If you're searching for 'the onion spokane wa' wondering what happened to this venue or if it still exists, you've found the definitive guide. This article explains the complete history, name change, and current status of Spokane's beloved entertainment destination that confused many visitors due to its shared name with the famous satirical news website.
What Was The Onion in Spokane?
From 2000 through 2010, The Onion operated as Spokane's premier mid-sized concert venue at 919 W Sprague Avenue in downtown Spokane. Despite sharing a name with the satirical news organization, this was purely a coincidence with no business relationship. The venue established itself as a crucial stop for national touring artists across multiple genres including rock, hip-hop, and electronic music.
Spokane Music Venue Evolution Timeline
- 2000: Original opening as The Onion venue
- 2005-2009: Peak operation hosting major national acts
- 2010: Business acquisition by Knitting Factory Entertainment
- January 2011: Official rebranding to The Knitting Factory
- 2011-Present: Continued operation under new name with venue renovations
Why the Name Changed: Separating Fact from Confusion
Many Spokane residents and visitors experienced confusion between the local music venue and The Onion satirical news organization. This naming conflict created several practical issues:
| Issue Category | Impact on Venue Operations | Resolution |
|---|---|---|
| Online Search Confusion | Mixed search results with satirical content | Complete rebranding to distinct name |
| Marketing Challenges | Difficulty establishing unique identity | New branding strategy with clear positioning |
| Customer Expectations | Visitors expecting news organization office | Clear communication of venue purpose |
The venue's ownership transition to Knitting Factory Entertainment in late 2010 provided the opportunity to resolve these issues. The January 2011 rebranding eliminated the naming conflict while maintaining the venue's core function as a live entertainment destination.
What to Expect at The Knitting Factory Today
Visitors searching for 'the onion spokane wa' will find the same physical location operating as The Knitting Factory with these key features:
- Capacity: Approximately 1,000 guests for general admission shows
- Venue Layout: Multi-level space with main floor and balcony seating
- Booking Focus: National touring acts across rock, alternative, hip-hop, and electronic genres
- Ticket Range: Typically $20-$50 depending on the performance
- Age Policy: All-ages for most shows, with some 21+ events
Planning Your Visit: Practical Information
For those searching 'the onion spokane wa' who want to visit the current venue, here's what you need to know:
Location and Transportation
The venue remains at 919 W Sprague Ave, Spokane, WA 99201 in the heart of downtown. Parking options include:
- Street parking (metered until 9pm)
- Public parking garage at 900 W Riverside Ave ($5-$10)
- Ride-sharing drop-off zone directly in front of venue
- Spokane Transit Authority routes serving downtown area
Event Schedule and Tickets
Unlike its previous incarnation, The Knitting Factory maintains a consistent schedule with:
- 15-20 events monthly featuring national touring artists
- Online ticketing through official website and authorized partners
- Box office open Wednesday-Saturday, 12pm-6pm
- Concerts typically beginning at 8pm or 9pm
Why This Matters for Spokane Visitors
Understanding the transition from The Onion to The Knitting Factory helps visitors avoid confusion when planning entertainment in Spokane. The venue continues fulfilling the same role in Spokane's cultural ecosystem—it's just operating under a name that better reflects its purpose as a dedicated music venue without the search engine complications.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Onion still operating in Spokane, WA?
No, The Onion music venue ceased operating under that name in December 2010. It was rebranded as The Knitting Factory in January 2011 and continues to operate at the same location (919 W Sprague Ave) as a live music venue.
Was there a connection between the Spokane venue and The Onion news website?
No, there was never any business relationship between the Spokane music venue called The Onion and The Onion satirical news organization. The shared name was coincidental and created significant confusion for both entities, which contributed to the venue's decision to rebrand.
Can I still attend concerts at the former Onion location?
Yes, you can attend concerts at the same physical location where The Onion once operated. The venue now called The Knitting Factory continues to host live music performances with an updated interior while maintaining the same capacity and general layout that fans of the original venue would recognize.
Why did The Onion change its name to The Knitting Factory?
The name change occurred in January 2011 after Knitting Factory Entertainment acquired the venue. The rebranding resolved ongoing confusion with the satirical news website, established a distinct identity connected to a national venue brand, and aligned with the new ownership's vision for the space as part of their multi-city entertainment network.
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