Getting to the front of the stage at a general admission concert can take some planning and strategy. General admission or “GA” means there are no assigned seats, so fans can stand wherever they want on the floor. The closer you are to the stage, the better view you’ll have of the performers. Here are some tips for getting a prime spot right up front:
Arrive Early
The most obvious way to get to the front is to show up early, as soon as the doors open. Fans who get there first will naturally get the choice of where to stand. The earlier you arrive, the less crowded it will be too. So be prepared to get there several hours before showtime if you really want that coveted spot right against the barricade.
Find out when doors open from the venue’s website or social media. Keep in mind that sometimes door times are moved up earlier due to high demand. Get in line well ahead of the posted time just in case. Bring everything you’ll need to withstand the wait like food, water, umbrella, charged phone, portable charger, and anything to sit on like a blanket.
How Early is Early Enough?
The time you need to arrive really depends on the artist and popularity of the show. The bigger the act, the earlier you’ll want to show up. For smaller club shows or bands just starting out, arriving 30-60 minutes before doors could be early enough. For major artists playing arenas or festivals, you may need to get in line many hours ahead.
Here are some general timelines to follow for different sized shows:
Type of Show | When to Arrive |
---|---|
Small club or theater | 30-90 minutes before doors |
Mid-size amphitheater or auditorium | 2-3 hours before doors |
Arena or stadium | 4+ hours before doors |
Festival concert | 8+ hours before gates open |
You can always check fan forums too to see when others are planning to start lining up. Arrive earlier than that to play it safe.
Come Prepared
Make sure you come prepared for spending a long time waiting in line. Bring:
- A chair, blanket or pad to sit on
- Snacks and water
- An umbrella or rain poncho if rain is possible
- Extra layers for colder weather
- Portable phone charger
- Entertainment like a book, cards or portable games
- Sharpie to make a sign requesting front row spots
- Cash for buying merch and food inside
Having activities and supplies will make the wait more comfortable. Charge your phone ahead of time too. You don’t want the battery to die before you even get inside.
Use the Buddy System
Waiting in line is easier and more secure if you have people to wait with you. Round up some friends or family members who also want to be front row. The more people you have, the more space you can save at the front of the line once you’re let inside. Just make sure everyone arrives together on time.
You can also make line friends with other fans. Bond over your shared love of the artist. This way you can take breaks from the line without losing your space. Coordinate with your line neighbors.
Know the Layout
Do some research on the venue’s layout before the show. Many venues have detailed seat maps available online. This will help give you an idea of the best spots to head for once you go in.
The most coveted area is always directly in front of the center of the stage. But anywhere along the front barricade gives you a good vantage point too.
For stadium shows with a GA floor, the earliest fans usually rush to the circular area around the catwalk when doors open. The front sections right by the main stage will fill up fast too.
At festivals, you’ll need to study the festival map to plan out where the sets are located. You’ll want to be familiar with the festival grounds so you can navigate quickly to each stage.
Study the Entrances
When studying the venue layout, note where the GA entrances are located. All the lines may funnel into one or two entry points to the floor. Make sure you head towards the correct doors as soon as they open. Usually doors are assigned by section numbers or letters.
Some venues have separate entrances that give floor access. These special lines may be less crowded. Ask the venue ahead of time if any entrances like this exist.
Outdoor venues especially have multiple gates you can enter once you’re inside the grounds. Position yourself during the wait so that you’re near the gate closest to the stage.
Look for Early Entry Perks
Sometimes certain groups are allowed into the venue early before general doors. Fan club members or VIP ticket holders may get first access. If the band offers any special early entry packages, consider investing in those perks.
Early entry can give you a big advantage over the rest of the crowd in claiming those coveted front spots. You’ll have time to get situated before the masses come in. Just note that the earlier entry groups will be small, so you still need to arrive when those doors open.
Have a Strategy In Mind
Once the doors open, you’ll need to act fast and have a game plan. Usually there’s a quick rush to the stage when fans first get inside. Having an idea of where you want to end up will help you get there efficiently.
Scope out the layout when you first walk in while it’s still relatively open. Note where the stage barricades are located. Be prepared to move quickly through the crowd before it gets too dense. Don’t stop to buy merch or drinks on the way.
Think about posting up on one side of the stage rather than right in the middle. The far sides will fill up more slowly.
Travel light with just essentials like ID, cash and phone so you aren’t weighed down. Keep your eye on the prize of reaching the front barricade.
