How to Camp Out in a Ticket Line
By
User:Kristenmollica @timeAndDate(1284069488)
Welcome dedicated/extremely obsessed fan of whatever it is that you like! You're not a diecd'>Justin Bieber so you can bask in his sweaty teenage glory, you're going to need provisions to accomplish this task. Lets break this guide into two categories: those wanting to purchase tickets or get into a store and folks waiting to get into an event.
Why Camp Out and For What?
Tips ''Before'' You Camp Out
You know what would be terrible? Lugging all your gear at 3 a.m. just to find out you're not allowed to be there. Avoid any mishaps:
* Call the venue ahead of time to make sure you're allowed to take up their sidewalk.
* Find out what time the venue/box office/store opens and how many tickets each customer is allowed to purchase.
* If you're waiting in line to enter a show or a store, some venues will simply give you a ticket with a number so you can come back later and line up in order. This means no camping out for 36 hours!
* Clear out your schedule and try to take off from work the day before or after (you '''''will''''' be exhausted!).
* Try to find someone to go with you so you can leave your spot to grab some grub or use to the restroom.
** If no one is crazy enough, check out fan forums. If you're dedicated enough to camp out, I'm assuming you regularly participate in the forums. There are usually some nice people on there but '''be safe''' and meet up with people at the show, never alone.
** If you can't find anyone to go with, the people around you ideally probably be nice enough to hold your spot. I've never encountered mean-spirited folk who would be cruel enough to take your place.
* If you're unfamiliar with the area, scope it out and find out if there are places nearby for food. Otherwise, it's homemade PB & J sandwiches!
Anxious Buyers
When it comes to packing for your stay, fans looking to just buy something have more options than those waiting in line to enter a concertbackpack'>backpack with some of these essentials:
Front Row Seekers
If you purchased some general admission tickets to a concert and are looking to get up front, or you're going to some sort of event that is firstserve, you'll need to pack very differently. Unlike people who are simply buying tickets, whatever you take with you has to be brought into the venue. This is actually a much more difficult ordeal. Unless you're lucky enough to have a friend stop by and pick up your stuff or if you drove and can run to your car, you're stuck with all that baggage, so you'll want to pack light. Unless you're going to see Bieber or some other huge act, most people won't line up overnight, so no need to worry about sleeping bags.
If you plan on camping out in the winter, still try to wear as many layers as possible. You'll be hot and bulky inside the venue, but it's worth it in the long run: improper nourishment and frost-bitten toes left me sick for two days and tainted my overall concert experience. You also won't have to camp out too early because the cold will deter most.
Helpful Advice
As one avid concertgoer (or dedicated eventgoer) to the next, I will pass along some more tips to make sure you have a pleasant waiting experience and don't suffer any bumps along the way.
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