I remember my first concert like it was yesterday; they’re an amazing experience and a great display of community. The combined chanting, singing, and dancing create a fantastic environment and unforgettable experience.
Along with the fun there are necessary tasks to complete before attending the event. From my experience of going to at least 15 concerts, I have learned many tips and tricks that help make the process easier. With the return of concerts and festivals, I believe this guide can benefit all my fellow concert lovers.
Before We Begin: Venue Regulations!
As a disclaimer, all concert venues are different, meaning that requirements such as what kind of bag you can bring and what is allowed inside the venue will be different depending on the location. This guide will be composed of tips and tricks that I found to be helpful when attending concerts in certain venues, so they might not apply to all of them. Before potentially following this guide and applying them to your concert experience, consider first reading over the regulations for the venue you’ll be attending.
Timing Is Everything
My first tip is to get to the venue as early as possible to buy merchandise and to find your seats. If you have general admission tickets, getting there a few hours before is key as they are on a first-come, first-serve basis. If you have never been to a concert before or to the specific venue, I would recommend getting there early to ensure you find your seat and to further get acquainted with the venue, such as knowing where the bathrooms, food stands and merchandise booths are located.
Let’s Be Clear!
One thing that I have learned from going to concerts is the importance of bringing a bag or a small clutch. Most venues, including Capital One Arena, require that they be clear for security purposes. I highly recommend bringing a bag so that you can put all your concert essentials in a safe compartment. Then, you also do not have to depend on your pockets to carry anything if you have a bag. If you are searching for the perfect clear bag, Amazon is the place to look, as they offer cheap and unique options for customers.
Now, It’s Time For Essentials!
There are many things that I recommend you bring in your venue-approved bag:
- First, make sure to bring a printed copy of your concert ticket in case the venue only accepts them in print. However, some venues will allow you to have a digital ticket, but will recommend printing it just in case.
- A must-have at any event, in my opinion, is a portable phone charger or a case that charges your phone. I recommend bringing a portable charger that is small enough to fit inside a small clear bag, which can be found at Walmart for less than 20 dollars. If you prefer phone cases with a built-in charger, Amazon has many options for both iPhone and Android.
- Last but not least, clothing! I spend hours picking out the perfect outfit, comparing heels or sneakers, and deciding between a dress or a shirt and pants. Whatever the outfit is, I believe it an essential part of going to a concert because getting ready makes me excited for the event.Venues could be cold so I recommend bringing a light jacket that you can take off when it gets too hot or when you start dancing. For shoes, I suggest wearing a comfortable shoe, like sneakers or boots, so that your feet don’t start to hurt.
Covid Safety Tips
With the pandemic still underway, concert venues have adjusted their policies to protect those attending the event as well as the artist and venue staff. Most venues now require proof of vaccination and ask all guests to wear a mask at all times except when eating or drinking. Should you forget a mask, many venues provide them upon entry inside the venue or at any security checkpoint.
You Are Now Concert Ready!
Hopefully with this guide you are a bit more, if not a lot more, prepared to attend a concert. With these tips and tricks, I believe you will find the process a lot easier, and as you attend more concerts, you might come up with some great tips of your own. So, put on your best shoes, grab that portable charger, mask, and clear bag, and get to partying (safely, of course)!