Lizzie Chladek When you finally muster up the courage to purchase some concert tickets, you’re going to want to make sure you’re prepared for anything: rain or shine. Lucky for you, we’ve put together a master Concert Prep list to make sure you don’t miss a thing.
Before the concert:
- Research the views of the seats. Some ticket sites have a feature where you can see the view of the stage from the seat you bought. Getting an idea of where you will be sitting and an actual visualization of the view can be helpful to ensure you are getting the spot you want.
- Know where you are supposed to go beforehand. Navigating the venue from the inside is very difficult when you haven’t looked it up prior to the event. This saves you from wandering in circles. Some specific spots to note are: restrooms, your entrance/exit closest to your seat, and your designated parking area.
- Read what the venue allows. Make sure to go to the venue’s website prior to the show to see what is allowed inside. Some suggestions of policies to look at are the ticketing and entry policies, age restrictions, accessibility, camera and recording policies, and their refund or exchange policies.
- Check the setlist. If you want to know what will be played, websites like Setlist.fm usually have setlists available for you, but only if you aren’t the first date on the tour. Be aware though, this is a major spoiler for those that would rather keep the songs a surprise.
During the concert:
- Eat a solid meal before. This way, you spend less on food in the venue (which is often overpriced) and you don’t have to worry about fixing hunger pains when you’re just trying to enjoy the music.
- Venues’ mobile apps are a game changer. You can pre-order food/merch and optimize your time. Plus, you also don’t have to worry about the merch table running out of your favorite t-shirt style before you get to the front of the line.
- Buy it later. If you don’t mind waiting for concert merchandise, you can often purchase it later online and don’t have to deal with the hassle of lines or your favorite item suddenly being sold out.
- Limit smartphone use. Excessive smartphone use during a concert can take away from the experience of being at the live show. Live in the moment and don’t worry about capturing every second on video.
After the concert:
- Consider staying for a bit. If you allow time for the crowds to disperse, exiting the venue can be much easier and less chaotic.
- Check for lost items. Before leaving your seat, take a second to look around and ensure you have a hold on your belongings.
- Stay together. If you attended the concert with friends or family, make sure everyone is accounted for when leaving the venue. Also, maybe designate a meeting spot in the chance you do happen to get separated.
- Reserve your ride. If you decide you are going to use a service like Uber or Lyft after your concert, use the scheduling feature that allows you to book a ride in advance. The extra few bucks is worth it when others may be standing outside for hours after the performance.
- Share your experience. When you post the amazing time you had at this concert, if you tag accounts such as the artist or the venue, you have a chance of getting reposted onto their page. You are helping by giving them exposure to a wider audience and you get featured on their account. It’s a win-win!
With this list, there is no doubt you will be ready for your next live show. You can walk into the venue, knowing you are fully prepared and can be confident navigating the experience. We hope this resource helps you and encourages you to buy the ticket and go to that concert!
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