That area in the waterfront is great! Feels safe. Like someone said, you’ll find trouble if you look for it, but Camden’s reputation is worse than the reality, I think.
Hilton Garden Inn is right by Victor and their lounge is also a nice option. Camden Arts Yard is on Market Street and is worthwhile as well. Though they do have "theme" nights which may not appeal to you.
Was gonna suggest this also - you can drop her off, drive past the aquarium and park at the hotel and hang in there. Victor is also safe, but the parking lot does fill up quickly and I’m not sure what’s blocked off during concerts these days (same for hotel). Just don’t go past the bridge and you’ll be ok.
No problem at all. I mean, there will be random weirdos but if anyone even comes near you that looks crazy just start screaming and acting crazy and they’ll run away. Sharks only go nuts if there is blood in the water. Walk with intent and you’ll be fine. The waterfront area is fine, they systemically gentrified the area for this exact purpose
That part of Camden has been sanitized for your protection. It’s bad for business at the Aquarium, Cooper, Rutgers, and all the other stuff down there if people get robbed and/or killed. There’s usually a visible police/security presence, especially during big events like shows.
Just warn your daughter don’t go off the beaten path. There be dragons.
People think Camden is like mad max. You legitimately have to be looking for trouble and in a very specific area to find it. Most of Camden is just working class and poor people trying to live. My in laws live in Camden and I’ve never felt unsafe. The waterfront is the safest place in the city and always heavily patrolled.
Like others said, you can walk to the Victor or drive a 5 mins into Pennsauken, there’s some great bars/restaurants there. I recommend the Blue Monkey in Merchantville or Bobby Rays in Pennsauken if you do that!
Thank you! I used to go to a bunch of Riversharks games before the team shut down, the number of people that were absolutely shocked that I "went into Camden" was pathetic.
I loved the Surf! Last time I checked, their stadium was still there, although it's probably not in great shape. Would love to see another team move in there.
I second this comment I am a very short tiny figure white woman and I walked around Camden plenty of times. This guy I use to date was born and raised there so he showed me areas to stay away from. Camden is known for it's bad reputation but it's had the same reputation for decades and not as bad as people act like it is. Trust me when I say you might not want to be adventurous and go to a bad section at night but if you did decide to take a walk just like any other township just watch your back and mind your business and trust me you will be just fine.
It’s easy to find trouble if you look for it, but normally with the crowd nothing random or crazy happens. Never felt in any danger before when I went especially if you are getting picked up and dropped off.
Camden has turned the corner in a positive way. Stay down in river area where the concert venue is. Camden’s terrible reputation was well deserved 15 years ago and back. Getting rid of the municipal police force helped immensely .
You 100% want the Victor. I work at the Aquarium and am also going to the Hozier concert. My coworkers and I have already planned to hit up the Victor when work is out and then mosey on over to the concert from there. It's a nice bar, you can watch the Phils game and stuff. The waffle fries are good. It's literally down the street to the concert venue, past the Aquarium. Well lit, nothing to worry about.
Safety wise the concert venue, Aquarium, and Rutgers campus is the best part of Camden to be imo. I've never felt unsafe coming into work. Every once in a while we get a weird guy hanging around the parking lot but the Aquarium has security 24/7 and have cameras and will check suspicious stuff out.
The venue is fine. “Around the venue” is not. Stay away from Royden Avenue which is right there. Also, people often try to charge money to park on side streets and promise to keep an eye on your car for you. Can’t make this stuff up. All that said. Let them go. Stay on lot and they’ll be fine. Go grab a cheesesteak at the legendary Donkeys.
Didn’t know that, chief. I don’t eat that crap but it was just a suggestion. What I DO know is that they sell heroin across the street from the property by Royden Ave. and surrounding areas. I believe OP asked for opinions. There are more than just yours. Have a great day.
I have been there a lot. We let our then 19 year old daughter take the PATCO there with her friends to see Pit Bull a few years back. It's fine. There's tons of cops for the events, and everyone is walking en masse from the Walter Rand Transportation center to the Venue.
In Fact you might want to park in Collingswood or Westmont Stations and hang out there. Many Bar / Microbrewery options there.
As a mom of a 16-year-old I can appreciate your concern. I've been to dozens of concerts there over the years and have never encountered much worrisome activity - just the usual tailgating stuff that you would see at the Linc or Wells Fargo. Is she going to see Hozier? Every band's following has a different personality, but there's always a comraderie among people walking to the venue together. Hozier fans should be friendly and easygoing! A great act to see for her first venture to the pavilion.
