How Long Before Should You Line Up for a Concert with General Admission?

Planning to attend a concert with general admission requires careful consideration of timing. Several factors come into play, including the artist's popularity, venue size, weather conditions, and personal preferences. This guide will help you determine the optimal time to arrive for various concert scenarios.

Factors Influencing Concert Lineup Timing

The specific time you should line up for a general admission concert can vary widely based on the following factors:

Popularity of the Artist

For highly popular artists or events, fans often begin lining up 12 to 24 hours in advance. The allure of a good spot in the queue can drive people to start waiting even earlier to secure a prime position.

Venue Size

The venue size is a crucial factor. Larger venues typically offer more space for attendees, leading to a less competitive atmosphere. Smaller venues, however, can result in longer lines as the number of available spots becomes a limiting factor.

Weather Conditions

Weather plays a significant role in lineup timing. Favorable weather can encourage fans to stay outside and wait, whereas inclement weather may deter some from waiting in the queue, affecting the overall size of the lineup.

Personal Preference

If obtaining a front-row spot is important to you, arriving earlier is advisable. Some fans prefer to arrive just a few hours before doors open, especially if they are comfortable with a less ideal position.

General Guidelines for Concert Timing

In general, arriving 4 to 6 hours before the show is a good rule of thumb for most concerts. However, the specific timeframe can vary based on the concert's unique circumstances.

Departure Timing

For distances that require significant travel time, it's essential to plan your departure in advance. For example, in the US, you might consider departing your workplace or home around 7:10 PM to reach the venue well before 8 PM to avoid traffic or other unexpected delays.

Example Scenarios

The timing of the lineup can vary widely based on the type of concert:

Highly Popular Concerts

For a concert featuring highly popular artists, lines often form days in advance. As seen during The Who's tour in the 1980s, fans lined up at Seattle's Kingdome well in advance. For smaller, non-big group concerts, arriving the morning of the event is usually sufficient.

Well-Known Performers

For a highly successful performer like Warren Haynes, arriving around 8 hours before the show was necessary to secure a spot near the stage several times. On the day of the event, venues often use wristbands to manage the queue, providing a more organized process.

Less Well-Known Performers

For lesser-known performers, an hour or two before the doors open is usually sufficient. These concerts often have less competition, making the lineup process more manageable.

Conclusion

The decision of when to arrive for a general admission concert should be based on a combination of the artist's popularity, venue size, weather conditions, and personal preferences. Planning ahead can ensure you have the best experience and a good chance of securing a desired spot in the lineup.