Going to a concert can be an exciting experience. However, deciding what time to arrive can be tricky. Should you get there hours in advance to get a good spot? Or is arriving just before showtime fine? The answer depends on several factors. In this article, we’ll discuss how early people typically arrive for concerts and what to consider when deciding what time to get there.
When Do Venue Doors Typically Open?
This is an important factor in determining when to arrive. Venues usually open doors 1-2 hours before the concert start time, but each venue is different. Here are some general guidelines:
- Smaller clubs: 45 mins – 1 hour before
- Theaters: 1-1.5 hours before
- Arenas/Stadiums: 1.5-2 hours before
Check the venue’s website for specific door opening times. This gives you an idea of when you can enter and grab a spot.
When Do Fans Typically Arrive?
While doors may open 1-2 hours early, many fans arrive even earlier than that. Here’s when most people tend to show up:
- Casual fans: 30-60 mins before doors open
- Moderate fans: 1-2 hours before doors open
- Passionate fans: 3+ hours before doors open
The most devoted fans want to be among the first inside or line up for front row spots. Even if you don’t insist on being front and center, arriving 1-2 hours before doors can ensure you get a good view.
Factors That Determine Arrival Time
How early you arrive depends on these key factors:
Popularity of the Artist/Band
The more popular the act, the earlier fans arrive to get close spots. If it’s a smaller indie band, arriving 30 minutes before is probably fine. But for major mainstream acts like Taylor Swift, fans camp out overnight!
Your Desired Viewing Position
Where do you want to be – front and center against the stage or further back is fine? Your desired view affects timing.
General Admission vs Assigned Seating
For general admission, the earlier you arrive, the better your options. With assigned seats, arriving just before showtime is fine.
Tour Kickoff vs Final Shows
Fans tend to be more eager at the start of a tour. The energy is higher and fans want to see a perfected show. At final tour dates, fans also arrive early to “soak it all in.”
Weekday vs Weekend Shows
Weekend shows draw larger crowds who likely arrive earlier. Weeknight shows have smaller turnouts so you can show up later.
Opener Act You Want to See
If the opener is one of your favorites, get there in time to see their set. Some openers start one hour before the headliner.
Tips on When to Arrive
Taking these tips into account can help determine the best timing:
- Check venue door opening time and plan to arrive 1-2 hours before that.
- For popular bands or front row spots, come 2-3 hours early or more.
- General admission requires earlier arrival than reserved seats.
- Aim for at least 30 minutes before the opener if you want to see them.
- Add extra time for security checks, parking, merch shopping.
- Travel time varies with traffic, so budget time for that too.
While passionate fans arrive extremely early, even casual fans tend to show up 1-2 hours before showtime. This ensures a reasonable chance of getting a decent view. Allow extra time for any logistics like parking, security checks, finding seats, and buying merch.
Benefits of Arriving Early
Getting to the venue early has these advantages:
- Better chance at a front row or standing spot near the stage.
- More time to buy merch and tour souvenirs before they sell out.
- Opportunity to see the opening acts.
- Chance to people watch and soak up the pre-show atmosphere and energy.
- Parking may be easier than arriving later with traffic.
- Less rushed feeling and chance to wind down before the main event.
While it requires more advance planning, there are lots of perks to showing up early. You can immerse yourself in the excitement leading up to the headliner’s performance.
Downsides of Arriving Too Early
However, there are also some potential drawbacks:
- Standing around for a long time can be tiring.
- You may have to sit outside the venue in poor weather.
- Boredom from waiting with nothing to do.
- Dealing with crowds for an extended time.
- Possibility doors open later than expected, wasting time.
Arriving extremely early means potential discomfort and boredom while waiting. Unless you want the very front row, 2-3 hours ahead of time is often sufficient. You can pass the time chatting with other fans.
Downsides of Arriving Too Late
On the flip side, showing up too late can have these disadvantages:
- Poor viewing angle or obstructed views.
- Only back/upper level seats remaining.
- Missing the opener’s performance.
- Feeling rushed and chaotic cutting it close.
- Parking headaches and traffic jams.
- Merch may be picked over or sold out.
You want to avoid the stress of arriving just in the nick of time. Latecomers often end up with subpar seats or scrambling at the last minute.
Ideal Arrival Times for Common Concert Situations
As a general guide, here are recommended arrival times for various concert scenarios:
| Concert Situation | Recommended Arrival Time |
|---|---|
| Major band, front row spot | 3-4 hours before doors open |
| Headliner general admission | 1-2 hours before doors open |
| Reserved lower section seats | 30-60 minutes before showtime |
| Reserved upper level seats | Just before showtime |
| Want to see opener | At least 30 minutes before opener |
| Casual fan, moderate crowd | 30-60 minutes before doors |
These time frames balance getting a decent spot with avoiding excessive waiting time. Of course, personal preferences and unique factors like weather or traffic may alter ideal arrival times.
Arriving Early for Different Genres
Ideal arrival times also vary by music genre, as fan cultures differ. Here are typical arrival times for some popular genres:
- Rock: 1-2 hours before doors open
- Pop: 2+ hours for passionate fans, 1 hour for most
- Rap/Hip-Hop: 1-1.5 hours before doors
- Jazz/Blues: 30-60 minutes before showtime
- Metal: 2+ hours before doors
- EDM: 1-2 hours before doors
Rock, pop, and metal fans tend to arrive the earliest to jockey for prime position. Jazz and blues crowds are more laidback. Know the norms for your preferred genre.
Key Takeaways
- Arrive 1-2 hours before venue doors open for a decent concert spot.
- Allow extra time if you want front row or general admission spots.
- Earlier is better for popular bands, later is fine for small acts.
- Check door opening times and factor in logistics like parking.
- Balance early arrival perks against boredom and discomfort from waiting.
With some advance planning, you can determine the ideal time to arrive at a concert. While passionate fans show up extremely early, arriving 60-90 minutes ahead of doors often provides a good experience without excessive waiting. Consider the venue, band, crowd, and your personal preferences when deciding when to arrive. That way, you can focus on enjoying the show instead of worrying about logistics.