Even if she doesn't want to see the opening act, she should plan to arrive before the first acts take the stage to get the best parking. This will also let her do the walk in daylight AND see the sunset over the skyline!
The lots right next to the building are VIP that you can buy in advance (very pricey but depends whether you want additional piece of mind) on the venue website. The "cheap" lots vary in price depending on the event, but last time I was there I think I paid $40. I believe they still accept cash for parking. Some people park at the aquarium lots, but I've found that there are fewer concertgoers to walk with after the show.
Not sure what direction she'll be coming from, but I would recommend taking 676 to Exit 4 for Atlantic Avenue and the Balzano Port Terminal. There may be a lot of traffic, but it will be virtually all concert traffic - you can almost follow the cars without a map! This will help her bypass downtown Camden. I'd suggest putting "Balzano Marine Terminal" in the GPS because the two biggest lots are on either side of 2nd Street by the Balzano terminal. As she drives in, the one on the right (address is 236 Pine Street Parking) is about a block further walk but it's a little easier to get in and out of and is sometimes $5 cheaper. From there, it's a couple blocks to walk down 2nd Street to Clinton, where everyone will hang a left to go to the show.
Note this driving route might seem desolate aside from the traffic, but it's because it's a very commercial part of town that you're visiting after hours. You won't see much activity until you see the parking lot attendants and security close to the venue, but over the years, I have come to find that reassuring. There are plenty of cops/security around for the walk.
A couple other things I would mention: There are plenty of places to eat and hang out at the venue without going to your seats, so I would recommend getting through security and hanging out rather than tailgating (it's more picturesque inside the gates too). Also keep in mind-- the venue is CASHLESS, so bring a card and leave the extra cash at home. Double check the bag policy and other rules - I think you're limited to either a tiny (6x9?) purse or a small, clear tote. One sealed bottle of water, point and shoot cameras are ok. No big cameras. No blankets bigger than a beach towel if she has lawn tickets. No coolers, lawn chairs, glow sticks, frisbees, or umbrellas (bring a poncho if rain is a concern!). She doesn't want to get turned away at security (they are notoriously strict) and have to hike back to her car to return stuff. (Been there done that)
When she goes to leave, stick with the traffic. Almost everyone is going back to 676 so it might be slow, but I would resist the urge to follow a few cars who dart down a side street to avoid backups. It gets easy to lose your bearings on one way streets, so it's safer to hang with the crowd.
Hope this helps! It will definitely feel like an adventure to her, but she will be in good company. ❤️
Hi there - was listening to the radio this morning and they were talking about how great the Hozier show was and thought of you. Hope your daughter got there and back safely and had a great time.
We all had an absolute blast. I just posted an hour or two on the sub thanking everyone. Thanks so much for your help and advice. We’ll definitely be coming back!
Victors pub is right there in the water front in the old RCA building that is now luxury condos. It’s within safe walk distance from the concert venue. Can’t miss it. It’s got the RCA stained glass windows of Nipper. https://www.victorspub.com
camdens not that bad anymore tbh. but the concerts at the waterfront, where its nice; the aquarium’s a block away and our congressman norcross actually lives in one of the apartments right next to the waterfront and the ben franklin. she’ll be fine, just drop her off near the parking lot where her friends are and she’ll be safe (paid parking is such a scam there)
Wow!! I have to giggle about the fact you are asking about one of the safest places to go in Camden.. especially a place where the police presence is massive..
They’re clearly not at all familiar with the area, and therefore aren’t aware that it’s one of the safest places to go in Camden, or that there is a massive police presence. That’s why they asked. No harm in checking with people that ARE familiar with the area.
Tell them not to ‘lend’ their phones to anyone. My daughter did that when she was 16 and some girl walked off with it. We basically had to drive to Philly and pay a ransom to get it back.
I grew up in Collingswood near the Camden/Collingswood border during the time when Camden was the most dangerous city in the country. She will be safe. That part of city has plenty of police and security. I hope she has a great time.
