Getting to a Beyoncé concert can be both exciting and stressful, especially if you’re traveling from out of town. As one of the biggest superstars in the world, Beyoncé attracts huge crowds to her shows, so it’s important to plan ahead to make sure you get there on time. This guide will walk you through all the key steps for getting to a Beyoncé concert at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, including finding transportation, allowing extra time for traffic and lines, figuring out parking, and more. With some advance planning, you’ll be able to securely get yourself to the concert venue and have an amazing time singing and dancing alongside Queen Bey.
Buy Concert Tickets Well in Advance
The first step is getting concert tickets, which you’ll want to purchase as far ahead of time as possible since Beyoncé shows typically sell out quickly. Tickets can be purchased online through Ticketmaster or reseller sites once the concert is announced. Expect ticket prices to range from around $100 for nosebleed seats up to $500+ for floor or VIP packages. Keep the concert details handy, including the date, time, and exact address of the venue.
If you wait too long and the primary tickets sell out, you may be able to find resale tickets on sites like StubHub, SeatGeek or Vivid Seats. However these will come at a premium price. StubHub in particular has an official partnership with Beyoncé’s concert promoter Live Nation, so it can be a reliable source for resale tickets. Just beware of potential scams on some resale sites and make sure you use a secure payment method when purchasing tickets online.
Once you have your concert tickets lined up, make sure you have a plan for getting to Levi’s Stadium on the day of the show.
Factor in Time Needed for Traffic and Lines
When estimating what time you need to arrive, keep in mind that major concerts attract huge crowds which can mean heavy traffic congestion and long waits at the venue entrance. For a Beyoncé show at Levi’s Stadium, you’ll want to plan for at least 1-2 extra hours to account for traffic delays and entrance lines.
Beyoncé’s concerts routinely attract 50,000-70,000 fans or more, so traffic congestion is inevitable near the venue’s vicinity. Levi’s Stadium only has around 15,000 parking spaces too, so many attendees will be looking for parking at the same time as you. Road closures are also common near the stadium on major event days.
Give yourself plenty of buffer time to sit in traffic jams on routes such as US-101, I-880, Brokaw Road, and Tasman Drive. Tools like Google Maps can help estimate traffic conditions based on the day and time.
You’ll also need extra time to get through security screening and wait in lines at the entrance gates. Even with an e-ticket on your phone, you still may have to stand in a physical line to enter the concert, sometimes for 30+ minutes. Don’t cut it close – its better arrive early than risk missing part of the show.
Evaluate Transportation Options to the Venue
When attending a concert at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, you have several options for getting to the venue:
Driving Your Own Car
Many fans choose to drive themselves to the stadium and park on-site. This allows you flexibility to arrive and leave on your own schedule. Be prepared for traffic getting in and out. Parking costs around $40-60 on concert nights.
Rideshare (Uber, Lyft)
Using Uber or Lyft is a popular option for getting to Levi’s Stadium. The designated rideshare pickup and drop-off zone is on Tasman Drive by the stadium entrance. Surge pricing will be in effect after the concert ends.
Public Transit
Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) light rail and bus routes serve Levi’s Stadium. The closest light rail station is Great America Station, which connects to the venue via a pedestrian bridge. Fares start at $2 each way.
Caltrain
Local Caltrain stations like Santa Clara and Lawrence can connect you to VTA buses to Levi’s Stadium. This is a good option for coming from San Francisco or San Jose.
Charter Bus
Some dedicated fans organize charter buses for getting groups to Beyoncé concerts. This takes coordination but can be fun and convenient.
Evaluate the pros and cons of each option to decide what’s best for your situation. Arranging transportation early is key.
Secure Parking Pass or Plan Transit Route
If driving to the concert, you’ll need to purchase a parking pass for one of the lots at Levi’s Stadium. Passes can be bought in advance online or at the entrance on the day of the show, but they are known to sell out. Parking costs around $40-60 for concert events.
On-site parking lots open 4 hours before show time. Options include Red, Gold, Blue, and Green lots on the stadium grounds. Make sure your parking pass matches the correct lot.
