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The Accord Tickets
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Upcoming Events at The Accord
The venue
About The Accord
Historically known as The Accord, this flexible downtown Champaign space at 51 E Main St has evolved into The Venue CU, continuing to host a mix of live music, comedy, talks, and special events. The footprint originated from the Highdive era and maintained a similar capacity for intimate, up-close performances. If you’re planning for a show or private event, you’ll find a straightforward process for securing space, with nearby amenities to make your trip easy.
Below you’ll find practical details about seating arrangements, parking, transportation, and nearby hotels and restaurants to help you plan a smooth experience in Champaign’s city center.
Venue history and current use: The Accord operated in downtown Champaign before being renamed 51 Main in May 2017, and the space is now known as The Venue CU. This flexible space continues to accommodate live music, discussions, and special events, retaining the intimate vibe of its live entertainment roots.
Seating and space: The venue footprint mirrors its predecessor’s flexible format, designed for a range of setups from standing rooms to casual seating. For specific event seating information, consult the event page and secure your seats through the official ticketing partner. Remember, availability can vary by show and date, so act promptly to lock in your plans.
Parking: Parking is available in the private lot behind the Highdive/The Accord space, providing convenient access to the venue entrance for evening performances and events.
Transportation: Downtown Champaign is accessible via Champaign-Urbana MTD bus routes, with the Illinois Terminal intermodal center at 45 E University Ave offering trains and buses for broader travel. Check route maps and live schedules to coordinate your arrival.
Nearby hotels: For out-of-town guests, several downtown and near-campus options are within a short drive or walk, including Hyatt Place Champaign-Urbana and TownePlace Suites Champaign Urbana/Campustown. These properties provide convenient access to The Venue CU and local dining and entertainment options. Always verify current rates and availability via the hotels’ official sites or trusted booking platforms.
Nearby dining and nightlife: The area around 51 E Main St is rich with cafés, casual eateries, and dining spots suitable for pre-show meals or post-show mingling. Local favorites and affiliate partner recommendations can help you find reliable spots close to the venue for a complete night out.
Important notes: If you’re searching for event dates, seating details, or availability, refer to the specific event listing. For rescheduled events, look for updates marked as RESCHEDULED from its original date. For events with a date to be announced, you’ll see "Date to be announced" on the calendar. When attending or hosting events, plan with ample time for parking and transit, especially on busy nights in downtown Champaign.
Good to know
Seating, Parking & Venue Information
- Address and rename: The Accord was at 51 E Main St, Champaign, IL 61820; it was renamed 51 Main in May 2017, and the space is now The Venue CU at the same address. ([dailyillini.com](https://dailyillini.com/life_and_culture/business-and-tech/2017/04/13/51-main-replace-accord-new-management/))
- Venue type and purpose: The Accord operated as a downtown Champaign live-entertainment venue with emphasis on music, comedy, discussions, and special events; it was a flexible space rather than a traditional seated theater. ([dailyillini.com](https://dailyillini.com/life_and_culture-stories/2016/02/23/from-the-high-dive-to-the-accord-an-origin-of-compromise/?utm_source=openai))
- Capacity (historic/space footprint): The Highdive, the predecessor space, reportedly could host around 450 people; The Accord occupied that same space and later renaming implied similar footprint. ([dailyeasternnews.com](https://www.dailyeasternnews.com/2003/04/04/former-blind-pig-reopens-in-champaign/))
- Parking: Parking was available in the private lot behind Highdive/The Accord space (downtown Champaign). ([localwiki.org](https://localwiki.org/cu/The_Highdive))
- Transit: Downtown Champaign hosting includes access via Champaign-Urbana MTD bus routes and the Illinois Terminal intermodal center (45 E University Ave) for trains/buses. ([mtd.org](https://mtd.org/inside/projects/illinois-terminal/?utm_source=openai))
- Nearby hotels: Several downtown/near-campus options are within a short drive or walk, including Hyatt Place Champaign-Urbana and TownePlace Suites Champaign Urbana/Campustown; additional hotels are listed in local guides. ([hyatt.com](https://www.hyatt.com/hyatt-place/en-US/cmizc-hyatt-place-champaign-urbana?utm_source=openai))
- Notable events hosted: The Accord’s opening weekend (January 2016) featured notable acts; the venue hosted ongoing live music and events before its 2017 farewell shows; coverage of farewell events confirmed renaming and closure. ([dailyillini.com](https://dailyillini.com/life_and_culture-stories/2016/02/23/from-the-high-dive-to-the-accord-an-origin-of-compromise/?utm_source=openai))
- Current status: The space at 51 E Main St is now The Venue CU (an event/wedding space) per Experience Champaign-Urbana and related listings; the venue name has changed and is used for different event types. ([experiencecu.org](https://experiencecu.org/planners/meetings-and-conventions?the-venue-cu-589942=&utm_source=openai))