as seen with tribute band events offering discounted prices for a limited time.
🎫 🎤 Onsite Experience
The venue offers various seating options, including floor seating and traditional tiered seating. However, reviews suggest floor seating can be very close together and may lead to obstructed views.
Floor seating can be problematic, especially if there are taller individuals in front of you, making it difficult to see the stage. Many attendees recommend avoiding floor seats if possible.
Audience feedback on sound quality is mixed. Some have described it as 'tingy' or 'off,' while others have had positive experiences.
Yes, concessions are typically available, including food and beverages. Some events, like dance recitals, have served alcohol, which has drawn mixed reactions.
The venue hosts a wide range of events, including concerts, comedy shows, ice hockey games, comic conventions, and community festivals. 
📸 📸 Photography
Photography policies vary by event. For most concerts and performances, personal cameras and video recorders are often prohibited. Check the specific event's guidelines beforehand.
While the focus is on the event, the McCann Ice Arena can offer interesting perspectives for photos, especially during skating events.
Consider purchasing professional photos if available, or focus on enjoying the performance and capturing short video clips if permitted by the event organizer.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
For larger events like festivals or comic cons, there are often diverse attractions that can appeal to children. +1However, families should be mindful of the seating arrangements for shows. If attending a concert or performance, the close proximity of floor seats and potential for obstructed views might be less ideal for younger children who need a clear line of sight. It's advisable to research the specific event and seating options to ensure a comfortable experience for the whole family.
🎤 Comedy Show Enthusiasts
It's still wise to be aware of the general seating concerns, particularly regarding floor seating and potential visibility issues. However, the quality of the performers and the staff's efforts are often highlighted as contributing to a positive comedy night.
⛸️ Ice Skating Aficionados
or attending events like the 'Guns & Hoses' winter classic, the arena provides a dedicated space for ice activities. It's a great spot for families and individuals to enjoy a skate. Keep an eye on the arena's schedule for public session times and any special events that might be happening. The arena also hosts various ice-related competitions and community gatherings.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating Seating and Visibility
When booking tickets, it's highly recommended to scrutinize the seating chart. If possible, opt for tiered seating further back rather than floor seats to ensure a clearer view of the stage. The venue's transition from the 'Civic Center' to 'MJN' has been cited by some as a period where customer service and accessibility aspects, including seating, may have declined.
For events like dance recitals or concerts, where visual performance is key, the seating can significantly impact the overall enjoyment. Attendees have expressed frustration over paying premium prices for tickets only to have their view compromised.
Event Variety at MJN
and the 'Hudson Valley Wing Fest', to the laughter-inducing performances of stand-up comedians, and remembrance ceremonies.The McCann Ice Arena within the center is a significant draw, hosting public ice skating sessions,
hockey games, and unique events like the 'Guns & Hoses' charity match between police and firefighters. This dual functionality, offering both a large convention space and an ice arena, makes the MJN a key entertainment and event destination in the Hudson Valley.When planning a visit, it's essential to check the MJN's official schedule or their social media for upcoming events. This will give you the best insight into the types of performances, sports, and community gatherings happening at the center.
+2Parking and Traffic Management
This bottleneck effect can be frustrating, especially after enjoying a performance. While the venue itself might be well-equipped for hosting events, the post-event egress is a common pain point. Some reviews suggest that the venue owner and the city of Poughkeepsie need to better manage traffic and parking for local events.
To mitigate this, attendees might consider arriving earlier to secure a spot and be prepared for the exit, or exploring alternative transportation methods if feasible. For those driving, patience is key, and factoring in extra time for departure is a wise strategy.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit