I had GA last night. I was 4 people back outside the Ellipse dead center. I am almost 6'2 and had a great view. My sister is 5'7 and could see fine. Hopefully you are either tall or get a great spot, not stuck behind a tall person! I don't know how it is farther back. It was packed behind me but it wasn't a gigantic area. It did get really hot in there and my sister passed out! I was getting quite sweaty. If you're worried I would either be up against the rail or on the edges. It looked like even people who had seats on the side were "right there" - great view.
Adam walked around a few times and stopped right in front of us for a little bit - he was literally not 10 feet from us. Bono was there quite a bit and Larry a few times. It was amazing to see them so close. I'd say if you are a few people back from the Ellipse you have a great view and the stage isn't too far away. Edge stayed put on the left side of the stage and seemed pretty far away. I thought the view was good.
We waited outside starting @ 11 AM and were about 255 in line. They split the line in two - one line was U2.com members. I think this was around 5 or so??? We were in the U2.com line - it didn't matter if you were a U2.com member - they just wanted the people to get in faster. Both lines were let in @ the same time - ea side had a wristbanding table. They stick a wristband on your right arm, then you walk to the end of the table and a guy scans your ticket. If the screen says "Proceed to Floor" you go to the right and walk to section I think it's 109-110 and you're on the floor outside the Ellipse. If it comes up Vertigo Vertigo Vertigo you get another wristband I think to the left and go to he Ellipse. Really, I wasn't disappointed to be right outside the Ellipse. We had paper tickets from online (emailed) and I don't know if they scan as well - the guy scanned mine twice...I told him to put it flat on the table but he ignored me. Then he hit the enter button on his laptop and said "Nope" - I really think we never got officially scanned but whatever.
They opened with COBL which sounded fantastic and was full of energy. There was tons of confetti falling from above. Not sure if they'll do the same set tonight. They filmed last night. If you want bring a camera or cellphone w/camera b/c you'll get great photos
If you have your cell there's a # to text during the show and your name might scroll across the screen soon after.
We got to the UC before their parking lot opened so we parked in a parking garage across from an Italian sports bar/restaurant for $8.00 for 12 hrs - good deal! There were only a few cars in there the whole night and it seemed very safe. I forgot what street it was but if you walk from the back of the UC (back sidewalk) up a few blocks (you'll see the front of Malcolm X College on your right a block away) and turn right @ the streetlight then left when you see the Italian place it is right there on your left. It might even be on the same street as the college.
So - you'd be walking towards 94 @ first. Some people that were there really early parked on a side street then moved their cars to a UC parking lot when they opened (only one opens after noon supposedly). I think the UC parking is $15-$20. It was nice to pay only $8 and be only one of maybe 10 cars in the garage. People said you can park near the Billy Goat Tavern nearby - the lot wasn't too big though. I heard it's good food.
Have fun!!!!!