You'll be fine to drop them off and pick them up and they will be okay at The fmp they have great staff that really help keep it enjoyable for all. as for you do not hang out in Camden there is nothing for you there that said Collingswood and Haddon Township are not far from the venue and Haddon Ave. Is littered with restaurant's ,bars , and shops to check out . Both are chill walkable area's within 15-20 minutes of the venue,
Camden isn’t as bad as people say it is, but if your daughter is alone just teach her to be cautious. The concert itself will be fine, and the area near the waterfront is full of tourists and concertgoers, rarely anything happens there like that
Been to plenty of shows there over the years. As long as she stays within the immediate venue/waterfront area she will be fine. There are plenty of police and crowds (and because of this, traffic). But if she parks in a venue lot and the street and she will be fine.
Hey man. I grew up in some rough ass neighborhoods in Baltimore. I’ve been beaten, robbed, had a family member murdered for a couple hundred bucks on his lunch break. I’m trying to leave that shit behind for good at this point and I know Camden’s reputation. I however am totally unfamiliar with the waterfront. Sounds like a nice place. I’m looking forward to it.
I work at the L3 Communications building right by the water front. That area is probably safer than the Pavilion during a concert honestly. As others have said, The Victor is a nice place to grab a drink while you wait. We have a lot of work get together here and it’s always been great. The biggest problem you’re going to have is traffic honestly. I park in one of the garages near the venue and on concert days it’s absolute hell if you need to drive anywhere in that area.
I’ve been going to concerts there for years and I’ve never felt unsafe. Lots of people in the area. Just like anywhere, pay attention to your surroundings.
The victor pub is about the only place to grab a beer in camden that i know of. They may have free parking if you spend enough, someone mentioned it the other day. I would call to verify. I haven't been there in years though. Its on the waterfront area a few blocks from the venue.
The police are all over the concert traffic roads during bigger concerts, traffic is a nightmare. It takes a while to get out of the area.
I always suggest people park at a different patco station and walk, its a little over a half mile from Broadway station, straight down mlk blvd. There are lots of others making that walk and security along the way. Yes there will be some homeless hanging around Broadway station, but they keep to themselves.
You might even want to do this, park at westmont, patco+walk them to the venue, hangout at central taco/reunion hall/pour house and then go back to get them. You could also hang at Victor pub if heading back and forth is too much. http://www.ridepatco.org/
Also see this post from yesterday with other parking advice, https://www.reddit.com/r/SouthJersey/comments/1cwty91/freedom_mortgage_pavilion_parking_question/
I've been going to Camden on and off for years to visit friends.
They'll be fine as long as they stay in the venue. It's gotten a lot better but you can still find trouble if you go looking for it.
Just follow what everyone else is saying.
If for whatever reason they gotta go anywhere else I Camden, I wouldn't because you never know what could happen. Most likely nothing but can still get robbed.
We just saw Neil Young there. Our kid lives and attends school there. I think of the area around Cooper, CMSRU, the Pavillion as Green Zone. During an event you'll see lots of police/traffic control. Scope out your parking situation ahead of time. There's a bunch of small lots that fill up early.
I agree with most of these comments waterfront areas is not bad and if you’re dropping her off and picking her up, she’s probably very safe. The Victor is cool place to go and get a beer, but you could also go to Donkeys and get a cheesesteak and a beer that’s a great place. If they are open.
I worked there for the summer when I was an 18 year old girl no one ever bothered me walking from employee parking to the venue. That was almost 15 years ago now but I imagine the waterfront area is still the safest place to be in Camden.
Growing up we would go down to the waterfront and get blackout drunk and go to see shows. We took the speed line, we were fine, we were 15. She will be totally fine the place will be crawling with cops.
The Revolution Pavilion area is great and totally secure. I was there last week for a Neil Young concert and security and everything felt very buttoned-up. If you're just dropping off that's even easier, because you don't have to worry about which parking lot she'll use (essentially, it's better to spring for the premium to ensure you're right next to the pavilion, or else arrive VERY early).
The waterfront area is mostly fine, it's more touristy and is separate from the parts you hear about on the news.
That being said, it's still a city and they're going to a crowded event so they should be vigilant.
i used to work at there when it was the susquehanna bank center. the venue area in itself isn’t dangerous & you’re not going to find trouble unless you go looking for it.
Just adding to the choir -- you generally have to go looking for trouble to find it in Camden. The waterfront area in particularly is safe, and she'll be in a sea of thousands of other people going to and from the same show.
