You know what a sold-out night at The Criterion looks like from the outside: 3,000 fans emptying onto E Sheridan Ave at midnight, every rideshare on the block already claimed, and the pay lot directly west of the building full before the opener finished their set. The venue's own FAQ puts it plainly — it recommends carpooling or rideshare, because Bricktown's parking supply simply doesn't match The Criterion's capacity. For a group of any size, that's the whole argument for renting a bus.
Your group gets dropped at the Sheridan curb when you arrive, the bus stages nearby while the show runs, and it's right there when you walk out — while everyone else is chasing an Uber at post-show surge pricing.
The Criterion (500 E Sheridan Ave, Oklahoma City, OK 73104) opened in 2016 as one of OKC's largest indoor live music venues, holding over 3,000 fans for general-admission shows and around 1,200 for seated configurations. The calendar runs year-round across every genre — country, rock, pop, comedy, and touring theater. Whatever brings your group together here, this guide covers every logistical question: where buses drop, where they stage, what parking actually costs, which vehicle fits your headcount, and how to get here from anywhere in the metro.
For a free quote in under 30 seconds, call 405-493-6563 or use the quick online form on this site anytime.
Why Rent a Party Bus or Charter Bus to The Criterion?
The Criterion's neighborhood is Bricktown — and that's exactly the challenge. On a normal Saturday night, this district is already packed with restaurant traffic, canal crowds, and Paycom Center overflow from NBA games. Add 3,000 concert-goers arriving and leaving in a two-hour window and every surface lot within three blocks fills before doors open.
Event-night parking in the area runs $18–$30 per vehicle at the covered garage and surrounding surface lots. Put ten cars' worth of your group into separate lots at $25 each, and you've spent $250 before a single ticket gets scanned — and someone's still circling Sheridan Ave for a spot when the opener starts.
An Oklahoma City concert party bus rental reframes the math completely. One vehicle, one flat rate, split across every seat. The bus drops your group on the Sheridan curb steps from the main entrance — no parking lot scramble, no group splitting into two Ubers — and stages nearby until the show ends.
Post-show, while rideshare demand spikes on Sheridan and the surface lot exit backs up onto Charlie Christian Ave, your group walks out to a waiting bus. Nobody has to worry about driving home, nobody loses 20 minutes in a parking lot queue. That's the whole reason a bus is worth it here.
Call 405-493-6563 any time to compare vehicles and get pricing in about a minute.
Charter Bus and Party Bus Drop-Off at The Criterion
Buses approach The Criterion via E Sheridan Ave, the venue's main street frontage. Curbside drop-off on Sheridan puts your group steps from the main entrance on the corner of Sheridan and Charlie Christian Ave — no crossing lots, no threading through a surface lot full of post-show traffic. If your group is arriving early for pre-show dinner in Bricktown and then the concert, your bus can loop back in time for a post-show pickup without much distance to cover.
The venue's own pay lot sits directly west of the building — a surface lot accessible to larger vehicles — though it fills fastest of any parking in the immediate area on sold-out show dates.
Bus staging is where one key detail matters: the Bricktown Parking Garage at 222 E Sheridan Ave — the closest covered structure to The Criterion — has a published maximum vehicle height of 7 feet, per SpotHero's listing for the facility. Full-size charter buses and most larger party buses do not clear 7 feet. That garage is cars only.
The realistic staging locations for a charter bus are the surrounding surface lots in the Bricktown grid. On a sold-out Criterion date, confirm the specific staging spot when you book — surface lot availability on a big sellout is a different conversation than a quiet Tuesday comedy show.
The Bricktown Parking Garage at 222 E Sheridan Ave has a 7-foot maximum vehicle height. Full-size charter buses do not fit. Your bus needs a surface lot for staging — a detail your booking company confirms when you lock in your date.
Post-show pickup is the moment a planned bus trip separates itself from a chaotic one. After a 3,000-person show, Sheridan Ave fills with pedestrians and rideshares all at once. Set your pickup point before the group goes in — the Sheridan Ave curb or a specific nearby staging lot — so there's no scramble to reassemble when you exit.
