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THE FILLMORE MINNEAPOLIS IS READY FOR ITS DEBUT


The Fillmore Minneapolis | Live Nation

The doors to Minneapolis’ newest music venue are ready to officially open.

The Fillmore Minneapolis Presented by Affinity Plus Federal Credit Union (we’re going to refer to it as “The Fillmore“) will welcome Brandi Carlile and over 1,800 concert-goers into their brand-new music venue beginning today, Wednesday, February 12th.

Brandi Carlile, the American singer-songwriter and producer who has a massive following in Minnesota, will officially open the music venue with a three-night, sold-out residency. Following her, Motion City Soundtrack will take the stage for another, three-night residency. In the coming months there are over 40 other concerts planned featuring artists like Jill Scott, RUFUS DU SOL, James Arthur, Louis Tomlinson and more.

THE BUILDING

The Fillmore is located in a new building that is directly next to the Target Field light rail station and Target Field itself. The building was developed by United Properties and designed by Tushie Montgomery Architects. In addition to The Fillmore, it also houses a 160-room Element by Westin hotel (Minnesota’s first) and Trax Burgers and Bar.


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View from the main floor | Live Nation

THE VENUE

The new music venue spans over 36,000 square feet and is located on two-levels of space


Upon entering the ground level from the street you’ll find a large lobby, Trax Burgers and Bar, a coat check, restrooms and the entry to the theater itself.

Once you step into the venue, you’ll find two bars with neon backdrops that are illuminated by black lights (one on each side of the space) and a massive open area that leads up to the stage which is framed by metal work. Above the main floor you’ll find what has become a signature element of Fillmore venues, four crystal chandeliers.

At the back of the ground floor near the entry there is a staircase that leads to the second floor.

When heading up the stairs the first thing you’ll notice is a wall mural of none other than Prince. The mural itself was crafted from over one-hundred of The Fillmore’s iconic concert posters which then were then painted over with a pink to purple gradient. On top of that canvas the face of Prince himself and his famous logo were painted. Quite the entry, huh?

On the second floor you’ll find another bar, additional seating that also includes premium seating, a lounge area, and restrooms. Those who purchase premium seating will have reserved box seating with unobstructed views, in-seat service, dedicated concierge, a private entrance and access to BG’s Lounge.

So, what exactly is BG’S Lounge? We’ll fill you in.


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BG’s Lounge | Live Nation

BG’S LOUNGE

Looking for a truly VIP experience? You’re in luck.

BG’s Lounge is located behind a set of doors on the second floor just to the right of the bar and trust us, this place you’ll want to check out for sure.


Named after Bill Graham, the man who had the original vision for The Fillmore brand, the lounge will be accessible to those who buy a premium ticket and has space for around 80 individuals.

When you walk into the space the first thing you most likely notice is an absolutely massive, multi-tier circular light fixture above the bar. That bar itself is equally as massive and is centered within the room as a grounding point. Behind the bar there are four dramatic, entirely red, lounge spaces each with a different unique poster of Minnesota music legends (Lizzo, The Replacements, Prince and Bob Dylan).

The rest of the interior is absolutely stunning and packed with tons of design details. The walls are clad with murals (there’s a dog hidden in one, try to find it), framed photos and there’s even a large window with views of the Downtown Minneapolis skyline. In one corner of the room there is a dramatic golden curtain backdrop that marks space that will be used as performance space for DJs and small music acts.

BG’s Lounge will also be available to reserve for private events.

TRAX BURGERS AND BAR

There’s more than just music at The Fillmore, there’s delicious food (and more drinks) too.

Trax Burgers and Bar is a new restaurant that opened last week within the same building as The Fillmore. You’ll walk right past it when you enter the music venue and you’ll walk right past it on your way out, so make sure to swing by both times to grab some drinks and an app or two.


The menu at Trax is extensive and includes things like bacon candy, homemade chili, a wagyu marrow burger, tempura cauliflower, boozy milkshakes and even chocolate fried double stuf Oreos. Drooling yet? #weare

The space, like everywhere else in The Fillmore, is also impeccably designed. One of the most focal features is the bar that extends for most of the length of the restaurant. Its unique backdrop is a lit bookcase that stretches then length of the bar and is filled with hundreds of records.

Another unique design element within the space includes a wall that is clad with red forms that were created in different sized muffin pans, then assembled on the wall in a Jenga like pattern and illuminated from beneath. The space in front of that wall is set up as dining space typically but can be changed to create a small stage for performances. If you’re counting, that means we are up to three performance spaces within the entire building.

For those who cherish every moment of the warm months in Minnesota, you’ll be glad to know that there will be a large outdoor patio with a significant amount of outdoor seating.

While Trax Burgers and Bar is owned by Live Nation, it’ll operate separately from The Fillmore and will be open Monday through Thursday from 11am to 11pm and until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays.

THE HISTORY BEHIND THE FILLMORE

Now, we’re going to end this post with a little bit of history on The Fillmore and why it’s kind of a big deal Minneapolis is the next city for the brand.

The original Fillmore opened in San Francisco’s Fillmore District in 1954.

“The Fillmore Auditorium” as it was originally called was founded by Charles Sullivan, a successful African-American businessman. It wasn’t until a decade later when a concert promotor named Bill Graham began to use the venue for shows that The Fillmore began to pick up steam.

In the 1960’s Graham helped put the place on the map. Artists like Santana, The Who, Pink Floyd, B.B. King and more preformed at The Fillmore and shortly after due to the success of the original venue, The Fillmore began to open additional venues. The original theater sadly closed in 1968 and became home to a number of other theaters in the years after.

However, in 1994 the original theater re-opened and in 2007 it was leased and began to be operated by Live Nation. Since then Live Nation has created a brand out of The Fillmore and there are now nine locations spread across the country.

The Fillmore Minneapolis is the tenth Fillmore in the chain and will join the list of venues located in other iconic cities like New Orleans, Philadelphia, Miami Beach, Denver and more. While The Fillmore Minneapolis may be the newest, it won’t be the last Fillmore to open. #winkwink

The Fillmore Minneapolis is located at 521 N 5th Street in the North Loop.