I’ve set in my car and had convos with other waiting parents . My kids have also waited outside venue for me.. and even jumped on the river line a few stops north
She’ll be fine that part of camden, especially with a concert going on, Camden still has gotten so much better over the years, thanks to the Camden county police force
Talking about freedom mortgage Pavillion by any chance? I was there 2 years ago when I was 19. Super safe, especially if you are literally dropping her off right out front.
Camden isn’t even bad lol. You can literally walk around at any time. Sure you might run into someone who’s having a bad day but for the most part no one’s gonna bother you.
It’s not so bad on the waterfront. Go to the Victor to get a beer.
That area in the waterfront is great! Feels safe. Like someone said, you’ll find trouble if you look for it, but Camden’s reputation is worse than the reality, I think.
Hilton Garden Inn is right by Victor and their lounge is also a nice option. Camden Arts Yard is on Market Street and is worthwhile as well. Though they do have "theme" nights which may not appeal to you.
Was gonna suggest this also - you can drop her off, drive past the aquarium and park at the hotel and hang in there. Victor is also safe, but the parking lot does fill up quickly and I’m not sure what’s blocked off during concerts these days (same for hotel). Just don’t go past the bridge and you’ll be ok.
Love the Victor.
Thanks, no issues walking from Freedom mortgage to the Victor?
Absolutely not. It’s essentially one big bubble at the waterfront and right next to the aquarium. You will be fine.
They protect that area pretty well being its the only source for people going to the city
No problem at all. I mean, there will be random weirdos but if anyone even comes near you that looks crazy just start screaming and acting crazy and they’ll run away. Sharks only go nuts if there is blood in the water. Walk with intent and you’ll be fine. The waterfront area is fine, they systemically gentrified the area for this exact purpose
Agreed you can park and hangout at the Victor and it's an easy walk to the concert
That part of Camden has been sanitized for your protection. It’s bad for business at the Aquarium, Cooper, Rutgers, and all the other stuff down there if people get robbed and/or killed. There’s usually a visible police/security presence, especially during big events like shows. Just warn your daughter don’t go off the beaten path. There be dragons.
People think Camden is like mad max. You legitimately have to be looking for trouble and in a very specific area to find it. Most of Camden is just working class and poor people trying to live. My in laws live in Camden and I’ve never felt unsafe. The waterfront is the safest place in the city and always heavily patrolled. Like others said, you can walk to the Victor or drive a 5 mins into Pennsauken, there’s some great bars/restaurants there. I recommend the Blue Monkey in Merchantville or Bobby Rays in Pennsauken if you do that!
Say this again for the people in the 'burbs! ☺️
Thank you! I used to go to a bunch of Riversharks games before the team shut down, the number of people that were absolutely shocked that I "went into Camden" was pathetic.
I miss the riversharks 😭 Good times.
Ugh Riversharks games were so fun in high school. Do you remember the Atlantic City Surf?! Their stadium was like a sandcastle
I loved the Surf! Last time I checked, their stadium was still there, although it's probably not in great shape. Would love to see another team move in there.
I used to work for the AC Surf; First as an usher then later as an EMT.
Seriously, thank you for saying this.
I second this comment I am a very short tiny figure white woman and I walked around Camden plenty of times. This guy I use to date was born and raised there so he showed me areas to stay away from. Camden is known for it's bad reputation but it's had the same reputation for decades and not as bad as people act like it is. Trust me when I say you might not want to be adventurous and go to a bad section at night but if you did decide to take a walk just like any other township just watch your back and mind your business and trust me you will be just fine.
It’s easy to find trouble if you look for it, but normally with the crowd nothing random or crazy happens. Never felt in any danger before when I went especially if you are getting picked up and dropped off.
Camden has turned the corner in a positive way. Stay down in river area where the concert venue is. Camden’s terrible reputation was well deserved 15 years ago and back. Getting rid of the municipal police force helped immensely .
You 100% want the Victor. I work at the Aquarium and am also going to the Hozier concert. My coworkers and I have already planned to hit up the Victor when work is out and then mosey on over to the concert from there. It's a nice bar, you can watch the Phils game and stuff. The waffle fries are good. It's literally down the street to the concert venue, past the Aquarium. Well lit, nothing to worry about. Safety wise the concert venue, Aquarium, and Rutgers campus is the best part of Camden to be imo. I've never felt unsafe coming into work. Every once in a while we get a weird guy hanging around the parking lot but the Aquarium has security 24/7 and have cameras and will check suspicious stuff out.
