Explain to me everything about GA! PLEASE!

[madonna's child]

So, I was at Tuesday's show (amazing!) and I was in seats. They were a nice view of the entire stage, but all I could think about was "look how much more fun the floor is having." So, I'm on a mission from God to get a GA ticket for this Saturday.

I've ignored the GA threads because they didn't apply to me. Can someone either answer these questions or direct me to an old thread with this info. Thanks!!!

1. What time should you get there? (I assume Philly is a pretty popular show)

2. Do you get assigned a number when you get in line? Who assigns them?

3. Can you leave the line and come back to your spot? (I really want to try to see the band come in.)

4. How close to the front should you be in the line to get a spot on the rail? (Assuming you don't get into the ellipse.)

5. Would I be crazy to spend $275.00 on a GA from a broker? Should I just pray for a TM drop? Or is that too risky?

6. Anything else I should know!?

 

[Super_Fan]

Read U2.com . It's explained there . If you are going to Saturdays show the GA line will start on South Broad Street, outside the main entrance to Wachovia Complex. The day of the show in the morning Electric Factory security (thugs yes they are and its a corruptive security company) will escort us to the GA Line on the property.

 

[neutral]

bah, you're not on AIM

 

[madonna's child]

What time do they do that? And do you know what the link is at U2.com? I can't find anything on that stupid site.

 

[Chizip]

1. What time should you get there? (I assume Philly is a pretty popular show)

As early as you can. Someone posted on here they got the the United Center at 5:20 AM and was #73 in line.

2. Do you get assigned a number when you get in line? Who assigns them?

Usually the first few fans in line start a numbering system. When you get there go up to the front of the line to get a number.

3. Can you leave the line and come back to your spot? (I really want to try to see the band come in.)

Yes, that is the reason for the numbers. You can leave and come back to your same spot. Make sure you get to know your neighbors and let them know why you are leaving and when you'll be back.

4. How close to the front should you be in the line to get a spot on the rail? (Assuming you don't get into the ellipse.)

I'd say youd want to be in the top 100 people at least.

5. Would I be crazy to spend $275.00 on a GA from a broker? Should I just pray for a TM drop? Or is that too risky?

275 seems a bit high, I'd make that a final option. I'd probably wait for a ticket drop, (since you will be in the GA line anyway you can also get in the box office line), and if you dont get it then find a scalper around the arena. I'd think you could get a GA for less than 275.

6. Anything else I should know!?

bring things that will make your wait more comfortable and enjoyable

 

[madonna's child]

Thanks!!!!!!

 

[doctorwho]

Having just waited outside in a GA line, I want to add a few more items.

1) I arrived around 10-ish. I was #170. This was good enough to put me second row off the railing. However, short people asked to get in front of me and annoying people already in front had signs. Therefore, be prepared for both scenarios. If you want to be by the railing, I recommend arriving far earlier in the morning. This way, if you're lucky enough to get into the ellipse, you'll get a spot by the stage (or railing in the ellipse). If not, at least you'll be by the railing outside the ellipse.

2) Be prepared to stand a LONG time. While you can sit and relax while waiting in line all day, when it comes time to queue to get into the arena, you will be standing for 1-2 hours. That won't be a problem, but then you stand for another 30-60 minutes before the opening band starts. Then you stand for their performance. You stand some more while they prepare the stage for U2. So you've stood for 4 hours (from about 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.) before U2 even comes on stage! Then U2 performs for 2 hours. So get good shoes and be well rested!

3) Unless you are in the ellipse or right along the railing, you will get pushed and shoved. And it is wicked hot. Want to get a drink or use the bathroom and get back to your spot? Good luck! It may happen, it may not - especially if you are alone. And with it being so packed up front, it gets very warm very fast. During the May 10th show, I left my good spot after the main set. I got a drink and decided to return to the floor, but in the back by the soundstage. I actually enjoyed myself more in the back. I was up close for most of the show and got to see Adam, Edge and Bono very close - so I was happy. But in back, I had room, it was cool and I was able to bounce around without pushy people. And I'm a big man - so if you are small of frame, be warned. Being by the soundstage in back might not be so bad!

4) Rumor has it that sometimes those by the soundstage get chosen to go into the ellipse, so you might get lucky if you are back there.

5) If you choose to wait outside all day, bring food, water, music, a chair or blanket, appropriate clothing, sunblock (if necessary), money, a book, etc. You may talk to people, but you may also just want to sit and read or relax. It's a long day, so be prepared.

6) When I had seats (300 level), my ears were fine. However, on the floor, the music is MUCH louder causing my ears to ring for a day! Therefore, think about ear plugs (I forgot about this).

 

[Liesje]

This is based on my experience in Chicago, which was my second U2 show ever and my first GA experience (for a gig of this magnitude) so hopefully this is helpful....


1. What time should you get there? (I assume Philly is a pretty popular show)

We weren't prepared to camp out so we woke up at 4am and got in line at 5:45. We were numbers 73 and 74.

2. Do you get assigned a number when you get in line? Who assigns them?

We went to the front of the line and found the "line nazi" who has you sign in and gives you your number. Then you're supposed to tell/remind the people that get in line after you to go up and sign in.

3. Can you leave the line and come back to your spot? (I really want to try to see the band come in.)

Once you've signed in and gotten to know the people before and after you, yes. However, I wouldn't leave for long after 4:30/5ish b/c the line condenses into a more official line. You will at some point have to bring your stuff to the car, but just watch what everyone else does. The only time we left for a while was we put our stuff in the car earlier than everyone else so we could change, eat, and wash our faces. We let the people around us know we were coming back at a certain time.

4. How close to the front should you be in the line to get a spot on the rail? (Assuming you don't get into the ellipse.)

We were 73 and 74 and were in the second row on the rail. We could see perfectly between the first row's heads and at one point I found a spot on the rail.

5. Would I be crazy to spend $275.00 on a GA from a broker? Should I just pray for a TM drop? Or is that too risky?

I'm not sure. I spend about $165 each on mine, but I bought them only days after the show went on general sale.

6. Anything else I should know!?

If you have a car along, just bring whatever you think you might need b/c it's easier to leave it in the car than regret not having it along.

Things I regreted not having:

- more things to do (magazines, cards, a CD player)
- a tent (it only sprinkled a little bit, but it was very windy and many people hung out in tents)

Things I'm glad I brought:

- extra water for rinsing hands and face after a loooong day of waiting when it was sometimes hot, sometimes very humid and windy, and sometimes wet and rainy

- a cheap umbrella from the dollar store that I kept with me until the very end just in case it rained while we were waiting to get in. I didn't need it, but hey it cost a buck.

Also, I'd wear shoes. I only had flip flops b/c it's all I wear and my feet are so messed up there's no way on earth I can stand all night at a concert in shoes. But, since shoes in general don't bother most people like they do me, wear them b/c you'll be jumping around and then won't have to worry about getting stomped.

 

[madonna's child]

Thanks for all the tips. GA actually sounds pretty intense. Is it really worth it?

 

[Lovin' Bono]

I am so hoping it's worth it...tonight is the first time GA for me...I know just BEING at the show will be worth it!

I wasn't able to get in to town to do the whole GA experience...waiting in line, etc...so I am just wanting to see what it's like up close and personal!

 

[Liesje]

Thanks for all the tips. GA actually sounds pretty intense. Is it really worth it?

It's worth it if you can wait all day, unless you don't mind being way in the back. I loved it and now I'm doing it again 2-3 more times.