The bus is right there; your group loads up and rolls while the surface lot exit backs up behind you.
Parking at The Criterion: What Every Group Needs to Know
The Criterion's official FAQ lists the pay lot directly west as the primary option and Bass Pro Shop about two blocks south as the closest free parking. Both fill quickly on sold-out nights. Here's the full parking picture in the surrounding blocks, and what it means if your group is driving separately:
- Venue pay lot (directly west of The Criterion): Most convenient surface lot, accessible to larger vehicles, but limited in capacity — fills before door time on packed show nights.
- Chiaf Lot, 416 E Sheridan Ave: About 500 feet from the venue entrance. Small surface lot with roughly 22 spaces — pre-booking through SpotHero for event nights is the only reliable strategy here.
- Bricktown Parking Garage, 222 E Sheridan Ave: Open at all hours, well-rated, starts around $12–$14 for standard parking and runs $18–$30 on event nights. Maximum vehicle height: 7 feet. Excellent for cars; no charter buses or full-size party buses.
- Bass Pro Shop (free, ~2 blocks south): Confirmed free on the venue's own FAQ — a real, no-cost option for groups arriving early, though not a staging area for the bus and it fills on sold-out nights too.
- Event-night surface lots across Bricktown: SpotHero's data shows event parking in the surrounding area ranging from $18–$30 per vehicle. Multiply that across ten or twelve cars and the difference in cost alone starts to look like the bus.
Rent a Bus to The Criterion: Which Vehicle Fits Your Group?
The Criterion draws groups of every size — from 10-person birthday outings to corporate blocks and large traveling fan groups. Partybusoklahomacity.net connects you to a large network of bus companies serving Oklahoma City with a full range of vehicle types, so your headcount determines your vehicle rather than the other way around. Here's how the full vehicle lineup breaks down for a Criterion run:
| Vehicle | Capacity | Best for | Key amenities |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sprinter Van / 14-Passenger Sprinter Limo | Up to 14 | Small groups, VIP parties, birthday groups | Premium leather, USB charging at every seat, tinted privacy windows, individual reading lights |
| Party Bus (15–50 passengers) | 15–50 | Friend groups, bachelorette groups, milestone birthdays | Color-changing LED lighting, Bluetooth sound system, flat-panel TVs, wraparound perimeter seating |
| 15–35 Passenger Minibus | 15–35 | Mid-size groups, corporate outings, greater maneuverability in Bricktown | Powerful A/C, plush reclining seats, overhead storage |
| 40–56 Passenger Charter Bus | Up to 56 | Large groups, company concert nights, organizational outings | Reclining seats, climate control, overhead bins, WiFi, power outlets, onboard restrooms, undercarriage bays |
For most Criterion groups in the 20-to-30 range, a mid-size party bus is the natural fit: enough room for the group, the right footprint for Bricktown's tighter street grid, and a sound system to get the energy going before you arrive. Groups of 35 and up move more comfortably in a full charter bus, which adds deep undercarriage bays for anything your group needs to haul. ADA-accessible vehicles are available through the network — note it in your quote request and the right vehicle can be arranged.
Oklahoma City Party Bus and Charter Bus Rental Prices for a Criterion Night
To give you an idea of planning ranges: a minibus in Oklahoma City typically runs $200–$250 per hour on weekdays and $200–$275 on weekends. A 25-passenger party bus runs roughly $250–$350 per hour on weekdays and $275–$375 on weekends. A full charter bus comes in around $200–$350 per hour on either day type.
The actual quote for your night moves with your pickup point, total hours needed, vehicle size, and demand on your specific show date — a sold-out Saturday prices differently than a midweek comedy show. Check out the Oklahoma City party bus prices page for a fuller breakdown.
The per-head math tends to favor the bus once your group moves past six or seven people. A 5-hour weekend rental on a 28-passenger party bus for a group of 22 could run $1,375–$1,875 for the night — roughly $63–$85 per person — versus $20–$30 in parking per car, two rideshares each way at event surge pricing, and 22 separate coordination headaches. One flat rate, everyone together.