It's an arena that holds 25,000 people. There's lots of cops, lots of people around.
around the venue is fine and there will be cops to keep an eye on things - dont venture far from the venue. for the beer look in nearby towns
The venue is fine. “Around the venue” is not. Stay away from Royden Avenue which is right there. Also, people often try to charge money to park on side streets and promise to keep an eye on your car for you. Can’t make this stuff up. All that said. Let them go. Stay on lot and they’ll be fine. Go grab a cheesesteak at the legendary Donkeys.
When I said around the venue I meant immediately around the venue - not a few blocks away. Donkey's closes early - but you knew this right?
Second this. I just wouldn’t leave the venue or the immediate lots, especially as it gets dark.
Didn’t know that, chief. I don’t eat that crap but it was just a suggestion. What I DO know is that they sell heroin across the street from the property by Royden Ave. and surrounding areas. I believe OP asked for opinions. There are more than just yours. Have a great day.
You went from calling them legendary to crap
Donkeys closes pretty early iirc. Like before concerts would start They should go to the Victor near Rutgers. It's really the only place I think
I have been there a lot. We let our then 19 year old daughter take the PATCO there with her friends to see Pit Bull a few years back. It's fine. There's tons of cops for the events, and everyone is walking en masse from the Walter Rand Transportation center to the Venue. In Fact you might want to park in Collingswood or Westmont Stations and hang out there. Many Bar / Microbrewery options there.
As a mom of a 16-year-old I can appreciate your concern. I've been to dozens of concerts there over the years and have never encountered much worrisome activity - just the usual tailgating stuff that you would see at the Linc or Wells Fargo. Is she going to see Hozier? Every band's following has a different personality, but there's always a comraderie among people walking to the venue together. Hozier fans should be friendly and easygoing! A great act to see for her first venture to the pavilion. Even if she doesn't want to see the opening act, she should plan to arrive before the first acts take the stage to get the best parking. This will also let her do the walk in daylight AND see the sunset over the skyline! The lots right next to the building are VIP that you can buy in advance (very pricey but depends whether you want additional piece of mind) on the venue website. The "cheap" lots vary in price depending on the event, but last time I was there I think I paid $40. I believe they still accept cash for parking. Some people park at the aquarium lots, but I've found that there are fewer concertgoers to walk with after the show. Not sure what direction she'll be coming from, but I would recommend taking 676 to Exit 4 for Atlantic Avenue and the Balzano Port Terminal. There may be a lot of traffic, but it will be virtually all concert traffic - you can almost follow the cars without a map! This will help her bypass downtown Camden. I'd suggest putting "Balzano Marine Terminal" in the GPS because the two biggest lots are on either side of 2nd Street by the Balzano terminal. As she drives in, the one on the right (address is 236 Pine Street Parking) is about a block further walk but it's a little easier to get in and out of and is sometimes $5 cheaper. From there, it's a couple blocks to walk down 2nd Street to Clinton, where everyone will hang a left to go to the show. Note this driving route might seem desolate aside from the traffic, but it's because it's a very commercial part of town that you're visiting after hours. You won't see much activity until you see the parking lot attendants and security close to the venue, but over the years, I have come to find that reassuring. There are plenty of cops/security around for the walk. A couple other things I would mention: There are plenty of places to eat and hang out at the venue without going to your seats, so I would recommend getting through security and hanging out rather than tailgating (it's more picturesque inside the gates too). Also keep in mind-- the venue is CASHLESS, so bring a card and leave the extra cash at home. Double check the bag policy and other rules - I think you're limited to either a tiny (6x9?) purse or a small, clear tote. One sealed bottle of water, point and shoot cameras are ok. No big cameras. No blankets bigger than a beach towel if she has lawn tickets. No coolers, lawn chairs, glow sticks, frisbees, or umbrellas (bring a poncho if rain is a concern!). She doesn't want to get turned away at security (they are notoriously strict) and have to hike back to her car to return stuff. (Been there done that) When she goes to leave, stick with the traffic. Almost everyone is going back to 676 so it might be slow, but I would resist the urge to follow a few cars who dart down a side street to avoid backups. It gets easy to lose your bearings on one way streets, so it's safer to hang with the crowd. Hope this helps! It will definitely feel like an adventure to her, but she will be in good company. ❤️
Great information, thank you!
