Queuing tips for BIG concerts
So I wanted to make these tips more general but it would literally just be endless so I’m going to base these tips on One Direction concerts. In other words, if you’re looking for tips on a regular sized concert, you can ask me and I will eventually make a post with queuing tips for smaller concerts, but for now these tips are for artists like One Direction or slightly smaller than One Direction. These tips are for arenas and stadiums.
First off: know what you’re getting into. You do not need to queue if you have seating tickets, PLEASE do not queue more than one or two hours before doors if you have seating tickets, you are wasting your time. You can even show up when the opening act has already started, it does not matter.
If you have Early Entry you will get a good spot as long as you show up before doors. However, if you want the BEST spots, consider that this is One Direction (or similar) and you’re gonna have to fight for those spots. It’s only fair to queue for them.
If you have General Admission you’re going to have to accept that all the best spots will be taken by EE. Consider what spot you’re going for. If you want front row or as close as possible to the best spots, you will have to show up early. There are countries in which it is apparently normal to queue for weeks, I have never done this so if you want advice on how to survive on the streets for a week or more, you’ve come to the wrong place. In most countries you’ll be perfectly fine if you show up the day before or even early in the morning.
If you’re going to a concert in another country, plan your trip in advance, including a hotel for after the show (unless you can magically get home or know someone you can stay with). Be early, this is a big concert, lots of people will be booking their trips, you don’t want to miss out on a good deal. Even consider planning your commute from the venue to your hotel in advance, traffic will be a nightmare, don’t miss your last bus!
Consider the weather conditions! If it’s going to be sunny, take sunscreen and an umbrella to protect you from the sun. If it’s going to be cold, bring blankets and extra warm clothing, wear layers. If it’s going to rain, bring umbrellas and those little practical plastic rain ponchos, maybe a plastic bag to sit on to prevent your ass from getting wet and cold. If it’s going to snow or hail, I’m so sorry. Be careful with any extreme weather conditions, consider not queuing for the sake of your safety.
Do not bring valuable items. Just don’t. You do not need expensive jewellery or your iPad, you really don’t. There is a good chance your bag will get trampled on or YOU will get trampled on. Please keep your valuables to a minimum.
Okay a list of what you do need if you are queueing for a long time (more than 6 hours):
Your ticket dammit
Your phone & charger (consider investing in a power bank)
At least one blanket (consider buying an ‘emergency blanket’, usually comes in first aid kits)
Some extra layers of clothing, don’t forget extra socks
Food & drinks
Entertainment (music, playing cards or another small practical game, some light reading)
Sunscreen & umbrella (be prepared)
Hand & face wipes, lip balm (optional if ur weird and can stay sane with sticky fingers and dry lips)
Ear plugs & sleeping mask (also optional for the sake of sanity but the former can be useful at the concert itself)
There’s a list for you. These are basics, if you need something else that’s perfectly fine, but consider some things:
DO NOT BRING VALUABLES.
Things will get thrown out upon entering the venue. There is a HUGE chance security will go through your bag and throw out half of it murmuring ‘no’ repeatedly while staring you down. That is also entirely possible with items from the list above. Buy cheap stuff you won’t miss.
You are surviving on the streets, you are not on a luxurious camping trip. Please you don’t need all that stuff why are you doing this? A tent? Really? No…
Don’t forget your ticket. I should not have to say this.
If you know about and are participating in a fan action, bring some extra signs for the forgetful and ignorant.
Charge your phone and power bank and try to keep the use to a minimum.
Emergency blankets are meant to preserve body heat, they can be a lifesaver when you’re queuing in cold temperatures.
Dress in layers, it can be freezing at night and it can be scorching hot in the venue. Dress so you can always add or subtract a layer of clothing.
Okay now we’re finally ready to actually queue! Make sure you are in the right queue for your section!
Whether you are alone or with friends, talk to other people. Make new friends! You are stronger in numbers.
If you have another friend coming later, notify the people behind you. Ask if it’s okay. If you ask, it’s probably fine with them. If you don’t, they might be bitter, or they might even start a fight. Just be considerate. If it’s more than two friends, just don’t. If they come more than two hours later than you, just. fucking. don’t.