If using public transit or rideshare, plan your route ahead of time. VTA light rail runs special concert service to Great America Station for Levi’s Stadium events. Have a backup rideshare option ready in case transit lines are too crowded after the show ends.
Leave extra time to walk from transit stops or parking lots to the stadium entrance gates. Many concertgoers will be heading in at the same time as you. Patience and advance planning will pay off when it’s time to park and enter the venue.
What to Bring to the Concert
When heading to a high-profile concert like Beyoncé, keep in mind that security will be tight getting into the venue. Bag restrictions may apply, so don’t bring unnecessary prohibited items. Know what you are allowed to bring before you go:
– E-tickets on your phone – Printed paper tickets work too
– Government ID that matches your ticket
– Clear plastic bags 12″ x 12″ x 6″ or smaller to hold personal items
– Small clutch bags approximately 4.5” x 6.5” (no larger than 8” x 5”)
– Non-professional cameras (no detachable lenses or tripods)
– Small food snacks and unopened plastic water bottles (must be factory sealed)
– Outfits, clothing, hats, sunglasses
– Blankets and cushy seat pads for the field or stands
– Non-aerosol sunscreen and chapstick
– Essential medications and toiletries
– Fully charged phone
– Portable phone charger and cord
– Cash and credit/debit cards
Prohibited items that will be turned away at security:
– Weapons of any kind
– Professional cameras
– GoPros
– Any and all video recording equipment
– Sealed packs of cigarettes (must be opened to bring in)
– Illegal substances
– Alcohol or beverages
– Aerosol cans (hairspray, mace, etc.)
– Helium balloons
– Laser pointers
– Air horns or musical instruments
– Drones
– Selfie sticks
– Backpacks or bags that don’t meet size restrictions
– Open packs of gum, cough drops, or mints
Arrive early, travel light, stay hydrated in the lines, and don’t bring prohibited items if you want to get through security as quickly as possible. Prior planning makes the process smoother so you can get in and enjoy Beyoncé’s performance without hassles.
Entry Gates and Getting to Your Seats
Levi’s Stadium has designated entry gates that will be printed on your ticket. Gates open 90 minutes before show time for general admission ticket holders. VIP ticket holders may get earlier admission.
Make sure you arrive at the correct gate for your ticket. Stadium staff will scan your ticket barcode from your phone or printed ticket, then you can proceed through the security checkpoint.
Once inside, stadium ushers can assist you in finding your seating section or the general admission floor area. Entry gates lead directly into the main concourse level with concessions and restrooms. From there, ramps and staircases take you down to the lower field level.
Getting settled in your seats early allows you time to grab food, merch, and soak up the pre-show anticipation and crowd energy before Beyoncé takes the stage. You made it – now it’s time to lose yourself in the music and live concert experience!
After the Show
Beyoncé concerts are unforgettable experiences that will leave you buzzing afterward. However, that also means large crowds exiting all at once when the show finishes. This can test your patience as everyone funnels out to the same parking lots and transit pickup points.
If driving, be prepared for traffic jams leaving the parking lots. Follow exit signs and instructions from parking attendants to merge smoothly into the flow. Using navigation apps can help route you around major delays as you exit the area.
For rideshares and transit, follow signage to the designated pickup zones and stops. These will be very crowded, so you may face extended wait times. Have patience and try not to get separated from any friends who also need a ride from you.
Alternatively, you can walk about a mile away from the stadium exits to find a less hectic spot to order your Uber or Lyft. Some roads may be blocked immediately after events, so be mindful of closures.
Lastly – before leaving the concert, make a point to locate the nearest bathroom! With so many people leaving at once, lines get long quickly. Take care of business before you head out into the traffic and start your journey home after an amazing night.
Conclusion
Attending a Beyoncé concert is an epic adventure for any Queen Bey fan. While getting there requires some logistical planning, the payoff is an incredible live music experience. Give yourself plenty of extra time for traffic, lines, parking, and transit. Arrive early, follow venue policies, and bring only essentials into the stadium. Locate your seats quickly, then let the magic of Beyoncé’s performance take over your night! With some savvy preparation, you’ll have an unforgettable time dancing alongside the one and only Queen Bey.