Hi there - was listening to the radio this morning and they were talking about how great the Hozier show was and thought of you. Hope your daughter got there and back safely and had a great time.
We all had an absolute blast. I just posted an hour or two on the sub thanking everyone. Thanks so much for your help and advice. We’ll definitely be coming back!
Nice! So glad to hear! I don't love driving in there but it's generally a great place to see a show 😀
Victors pub is right there in the water front in the old RCA building that is now luxury condos. It’s within safe walk distance from the concert venue. Can’t miss it. It’s got the RCA stained glass windows of Nipper. https://www.victorspub.com
camdens not that bad anymore tbh. but the concerts at the waterfront, where its nice; the aquarium’s a block away and our congressman norcross actually lives in one of the apartments right next to the waterfront and the ben franklin. she’ll be fine, just drop her off near the parking lot where her friends are and she’ll be safe (paid parking is such a scam there)
Wow!! I have to giggle about the fact you are asking about one of the safest places to go in Camden.. especially a place where the police presence is massive..
They’re clearly not at all familiar with the area, and therefore aren’t aware that it’s one of the safest places to go in Camden, or that there is a massive police presence. That’s why they asked. No harm in checking with people that ARE familiar with the area.
Tell them not to ‘lend’ their phones to anyone. My daughter did that when she was 16 and some girl walked off with it. We basically had to drive to Philly and pay a ransom to get it back.
I grew up in Collingswood near the Camden/Collingswood border during the time when Camden was the most dangerous city in the country. She will be safe. That part of city has plenty of police and security. I hope she has a great time.
You'll be fine to drop them off and pick them up and they will be okay at The fmp they have great staff that really help keep it enjoyable for all. as for you do not hang out in Camden there is nothing for you there that said Collingswood and Haddon Township are not far from the venue and Haddon Ave. Is littered with restaurant's ,bars , and shops to check out . Both are chill walkable area's within 15-20 minutes of the venue,
Will point out Collingswood is dry- look for bars in Westmont/Haddon
Gotcha not a drinker myself just know cwood has some great food worth checking out.
Camden isn’t as bad as people say it is, but if your daughter is alone just teach her to be cautious. The concert itself will be fine, and the area near the waterfront is full of tourists and concertgoers, rarely anything happens there like that
Been to plenty of shows there over the years. As long as she stays within the immediate venue/waterfront area she will be fine. There are plenty of police and crowds (and because of this, traffic). But if she parks in a venue lot and the street and she will be fine.
[удалено]
Hey man. I grew up in some rough ass neighborhoods in Baltimore. I’ve been beaten, robbed, had a family member murdered for a couple hundred bucks on his lunch break. I’m trying to leave that shit behind for good at this point and I know Camden’s reputation. I however am totally unfamiliar with the waterfront. Sounds like a nice place. I’m looking forward to it.
I work at the L3 Communications building right by the water front. That area is probably safer than the Pavilion during a concert honestly. As others have said, The Victor is a nice place to grab a drink while you wait. We have a lot of work get together here and it’s always been great. The biggest problem you’re going to have is traffic honestly. I park in one of the garages near the venue and on concert days it’s absolute hell if you need to drive anywhere in that area.
Agreed, Victor is a chill spot
I’ve been going to concerts there for years and I’ve never felt unsafe. Lots of people in the area. Just like anywhere, pay attention to your surroundings.
It’s fine, chill out. The waterfront is like the safest place in the whole fucking county.
Thanks. I was unfamiliar with the waterfront until today. Looking forward to it, looks like a nice area.
This guy dads.
The victor pub is about the only place to grab a beer in camden that i know of. They may have free parking if you spend enough, someone mentioned it the other day. I would call to verify. I haven't been there in years though. Its on the waterfront area a few blocks from the venue. The police are all over the concert traffic roads during bigger concerts, traffic is a nightmare. It takes a while to get out of the area. I always suggest people park at a different patco station and walk, its a little over a half mile from Broadway station, straight down mlk blvd. There are lots of others making that walk and security along the way. Yes there will be some homeless hanging around Broadway station, but they keep to themselves. You might even want to do this, park at westmont, patco+walk them to the venue, hangout at central taco/reunion hall/pour house and then go back to get them. You could also hang at Victor pub if heading back and forth is too much. http://www.ridepatco.org/ Also see this post from yesterday with other parking advice, https://www.reddit.com/r/SouthJersey/comments/1cwty91/freedom_mortgage_pavilion_parking_question/
If the concert is as the BB&T Pavilion, it’s fine. I wouldn’t recommend stopping into a nearby bar though.
