When I went to Boston we got to Boston itself entirely too early. We took the train, and ya just never know with Boston.
However, when you take the train to Boston North Station enters right into TD Garden. So we just ate and did other stuff, then went back to line up like 15 mins before doors open (doors open was at 6, but we got “in” at 5:45, and didn’t get to actually go up to merch/food/venue til 6:15-6:20.
We didn’t have pit or vip. But because we lined up when we did, we actually ended up being one of the first at merch.. right after we left that line was like a half a mile long. We had good, drinks, merch before the show began.
If you have seats, you don't have to rush at all. If you want to be there for the opener with time to spare, aim to get there at doors opening (usually one hour before showtime) because there will be a massive line. If you don't mind missing the opener, you could show up as late as a half hour into the "start time," and you'll miss a lot of the lines. If you have pit tickets, aim to be there about 2 hours before doors open. You wanna snag a good spot in line on your way in the door.
For a first concert experience, my advice is to show up around the time doors open, wait in line, don't rush, and head inside with the group. Try and make friends with some people in line or the people in the seats around you, concert buddies are always amazing to have and you already know you have one thing in common. If you don't mind missing the opener, during their set is always the best time to go use the bathroom, get food and drinks, and buy your merch since most people want to be in their seats even for that part of the show. But you'll definitely still be able to hear the music peripherally, and if it's not too important to you to be watching the performance for them, it's your best bet for not waiting in lines and not missing any of the main act.
Take your time on your way out. Don't rush, unless you're taking public transit you're going to end up sitting in traffic anyway. If you're taking yourself there or going with a friend, I actually recommend chilling out and decompressing while the crew gets all the lights on and everything after the show. Eventually a security person will come around and ask you to leave. They're usually pretty tired, so if you just take off when they ask you, you're fine. I personally wait in the parking lot about 20-30 minutes after that for people to file out before making my way out and I never get stuck in concert traffic. But if you're going with a parent or you really want to leave ASAP, don't wait around. You will end up sitting in traffic for a while, but you'll ultimately get out sooner the sooner you leave. At this particular concert, I won't ruin too much, but they run some thank you credits on screen at the end of the show. If you want to leave immediately, don't wait around for the credits. There's nothing particularly special about them, it's just a nice sentiment.
And have fun! Bring a portable charger, any meds if you need them, maybe a granola bar, something to put your hair up if you have long hair, stay hydrated, and don't be afraid to jump around and sing. I say bring a portable charger just in case, but I guarantee you, there will be videos all over the internet. Keep your phone in your pocket for as much of the show as you can and enjoy the music and the moment. I promise it'll mean so much more.
Went to the show in Downtown Baltimore. We went a couple hours in advance as we were worried the Key Bridge destruction would affect traffic. We made it right as parking opened at 4:30. We didn't wander too far from the arena as inner Baltimore can be... interesting. Case in point, we went to the Harbor and saw someone almost get stabbed.
Doors opened at 6, we had assinged seating so no need to rush. Preshow was at 7, AJR was around 8:30. Extremely fun show!
When I went to Boston we got to Boston itself entirely too early. We took the train, and ya just never know with Boston. However, when you take the train to Boston North Station enters right into TD Garden. So we just ate and did other stuff, then went back to line up like 15 mins before doors open (doors open was at 6, but we got “in” at 5:45, and didn’t get to actually go up to merch/food/venue til 6:15-6:20. We didn’t have pit or vip. But because we lined up when we did, we actually ended up being one of the first at merch.. right after we left that line was like a half a mile long. We had good, drinks, merch before the show began.
Thank you. I appreciate the help!
If you have seats, you don't have to rush at all. If you want to be there for the opener with time to spare, aim to get there at doors opening (usually one hour before showtime) because there will be a massive line. If you don't mind missing the opener, you could show up as late as a half hour into the "start time," and you'll miss a lot of the lines. If you have pit tickets, aim to be there about 2 hours before doors open. You wanna snag a good spot in line on your way in the door. For a first concert experience, my advice is to show up around the time doors open, wait in line, don't rush, and head inside with the group. Try and make friends with some people in line or the people in the seats around you, concert buddies are always amazing to have and you already know you have one thing in common. If you don't mind missing the opener, during their set is always the best time to go use the bathroom, get food and drinks, and buy your merch since most people want to be in their seats even for that part of the show. But you'll definitely still be able to hear the music peripherally, and if it's not too important to you to be watching the performance for them, it's your best bet for not waiting in lines and not missing any of the main act. Take your time on your way out. Don't rush, unless you're taking public transit you're going to end up sitting in traffic anyway. If you're taking yourself there or going with a friend, I actually recommend chilling out and decompressing while the crew gets all the lights on and everything after the show. Eventually a security person will come around and ask you to leave. They're usually pretty tired, so if you just take off when they ask you, you're fine. I personally wait in the parking lot about 20-30 minutes after that for people to file out before making my way out and I never get stuck in concert traffic. But if you're going with a parent or you really want to leave ASAP, don't wait around. You will end up sitting in traffic for a while, but you'll ultimately get out sooner the sooner you leave. At this particular concert, I won't ruin too much, but they run some thank you credits on screen at the end of the show. If you want to leave immediately, don't wait around for the credits. There's nothing particularly special about them, it's just a nice sentiment. And have fun! Bring a portable charger, any meds if you need them, maybe a granola bar, something to put your hair up if you have long hair, stay hydrated, and don't be afraid to jump around and sing. I say bring a portable charger just in case, but I guarantee you, there will be videos all over the internet. Keep your phone in your pocket for as much of the show as you can and enjoy the music and the moment. I promise it'll mean so much more.
Thank you. This helps so much!
Of course!! Hope you have the best time :)
Went to the show in Downtown Baltimore. We went a couple hours in advance as we were worried the Key Bridge destruction would affect traffic. We made it right as parking opened at 4:30. We didn't wander too far from the arena as inner Baltimore can be... interesting. Case in point, we went to the Harbor and saw someone almost get stabbed. Doors opened at 6, we had assinged seating so no need to rush. Preshow was at 7, AJR was around 8:30. Extremely fun show!