For your exact number on your actual date, call 405-493-6563 or use the online quote form — pricing in under 30 seconds, no account needed, no obligation.
Getting to The Criterion: OKC Routes, Drive Times, and Concert Night Traffic
The Criterion sits about one mile east of Oklahoma City's central business district — a short run from most of the metro. Off-peak, the drive is quick from almost anywhere. On sold-out concert nights, Sheridan Avenue itself is the pinch point: traffic slows heading east into Bricktown in the hour before doors, and the post-show exit backs up the same corridor for 30–45 minutes after the headliner ends.
Build in extra time on major show nights from any direction.
| From | Approx. distance | Off-peak drive time |
|---|---|---|
| Downtown OKC / Bricktown hotels | ~1 mile | 5–10 minutes |
| Midtown OKC | ~3 miles | 10–15 minutes |
| Will Rogers World Airport (OKC) | ~6 miles | 15–20 minutes |
| Edmond | ~20 miles | 25–35 minutes |
| Norman | ~22 miles | 25–35 minutes |
| Moore | ~15 miles | 20–30 minutes |
The most common approach from the north and Edmond is I-35 South into downtown, then east on Sheridan. From Norman, I-35 North brings you in the same way. From the west — Yukon, Mustang — I-40 East to the Bricktown exits is the cleanest route.
Coming up I-44 from the southwest, the downtown exits feed onto E Reno Ave or Sheridan. The OKC Streetcar's Bricktown Loop runs along Reno and Sheridan avenues with stops through the district, arriving every 12–15 minutes — a $1 per ride option for small groups already based in the downtown core. For anyone coming from Edmond, Norman, or Moore, though, the Streetcar adds transfers and connections it wasn't designed to handle for a group of 15 or more.
One bus is simpler.
Groups flying in from out of town can coordinate a straight-shot pickup from Will Rogers World Airport — about 6 miles southwest — so the whole group lands, loads up together, and arrives at Bricktown without splitting into separate rideshares from baggage claim on arrival day.
What Every Group Needs to Know Before the Show at The Criterion
A few things from The Criterion's official FAQ that change the group planning conversation:
Bag policy: No backpacks of any kind — not small ones, not drawstring bags. Bags must not exceed 14"×14"×6". Small purses, reasonably sized totes, and clear bags meet the standard; anything with straps going over both shoulders does not.
If someone in your group is planning to bring a regular day bag, it needs to stay in the bus or be swapped for something smaller before heading in. This is a good reason to have the bus staged close by rather than sent away for the night.
Cashless venue: The Criterion stopped accepting cash at the bar and box office in April 2025. Cards and digital payments only inside the venue. Make sure everyone in your group knows before arrival — there is no ATM workaround once you're past the door.
Re-entry: Re-entry is allowed only until the time posted at the event by the venue — once you exit after that cutoff, you're out. Coordinate restroom breaks and fresh air within the venue, not in the parking lot between sets.
No smoking or vaping: Prohibited inside The Criterion, including e-cigarettes and vapes, per the venue's official policy.
ADA accommodations: The Criterion accommodates ADA needs — email the box office at least 72 hours before your show date to request accessible seating or any accommodations. ADA-accessible buses are also available through the bus network; just note the requirement in your quote request.
Door times and show times: Doors typically open about an hour before the show starts, though exact times vary by event. Check the specific listing on The Criterion's official show calendar before you plan your pickup window — some shows open 90 minutes early, others closer to 45, and door time is the detail that sets your bus departure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does a charter bus or party bus drop off at The Criterion?
Buses pull to the curb on E Sheridan Ave at the venue's main entrance — 500 E Sheridan Ave, at the corner of Sheridan and Charlie Christian Ave. The main entrance faces Sheridan, so curbside drop is a direct walk to the door. For staging while the show runs, the pay lot directly west of the venue is a surface lot accessible to large vehicles, though it fills fast on sold-out nights. The Bricktown Parking Garage at 222 E Sheridan Ave has a 7-foot maximum height and cannot accommodate full-size charter buses or most large party buses.