Try to get some sleep while you still can. The closer to doors you get, the more hyped you’ll get. You might not have another chance.
If there’s a considerable amount of people behind you; NO. SUDDEN. MOVEMENTS. Please, oh please, they are all baby deer, you do not want to startle them. They have no idea what’s going on in the front, they will take any sudden movements as a sign. You do not want to drag your friends awake at 6 am because there is a horde of screaming girls about to trample you. This is important for the entire time you are queuing, try to stay seated as long and as much as you can throughout the day.
Considering there is a chance you will get trampled, be ready. Be ready to run. Have your stuff packed and ready to grab at all times, until you are safely in your final queueing spot. And even then.
Hold onto your friends when you get stuck in a mob, make sure they are safe, make sure they know you are safe. Be kind to those you are being crushed against, they probably can’t help it. Keep an extra eye on smaller people near you, make sure they can breathe. If you have long hair consider putting it in a bun for your sake and the sake of others.
If you get out of the mob, make sure you are not hurt and your friends are not hurt and you still have your stuff. Don’ fucking bother if you lost a blanket, forget the blanket and run for your life. Make sure you do not do anything that security explicitly tells you not to. If they don’t tell you not to, feel free to skip over some fences, you just had a near death experience dammit, what’s the point of zigzagging for 10 minutes?!
If you or your friend are hurt, get to security or first aid people. In the happy case you have more friends, make sure they run ahead and keep you a spot if they can. If you have a panic attack at any point while queuing, make sure first aid knows. If they take you out of the queue to help you, make sure you are allowed to go back to the spot they pulled you from after you’ve calmed down. Getting stuck in a mob can be a terrifying experience, so do not blame yourself if your body reacts to it, you are not weak. Give yourself some time to recover, drink some water, eat something, and only get back to your spot if you are ready. Alert first aid or security when you feel even remotely unwell.
Protect yourself from the sun, put on sunscreen and make sure you do not get sunstroke. Again, alert first aid if you feel even slightly unwell.
Do not forget to eat and stay hydrated. You want to avoid fainting during the concert, act accordingly.
Pee while you can. Don’t pee a half hour before doors though.
Be kind to security and other staff. Offer them candy, have a nice conversation, joke around. Tell them if you have any concerns. LISTEN TO THEM. Your safety is their job.
Wow you’ve made it! It’s almost time!
Do not leave the queue a half hour before doors, an hour if you can help it.
Do not startle the baby deer.
Have your ticket ready and make sure your wristband (if you got one) is visible. Also have your bag ready if they are checking.
LISTEN TO SECURITY.
STAY SEATED AS LONG AS POSSIBLE.
ASK SECURITY ABOUT THE PROCESS OF LETTING YOU IN. KNOW WHAT YOU ARE GETTING INTO.
DO NOT RUN UNLESS THE PEOPLE BEHIND YOU START RUNNING.
STAY. FUCKING. SAFE.
STAY. FUCKING. CALM.
CONGRATS YOU MADE IT INTO THE VENUE. NOW PICK A SPOT. Consider the following:
You cannot see the B-stage if you are standing at the main stage unless you are freakishly tall. Same goes for B-stage near the sound booths.
If you are tiny, you will probably see very little at any spot, try to go for a spot in which you can see a screen.
Ideal spots are along the catwalk, if you have EE go straight for those.
If you have GA, realise that the places that are still open on front or second row are probably really shitty spots in regards of your general view, but might be great if you prefer a glimpse of your idols up close over that general view.
Ask security if you can put your stuff on the other side of the barrier for safekeeping. Stay hydrated, security will probably hand out water. Be kind to security and be considerate of those around you. Alert security or first aid if you or your friends are feeling unwell.
Okay, the rest is probably best for another post.
My ask is open for additions or questions. I will make a post soon about queueing for smaller concerts and events, until then ASK if you want advice. I will also make a post soon with tips for the actual concert.
Until then, stay safe.