Since 1970, First Avenue & 7th St. Entry has been a spot for the coolest people in all of Minneapolis to come together. First Avenue has survived numerous owners, name changes, and even bankruptcy, but has stood the test of time. Some of the biggest artists in the world played in First Ave’s Mainroom, such as U2, The Replacements, and Prince. First Ave has a lot of history, but not all of it is pleasant; rumor has it that some seriously sinister events happened here that has left the music venue haunted today.
You can't say you're a Minneapolitan until you've seen a show at the legendary First Avenue.
Sure, the venue looks a little seedy, but this is where the Minneapolis Sound came of age, and where many incredible musicians have played the Mainroom Stage. Visiting First Ave is like a rock and roll pilgrimage... you'll just have to put up with the hauntings while you're there.
Before we dive into the darker depths, let's look at the history of this amazing place.
Prince helped carve out First Ave's identity as one of the top clubs in the entire country.
When Prince Rogers Nelson passed away in 2016, First Ave hosted an all night Prince vigil and dance party. City blocks were closed off as a huge crowed mourned the loss of the Purple One. His once white star on the exterior of the club is now painted gold, as a tribute to him.
Advertisement
First Avenue is located in downtown Minneapolis and is an essential part of the city's history.
Minneapolis wouldn't be the city it is without First Ave and it's history. The nightclub has even scored a top spot in the most haunted places in the entire city, which makes for a thrilling visit.
The building was built in 1937 and opened as a Greyhound Bus Station. Stories vary, but it is said that a young blonde woman in a green jacket committed suicide by hanging in the fifth stall of the women's bathroom. Publications like Minnesota Monthly say this happened in the 1940s, when the woman's boyfriend didn't survive World War II, but others say the suicide didn't occur until the bus station was converted into a concert venue.
Many who attend shows here have claimed to see the ghost of the woman hanging in the bathroom to this day.
The employees of First Ave who manage the 1,500 person capacity Mainroom also claim to have met a ghost named Slippy, who likes to disturb equipment and play pranks. He's much less sinister than the unnamed woman with a tragic ending. Her soul is not at peace, and may never be.
Concertgoers have had run-ins with First Avenue’s ghosts for decades. The young woman’s suicide has haunted the venue for a very long time, and she may haunt it for the rest of eternity. Have you ever seen any ghosts in the Twin Cities? Let us know in the comments below.