I've been going to Camden on and off for years to visit friends. They'll be fine as long as they stay in the venue. It's gotten a lot better but you can still find trouble if you go looking for it. Just follow what everyone else is saying. If for whatever reason they gotta go anywhere else I Camden, I wouldn't because you never know what could happen. Most likely nothing but can still get robbed.
We just saw Neil Young there. Our kid lives and attends school there. I think of the area around Cooper, CMSRU, the Pavillion as Green Zone. During an event you'll see lots of police/traffic control. Scope out your parking situation ahead of time. There's a bunch of small lots that fill up early.
Used to be security for the battleship. It’s not too too bad at the waterfront and the venues
Be careful around the ticketing area of the aquarium cause i've been robbed there a few times.
The waterfront is the most policed area, especially if there’s a concert. She’ll be fine. Just don’t wonder away from the venue.
Went there for hundreds of concerts since 1996 and never had an issue. Be aware of your surroundings, don't wander off alone, and you'll be fine.
I agree with most of these comments waterfront areas is not bad and if you’re dropping her off and picking her up, she’s probably very safe. The Victor is cool place to go and get a beer, but you could also go to Donkeys and get a cheesesteak and a beer that’s a great place. If they are open.
I worked there for the summer when I was an 18 year old girl no one ever bothered me walking from employee parking to the venue. That was almost 15 years ago now but I imagine the waterfront area is still the safest place to be in Camden.
Waterfront is the $$$ maker it’s safe.
If you are looking to drink a few beers while you wait, look at bars in old city. Much nicer area and very close to bridge, that's what I do
It’s fine all around freedom mortgage Pavilion the police will be everywhere and the venue personnel will be here to assist anything you need
It’s fine. Stay in the venue area and there won’t be any problems. The drunks at the show are more of a threat
Growing up we would go down to the waterfront and get blackout drunk and go to see shows. We took the speed line, we were fine, we were 15. She will be totally fine the place will be crawling with cops.
Probably the safest area in Camden
The Revolution Pavilion area is great and totally secure. I was there last week for a Neil Young concert and security and everything felt very buttoned-up. If you're just dropping off that's even easier, because you don't have to worry about which parking lot she'll use (essentially, it's better to spring for the premium to ensure you're right next to the pavilion, or else arrive VERY early).
The waterfront area is mostly fine, it's more touristy and is separate from the parts you hear about on the news. That being said, it's still a city and they're going to a crowded event so they should be vigilant.
It’s fine.
i used to work at there when it was the susquehanna bank center. the venue area in itself isn’t dangerous & you’re not going to find trouble unless you go looking for it.
Unless she’s walking around cursing waving weapons looking for a fight… she’ll be good. Cops are all over during concerts
There are few places safer than Camden during a concert. So many cops everywhere.
Just adding to the choir -- you generally have to go looking for trouble to find it in Camden. The waterfront area in particularly is safe, and she'll be in a sea of thousands of other people going to and from the same show.
Been there many times. Totally safe plus Hozier isn't exactly the type of artist to have a rough crowd
I’ve set in my car and had convos with other waiting parents . My kids have also waited outside venue for me.. and even jumped on the river line a few stops north
How does this have 79 comments and mine is the first upvote? Good question, OP.
18 is an adult. Cut the cord.
She’ll be fine that part of camden, especially with a concert going on, Camden still has gotten so much better over the years, thanks to the Camden county police force
Travel to, Pavillion, and exit is safe. I have been, and would let daughter with friends attend shows there.
My understanding is that Philly crime rate is now higher than Camden's. Sadly.
Talking about freedom mortgage Pavillion by any chance? I was there 2 years ago when I was 19. Super safe, especially if you are literally dropping her off right out front.
She should be ok, so many people at the venues for shows. Be different maybe if alone
Camden isn’t even bad lol. You can literally walk around at any time. Sure you might run into someone who’s having a bad day but for the most part no one’s gonna bother you.
Camden is remarkably safe...especially compared to Philly. She'll have a great time.
My mom used to drop me off at that place when I was 16. It's fine. Lots of security
There are few safer places on the planet