I had 3 GA experiences, Phoenix 1st leg was a semi-nightmare because like some of the stories above, security formed lines all around the arena, and those of that were there from dawn, got screwed at the last minute. We still made it into the heart, but sadly I think a lot of people that had been there all day did not.
Then came LA 11/12, which was a wonderful experience, we got in line a 6:00 am and met loads of fun people and everyone got along, and security was awesome, there was only one line and they had even put up barriers so that noone could cut in. We got soaked the last hour or so before they let us in, and there was a bit of chaos in the last moments, but over-all it was done fairly and very organized.
Then came my NIGHTMARE in Oakland, 11/15, my friend and I lined up at 6:45 am and thanks to some organized fans we got our numbers, we were #55 or so, the entire day went very smooth, again we had barriers and everyone followed the number system pretty well, but when the time came to enter the Arena, I got stopped by security....by a VERY, very large security dude who literally took me OUT! He asked me to look in my bag, and then he and some chic security looked into my butt-pack, saw my camera, and told me I had to go back to the car. OK, yeah right in the mad rush I was going back to my car, and after waiting 14 hours not get in??? So I started arguing with them, I told them I would give them my film, anything, they just kept saying no, that I would have to go back to the car, or give up my camera. So the next thing I know, I found myself running as fast as I could down the ramp to the entrance, when I feel someone picking me up from behind! The security guy had picked me up and CARRIED ME OUT to the top of the ramp! I was horrified. He told me that I was not allowed to go back in. So I honestly started throwing a fit, I begged the jerk to let me back in. My friend pleaded to him to let us back in, and finally he told me that if I gave him my camera I could go in. So they took my camera, and I never saw it again. This pissed me off SO bad! The security was really rough with me, it was a terrible experience that I will never forget! However my girlfriend still cracks up about it, she said I looked like a crazed fool, running away from the security like that, and then she said when he had me in his arms and was carrying me out, I was kicking my feet around like a 2 year old
The crazy things U2 makes me do