Governors Ball is one of the biggest music festivals held in New York City every summer. Since its inception in 2011, it has grown into a massive 3-day event attracting over 150,000 music lovers. Naturally, an event this big comes with various ticket options including General Admission, VIP, and Platinum tickets. But is paying extra for VIP or Platinum tickets really worth it?
What do you get with a VIP ticket?
A General Admission 3-day pass costs $305 while a VIP pass costs $750. So what exactly do you get for paying an additional $445? Here are the key VIP benefits:
- Access to VIP areas – These are designated zones located adjacent to each stage with premium viewing areas and relaxed lounge spaces.
- VIP restrooms – Access to air-conditioned restrooms with flushable toilets and running water for hand washing.
- Expedited entry – VIP ticket holders get expedited entry through shorter security lines.
- VIP bars – Access to fuller-service bars with shorter lines.
- Cell phone charging stations – Free cell phone charging in the VIP areas.
- Complimentary water and soft drinks – Free chilled bottled water and soft drinks.
- Food vouchers – A limited number of food vouchers to use at vendor stalls.
- VIP shuttle – Direct shuttle between stages and no waiting in long walks or lines.
- Commemorative VIP laminate & lanyard.
Key benefits of VIP tickets
Based on the VIP perks, these seem to be the most valuable benefits:
- Prime viewing areas – Being able to get a great spot right up close to the stage is huge. No more showing up early and camping out to get the best views.
- Shorter lines – The expedited entry, VIP bars, food vouchers, and shuttle access essentially allow you to avoid the longest lines.
- Comfortable spaces to relax – Having lounge areas to chill and recharge in AC comfort is super valuable when you’re on your feet all day.
- Free bottled water & drinks – Staying hydrated is key and having free access to chilled water and soft drinks is clutch.
- Clean restrooms – Again, game changer having clean, flushing restrooms with running water instead of porta potties.
What do you get with Platinum tickets?
Platinum tickets start at a whopping $3895 for a 3-day pass. So what do you get for about $3590 more than VIP? Here are the key upgrades:
- All VIP perks – Platinum includes all benefits mentioned for VIP tickets.
- Access to Platinum viewing decks – Special risers and platforms at the main stages for the best views.
- Platinum lounges – Ultra exclusive lounge spaces with premium bars and artisan food.
- Golf cart transportation between stages – No walks, just private rides around.
- Complimentary meals – Gourmet multi-course meals prepared by guest chefs.
- Open bar access – Top shelf liquor, wine, beer, cocktails all included.
- Shaded relaxation tents – Hammocks, chaise lounges, and misting stations.
- Spa services – Massages, facials, salon services available.
- Complimentary lockers and concierge service.
Key benefits of Platinum tickets
The major upgrades Platinum offers over VIP seem to be:
- Unreal views – The elevated decks get you right over the crowd and up close on the performers.
- Luxe experiences – The lounges, meals, spa services create a super VIP experience.
- Pampering – Golf cart rides, concierge service, relaxation areas provide nonstop pampering.
- Open bar & gourmet food – Complimentary top-shelf alcohol and meals from guest chefs take this festival to the next level.
VIP vs General Admission
To recap the key differences in simple terms:
| Feature | VIP | General Admission |
|---|---|---|
| Viewing Areas | Prime real estate near stages | Further back from stages |
| Lines | Expedited entry, shorter bar lines | Longer security & bar lines |
| Comfort | Shaded lounge areas with AC | General festival grounds |
| Hydration | Free water & soft drinks | Must purchase |
| Restrooms | Flushing toilets & running water | Portable toilets |
| Transportation | VIP shuttle between stages | Walking between stages |
It’s quite clear that VIP provides some major upgrades over General Admission like prime viewing, expedited lines, lounge spaces, free drinks, clean restrooms, and transportation.
Platinum vs VIP
| Feature | Platinum | VIP |
|---|---|---|
| Viewing | Elevated decks right over crowd | Designated prime areas |
| Lounges | Ultra exclusive with top amenities | Comfortable lounge spaces |
| Food & Drink | Gourmet meals & open bar | Food vouchers & full bars |
| Transport | Private golf cart rides | VIP shuttle |
| Pampering | Spa services, concierge, relaxation areas | None |
When comparing Platinum to VIP, the major upgrades are next-level views from special decks, ultra luxurious lounges, gourmet open bar & meals, private golf carts, and lavish pampering amenities.
Is VIP worth it?
For the key benefits alone, VIP tickets seem well worth the price hike over General Admission. Being able to get a killer spot up close, avoid the worst lines, have comfy lounge space to chill, stay hydrated with free drinks, and use clean restrooms is going to massively improve the festival experience. Plus having easy transportation between stages is so key when you’ll already be walking a ton just moving within each stage grounds. General Admission is certainly doable, but it requires much more effort and sacrifices on comfort. With VIP, you can enjoy an elevated festival experience without all the headaches. For hardcore music fans attending all 3 days, VIP is likely a smart investment.
Is Platinum worth it?
This comes down much more to personal preference and budget. There’s no denying Platinum provides over-the-top luxury festival experiences like no other ticket option. The exclusive lounges, gourmet meals, ridiculous views from special decks, golf cart transports, spa services, and open bar access create a beyond VIP experience. However, that luxury comes at a huge price – we’re talking 4X+ more than VIP. Super fans who want to go all out and have a virtually unlimited budget will find Platinum to be worth it. But for the average festival goer, Platinum may be overkill when VIP still provides significant upgrades over GA. While the Platinum perks are next level, they’re certainly not essential. So unless having those posh amenities is really important or budget is no concern, Platinum is hard to justify when VIP still gets you most of the key benefits.
Conclusion
VIP tickets to Governors Ball offer plenty of compelling upgrades over General Admission making them well worth the extra cost for an elevated festival experience. Platinum takes luxury to the extreme but may be overkill for the average fan. Overall, VIP hits the sweet spot providing key benefits like prime viewing, expedited lines, lounge access, free drinks, clean restrooms, and transportation without the outrageous price tag.