Music: Re: [u2tour] Oakland arrival time...

Hi Bea,

I hope this helps. See you there!!!

Armando

U2 360 Tour: GA Line Guide

_@U2_ (http://www.atu2.com/) , May 16, 2011
By: _Carol Foster_ (http://www.atu2.com/contact/)

So you have a GA (general admission) ticket for an upcoming 360 show? Well
done! Here's all you need to know about the U2 360 GA line experience,
written especially for fans who've never experienced it before.

1) The best time to arrive at the venue

There is much debate about this! The best approach is to decide what spot
you want inside the stadium to watch the show.

If this is your first GA experience and you absolutely have to be in the
front row to see the band up close, then you'll increase your chances by
arriving early. The earlier you get in line, the more likely you'll be able to
see the concert from exactly where you want.

But there is no real definite time to arrive at the venue if you want to
be in the front row or inner circle. It depends how many fans decide to line
up and when they show up at the stadium. At some shows, 8:00 a.m. might be
early enough; at others, it might be 5:00 or 6:00 a.m.

You might decide to arrive later in the day and still get lucky by finding
space in the inner circle. Or you might not get lucky like that. It's a
chance you take.

Some people believe that lining up early gives you more options than
arriving later, because if the crowd gets to be too much inside the stadium you
can always change your mind and stay farther back from the stage where
there's more space.

2) Essentials for the GA line

Make sure you have plenty of water, food and snacks because it will be a
long day. That's particularly true if you have been in line from the early
morning; the gates usually don't open until late afternoon. Some venues will
have people selling bottles of water outside the venue and there may also
be stands where you can buy hot food such as burgers and hotdogs while you
wait in line.

A fully charged mobile phone is essential to communicate with friends.

Comfort is key for the GA line! A pair of comfortable shoes is ideal. Make
sure you have appropriate clothing for the weather, rain or shine. Some
fans like to bring a chair or blanket or something to sit on. Some bring
radios/stereos and cards or games; you'll need something to keep yourself
occupied if you plan to line up all day.

3) The GA line - what to expect

If you have made the decision to be there early, be aware that fans might
be camped out. Obviously this will depend on the venue's location and if
camping is permitted.

A numbering system might be in place when you arrive. You'll need to find
the person/people giving out numbers and get yours. (They're usually at the
front of the line.) Once you get a number, you're usually free to leave
the line for short periods of time. You may need to be present for a roll
call(s) at various times throughout the day. Be nice and get to know the
people in line around you so that you're aware of what everyone will tolerate
when it comes to coming and going throughout the day.

Bear in mind that this numbering system doesn't happen everywhere, so it
may be the case that people in the line organize themselves and keep an eye
on those who try to jump the queue.

Make sure you use the bathroom while you are still in the GA line. Once
inside the stadium, it's harder to leave your spot to use the bathroom and
return to the exact same place you were before. (That applies if you're up
close to the stage or rail and have dozens/hundreds of fans behind you.)

Before entering the venue, there will be a security check. If you have
chairs, umbrellas, etc., you will not be allowed to bring them in. You can
either dispose of them or return them to your car, although rules vary from
venue to venue. If you have bottles of water, you won't be allowed to bring
them in. However, you can buy bottled water inside the venue.

Some venues might not let you bring certain merchandise items inside the
stadium (the 360 tour mug that was available in Europe, for example), so you
may need to return them to your car, too.

4) Gates opening – what to expect

Once the gates are open most people will try to make a run for it, despite
security urging people not to run. So, if possible, try walking as quickly
as you can. Be aware that there is no lottery for selecting who gets
inside the inner circle; it really is a case of first come, first served.

A good idea is to have a designated meeting point arranged with your
friends in case you get separated when the gates open. If you plan to go into
the inner circle, there will be two entrances -- one on each side of the claw.

5) Best spot once inside

For some fans, the front row is the best spot. For others, the front rail
outside the catwalk is ideal because you see the video screen and get a
great view of the claw – and the band also tends to come down onto the catwalk
several times during the show, so it's the best of both worlds. Bono, Edge
and Adam spend the most time out on the catwalk. Larry only makes an
appearance during the "Crazy" remix.

If you prefer to take in the full 360 experience from a distance, standing
near the sound/mixing desk is ideal. From back here, you have plenty of
freedom to walk around, dance and do things like use the bathroom whenever
you need to.

6) ) Alternatives to the GA line

If you would like to experience GA in a little comfort without the all-day
lining up, the (RED) Zone experience is for you. The (RED) Zone is
situated on both sides of the stage. You have a great view and can come and go as
you please. Seats are available all around the (RED) Zone.

You are also doing your bit for the ONE campaign when you buy a (RED) Zone
ticket. However, these tickets are expensive, so if you're on a budget this
may not be an option.

7) Seated tickets

If, after reading the above, you decide that GA is not for you, then seats
are a great option. You can come and go as you please, get a drink, buy
your merchandise and have your own seat. For some people, however, the vibe
isn't the same in the seats, so if you're looking for more of an atmosphere
and a buzz you might consider a GA ticket after all.

8) Finally!

No matter where you are in the stadium -- (RED) Zone, GA or seats -- you
are in for an amazing show!

We hope this GA line/ticket guide has been helpful. If you still have
questions, feel free to _visit the TOURS board in our fan forum_
(http://forum.atu2.com/index.php/topic,16489.0.html) and ask the helpful fans there!

In a message dated 6/5/2011 5:32:26 P.M. Pacific Daylight Time,
hfrogg451@hotmail.com writes:

Hello, hello. So what time are other GA (non red zone) folks arriving on
Tuesday? I heard that "at the gate" parking lots will be open at 7 a.m.
Does anyone know where the "real line" for GA is going to start? Is it once
the gates are open....? First time GAer and sort of freaking out at the
lack
of information out there. -Bea

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