Head for the Barricade
Your goal should be to get to the metal barricade at the very front. Once you grab a spot here, plant your feet and don’t give up your space! The closer to the center stage you can get, the better.
Position yourself strategically a few feet behind the barricade since the most aggressive fans will try hugging it. You’ll still have an amazing view a couple rows back, and more personal space.
If you do wind up further back, gradually work your way forward in between sets. Politely squeeze past people or slip into gaps then stay put.
Hold Your Ground
Maintaining your position up front means avoiding losing your spot. Once the show starts, the crowd will naturally compact together. Don’t let people inch their way in front of you.
Stand your ground and occupy your space. Crossing your arms across your chest can help create a barrier. Band together with those around you and form a unified front row. Let people know if they’re trying to cut past.
If you have to leave briefly for the bathroom, try to exit and re-enter from the sides. Or send one member of your group at a time so you don’t lose precious real estate.
Respect General Admission Etiquette
While enthusiastically staking your claim up front, keep proper GA etiquette in mind:
- Don’t push, shove or cut the line when doors open
- Avoid spreading out blankets or tarps to save excessive space
- Bring multiple waters to share and reduce frequentBarricade spotssle
- Help fans who may get crushed or fall down in the crowd
- Allow access for people with medical emergencies to exit
Having a friendly cooperative spirit with the people around you will make the experience more enjoyable for everyone. You’re all there celebrating a shared love!
Arrive Even Earlier for Festival Sets
Scoring a spot up front gets even more competitive when your favorite act is playing a set at a large festival. Now you’re vying for space with potentially tens of thousands of other passionate fans.
Staking out a good spot means waiting many more hours compared to a regular concert. It’s critical to get to the festival as early in the day as possible. Be there when gates open in the morning to get ahead of the game.
Your best bet is to watch sets at the same stage all day long. Stay put through the less popular bands so you maintain your position. If you have to leave, mark your territory and get someone to hold your spot.
Slowly migrate your way forward after each set ends as fans exit. Inch closer to the stage bit by bit.
Hydrate frequently and use sunscreen. Rage all day long so you have the stamina to party hard when your favorite finally takes the stage.
Plot Your Path
Carefully studying the festival map and set times is key. Underline must-see acts and highlight the stages they are playing. Make a schedule for your day.
Plan out the most direct walking routes between stages you need to hit. Festival crowds will bottleneck at choke points, so have alternate paths in mind too.
Prioritize which bands you absolutely have to see up close, and which you can hang back for. You likely won’t be able to be front row for every set.
Accept that you’ll have to make some sacrifices as you balance different stages and set times. But with smart planning, you can still wind up with prime spots for your most anticipated shows.
Network and Make Alliances
Getting intel from fellow fans is vital when plotting your festival game plan. Seek out forums and Facebook groups specific to that festival. Get tips from veteran attendees on staking out spots.
Chat with the people around you in line and on the campgrounds. Ask about their plans for the day so you know what spots will be most coveted. Share info and coordinate efforts.
Make temporary alliances with new friends who want to see the same sets. Work together to hold down spots at stages while taking breaks. An extra set of eyes watching your claimed territory goes a long way.
Pack Provisions
Festivals allow you to bring in food, water, towels and sealed toiletries. Take full advantage by packing supplies:
- Folding chair
- Blankets and tarps for marking ground
- Hydration pack filled with water
- Cliff bars and nutritious snacks
- Towel for dampening and cooling off
- Earplugs
- Portable phone charger
- Cash and ID
Load up your cargo pockets or bag carefully. You’ll be standing for hours, so chairs and blankets offer relief. Having your own food and drinks means less time waiting at vendors.
A hydration pack can be refilled for free at most festivals so you always have water close by. Pack essentials like sunscreen, chapstick, pain reliever and hand sanitizer too.
Wear shoes you can stand in all day. Layers for when the temperature drops at night. Empty pockets so pickpockets can’t steal your belongings in the crowds.
The right supplies will help you power through the festival marathon without losing steam.
Conclusion
Scoring that coveted front row spot at a GA show requires dedication, planning and some skillful maneuvering. But the payoff is well worth it. Standing just feet from your favorite performer with an unobstructed view is a one-of-a-kind concert experience.
Every fan knows the energy and magic of a live show intensifies the closer you get. All it takes is showing up early enough with a solid strategy, and your chance to be front and center awaits. So get out there and rock on from the greatest view in the house!