How much does parking cost near The Criterion?
Event-night parking in the Bricktown area around The Criterion runs from about $18 to $30 per vehicle at nearby garages and surface lots, depending on the show size and which lot you use. The venue's own pay lot directly west and the Chiaf Lot at 416 E Sheridan Ave (about 500 feet away) are the closest surface options. Free parking is available at Bass Pro Shop about two blocks south — confirmed on the venue's FAQ — but on sold-out nights it fills early too.
One bus eliminates the per-car parking cost entirely and drops your group closer to the door than any of those lots.
Can a full-size charter bus use the Bricktown Parking Garage?
No. The Bricktown Parking Garage at 222 E Sheridan Ave has a published maximum vehicle height of 7 feet. Full-size charter buses and most large party buses cannot fit. Charter bus staging in Bricktown requires a surface lot.
When you request a quote through Partybusoklahomacity.net, note that you need bus staging for the duration of the show, and your booking company can confirm the right arrangement for your specific date.
How many people does The Criterion hold?
The Criterion holds over 3,000 guests for general-admission standing shows, and approximately 1,200 for seated configurations. Most concerts at The Criterion are general-admission standing. Check the specific event listing to know which format applies to your night.
What is the bag policy at The Criterion?
No backpacks — not small ones, not drawstring bags. All bags must be 14"×14"×6" or smaller. Small purses, tote bags within those dimensions, and clear bags are fine.
Pro-grade cameras and most recording devices are prohibited for most shows. Anything larger than the limit needs to stay on the bus — a solid reason to keep the bus staged nearby and ready for your post-show pickup rather than sending it away for the night.
Does The Criterion accept cash?
No. As of April 2025, The Criterion's bar and box office are fully cashless. Every purchase inside requires a card or digital payment. There is no ATM available once you're past the entrance, so make sure your group is ready before arrival.
How far is The Criterion from Will Rogers World Airport?
About 6 miles and 15–20 minutes off-peak. If your group is flying in for a show, a coordinated airport pickup runs the whole group straight from baggage claim to Bricktown — no dividing into rideshares with luggage on arrival day, and no navigating downtown OKC for the first time at night.
Is The Criterion on the OKC Streetcar route?
The OKC Streetcar's Bricktown Loop runs along Sheridan Ave and Reno Ave with stops through the district, operating every 12–15 minutes. It's a $1 per ride option for small groups already downtown, running until 2 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. For a group of 15 or more coming from Edmond, Norman, or anywhere outside the immediate downtown core, the Streetcar involves transfers that a bus simply doesn't.
Current routes, stops, and schedules are on the OKC Streetcar guide at Visit OKC.
When should I book a bus for The Criterion?
As early as your date is confirmed. Sold-out and high-demand shows — major touring acts, the bigger comedy nights, holiday weekends — pull the most quote requests from the OKC area, and the right-size vehicles go first on busy Saturdays. For most Criterion shows, two to four weeks of lead time is workable.
For big-name acts and weekend sellouts, book when you lock in your tickets. Call 405-493-6563 any time — no obligation, no account needed.
Is The Criterion ADA accessible?
Yes. The Criterion accommodates ADA needs — email the box office at least 72 hours before your show date to request accessible seating or accommodations. ADA-accessible buses are also available through the bus network serving Oklahoma City; note the need when you request your quote and the right vehicle can be arranged.
Book Your Criterion Bus in Oklahoma City Today
Whether it's a 14-person birthday group in a Sprinter limo or a 50-person company outing in a charter bus, Partybusoklahomacity.net makes it easy to compare Oklahoma City party bus and charter bus rentals through a large network of bus companies serving the metro. Fill out the quick online form or call 405-493-6563 any time — pricing for your date and headcount in under 30 seconds, no account required, no obligation. For groups running multiple Bricktown stops in one evening, the Oklahoma City group transportation services page covers multi-stop itineraries.
Also heading to Paycom Center during your OKC visit? The Paycom Center bus guide covers that venue's own drop-off and parking details.
