Deciding how early to arrive at a general admission concert can be tricky. You want to get a good spot, but you also don’t want to spend hours waiting around. Here are some tips to help you figure out the best time to get in line.
What is general admission?
General admission (GA) means first come, first served seating. There are no assigned seats, so you can stand or sit wherever you can find space. The early birds get the best spots directly in front of the stage. Later arrivals end up further back or off to the sides.
When do doors open?
The doors usually open 60 to 90 minutes before the advertised start time. This gives crowds time to file in without creating bottlenecks. Check the venue website and look for your ticket confirmation email for the exact door time.
How early do people start lining up?
Diehard fans start arriving extremely early, sometimes 12+ hours in advance. But that’s not necessary for most medium-to-large shows. A good rule of thumb is that the line starts forming 2-3 hours pre-doors. Arrive then and you’ll likely get an above-average spot. Table 1 shows recommended arrival times:
Type of Fan | Arrival Time |
---|---|
Diehard front row | 12+ hours before doors |
Serious/big fan | 4-8 hours before doors |
Casual fan | 2-3 hours before doors |
Very casual | 1 hour before doors |
When is the venue capacity reached?
Venues reach full capacity 30-60 minutes before showtime. Some general rules:
- Small club – Lines max out 30 minutes pre-show.
- Medium theater – Lines max out 45 minutes pre-show.
- Arena – Lines max out 60 minutes pre-show.
So if you show up less than an hour before showtime, you risk not getting in.
Should you line up earlier for certain artists?
Yes, definitely. More popular bands attract bigger crowds and more intense fans. Add 1-2 hours if it’s a hot show that’s likely to sell out. For example, lining up 2 hours early for an average show might only get you a mediocre spot. But lining up 4 hours early for a major artist will get you much closer access.
Does the city matter?
Yes! General admission culture varies by location. Some useful comparisons:
- New York City – Lines get very long, very fast. Arrive 2-3 hrs pre-doors minimum.
- Los Angeles – People arrive more casually 1-2 hrs pre-doors.
- London – Queuing extremely early is common. 4+ hrs pre-doors for floor access.
- Small Town – You can show up 30-60 minutes early and still get a decent spot.
Should you line up alone or in a group?
Groups have a distinct advantage! With 4+ people, you can secure a good line spot early, then take turns holding places and taking breaks. Single concertgoers lose their spot if they leave the line. Consider making line friends, or partnering up with existing groups to share line duties.
Can you bring food and drinks?
Since you’ll potentially be waiting many hours, bring supplies! Food and non-alcoholic drinks are usually allowed. Some venue rules:
- No large coolers – stick to small backpacks/bags.
- No glass containers.
- No alcohol – you’ll be turned away if caught drinking in line.
- No lawn chairs – standing only.
Hydration is critical, so carry a refillable water bottle. Energy bars and finger foods are easy line food. Meal replacement shakes or smoothies allow you to drink a quick meal.
What about portable chargers?
Phone chargers are concert survival must-haves. Consider these tips:
- Fully charge your phone before leaving home.
- Bring an external battery pack or charger.
- Portable solar chargers can be handy.
- Turn off phone features like Bluetooth, WiFi, and auto-brightness to conserve power.
- If you run low, ask nearby fans if anyone has a spare charger.
What should you bring for comfort?
Standing outside for hours can be tiring. Here’s what to bring:
- Portable stool or folding chair – ask first if allowed by venue.
- Umbrella for shade.
- Clothing layers for changing weather.
- Poncho or raincoat if rain is possible.
- Blanket or pad to sit on ground.
- Neck pillow and travel blanket.
- Tissues/wipes for makeshift bathroom trips.
- Hand sanitizer and hygiene essentials.
- Pain relievers (aspirin, ibuprofen).
- Healthy snacks to maintain energy.
How can you entertain yourself in line?
Don’t let the wait become unbearable. Stay occupied with these tips:
- Play games on your phone or tablet.
- Read books, magazines or a Kindle.
- Listen to music, podcasts and audiobooks.
- Chat with your line buddies.
- People watch and enjoy the fan spectacle.
- Nap against a wall if space permits.
- Play concert trivia – name 5 songs, albums, etc.
- Design signs and creative outfits.
Should you use the bathroom before lining up?
Absolutely! Use the restroom shortly before arriving, as lines rarely have bathroom access. For men, bring a disposable urination bottle as a backup. For women, wearing an adult diaper or incontinence pad can provide peace of mind.
Can you share a place in line?
Sometimes! Ask politely if you can join friends already in line. But don’t assume it’s okay. Large groups will sometimes “save spots” for late arrivals, leaving gaps that you might be able to temporarily occupy. However, be prepared to give up the space when the rest of their group arrives.
What’s the protocol for holding your ground?
Spaces get tight, and pushy fans may try encroaching. Politely stand your ground, while avoiding outright confrontation. Some tips:
- Place your bags, gear, etc. in your space when stepping away for a break.
- Link arms with your line neighbors to create a human barrier.
- Speak up clearly if someone is invading your zone.
- Say “excuse me” loudly when returning to reclaim your rightful spot.
Should you rush the doors when they open?
Unless you’re gunning for the very front row, an undignified door rush usually isn’t necessary. Walk briskly but under control. However, at smaller venues, breaking into a run when doors open can sometimes gain you extra yards. Read the vibe when the moment comes.
How early should you realistically arrive?
In summary, follow these general guidelines for timing your arrival:
- Multi-act festival – Arrive when gates open.
- Huge mainstream artist – 4-8 hours pre-doors.
- Well-known headliner – 2-4 hours pre-doors.
- Medium popularity – 1-2 hours pre-doors.
- Obscure acts – 30-60 minutes pre-doors.
Adjust earlier or later based on your desired spot, crowd size, and dedication level. Ultimately it comes down to personal preference. Some fans love the camaraderie and party atmosphere of early arrival, while others prefer walking straight in just before showtime. Either way, enjoy the thrill of seeing your favorite music live!
Conclusion
Determining your arrival time for a general admission concert requires weighing factors like venue, artist, city, and personal preference. Give yourself ample time to get a good spot, while packing supplies to make the wait comfortable and entertaining. Aim to arrive a few hours before doors, stay hydrated and well-fed, and use the bathroom before lining up. With smart preparation, you can have an epic concert experience from your hard-earned spot up front!