Drake is one of the biggest hip-hop artists in the world, so his fans are always eager to know when his concerts will start. For his upcoming show in Boston at TD Garden, answering the question “what time does the Drake concert start?” is key for fans planning their evening.
The Basics of the Boston Drake Concert
First, here are the basics about Drake’s upcoming concert in Boston:
- Artist: Drake (Aubrey Drake Graham)
- Tour: Assassination Vacation Tour
- Venue: TD Garden, Boston, MA
- Date: Saturday, October 28th, 2023
Knowing these core details provides helpful context around the Drake show and when it is happening. With the artist, tour, location, and date locked in, we can now dig into more specifics around start times.
Typical Drake Concert Start Time
While every concert and venue has its own schedule, Drake’s shows typically follow a predictable timeline. Looking at other stops on the Assassination Vacation Tour shows that he has been going on stage around 9:00 PM.
Some key data points:
- Brooklyn, NY – Show at 9:05 PM
- Newark, NJ – Show at 9:00 PM
- Washington, DC – Show at 9:15 PM
- Philadelphia, PA – Show at 9:10 PM
So while the exact start time may vary slightly city to city, Drake has consistently been starting between 9:00-9:15 PM on this current tour. Therefore, fans in Boston can reasonably expect him to take the stage around 9:00 PM as well.
Typical Drake Set Length
Another factor in gauging what time a Drake concert will wrap up is the typical set length. For this tour, his sets have been running approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes long. With a 9:00 PM start time, that would put his Boston show ending around 10:30 PM if the set length remains consistent.
TD Garden Concert Schedule
Beyond Drake’s own touring tendencies, the venue’s schedule can provide hints about when he will go on stage. TD Garden typically has the following timeline for concerts:
Time | Event |
---|---|
7:00 PM | Doors Open |
8:00 PM | Opening Act |
9:00 PM | Headliner Starts |
11:00 PM | Concert Ends |
This aligns with the 9:00 PM start time based on Drake’s own tour schedule. TD Garden concerts tend to have the headliner on stage around 9:00 PM with an 11:00 PM finish. Unless otherwise announced, it is reasonable to expect Drake’s Boston show to follow this timeline.
Opening Acts May Impact Schedule
One wrinkle that could shift Drake’s start time in Boston is if there are opening acts scheduled. Sometimes longer sets from openers mean the headliner goes on later than planned.
According to tour announcements, Drake is not traveling with any openers on the Assassination Vacation Tour. However, venues will sometimes have local artists fill time slots before the headliner. This means that even without official openers on the whole tour, TD Garden could potentially add an act before Drake.
As of now, though, there are no opening acts promoted for the Boston date. That makes it very likely that Drake will go on at 9:00 PM as expected based on his typical set times.
Official Start Time Announcement Expected
With a week left until the Boston concert date, fans should expect an official announcement about start times soon. Venues usually release this key info 1-2 weeks ahead of concerts so that attendees can plan travel and arrangements.
TD Garden, Drake’s promotion team, or local concert promoters in Boston should provide the definitive start time through social media or email to ticket holders within a few days. Once announced, that scheduled start time will take precedence over the estimates here.
How Early to Arrive
Doors opening at 7:00 PM means fans will want to arrive early to get through security and check-in. For big arena shows, it is recommended to arrive at least 1 hour before show start to account for lines, parking, finding seats, etc.
With an expected 9:00 PM start, fans may want to plan to arrive around 8:00 PM or earlier. This will allow time for entrance procedures and getting settled in before Drake takes the stage.
Drake Boston Setlist Expectations
Based on other shows so far on this tour, Drake’s Boston setlist will likely include hits like:
- “God’s Plan”
- “In My Feelings”
- “Hotline Bling”
- “Controlla”
- “One Dance”
- “Signs”
- “Knife Talk”
He performs a mix of his newest songs along with older classics at his shows. Fans in Boston can count on hearing his most popular tracks.
Opening Act Options
As mentioned, there are no official opening acts slated for Drake’s Boston show currently. However, if TD Garden does add a local performer, here are some of the artists who could open:
- Don Broco
- Passion Pit
- Bell X1
- Lake Street Dive
- Guster
- Eli “Paperboy” Reed
Any of these bands with Boston ties would make sense as potential openers if the venue decides to schedule one.
Weather Forecast for Concert Night
When heading to an evening concert, weather is always a factor. Here is what the forecast looks like for Boston on October 28th:
Time | Forecast |
---|---|
7:00 PM | Partly Cloudy, 63°F |
9:00 PM | Mostly Clear, 58°F |
11:00 PM | Mostly Clear, 55°F |
With mild Fall temperatures expected, weather conditions look ideal for an evening concert at TD Garden. Fans should be comfortable heading to the venue and waiting in line outside.
Transit Options to TD Garden
Getting to and from the concert is another big consideration when attending a show in Boston. Here are some of the top transit options for TD Garden:
The T
The MBTA subway system, known locally as “The T”, is an easy way to get to TD Garden. The closest stops are:
- North Station – Green and Orange Lines
- Haymarket – Green and Orange Lines
- Government Center – Blue Line
From North Station, it is just a short walk to the arena. This is the most popular method for concert goers.
Commuter Rail
TD Garden is adjacent to North Station, so commuter rail lines like the Haverhill, Lowell, and Fitchburg trains stop here too. Seats fill up fast, so concertgoers may want to head in early.
Parking
If driving, there are over 5,000 parking spaces at lots around TD Garden. Prices range from $60-$100 for event parking.
Some key lots nearby include:
- 100 Legends Way Garage
- North Station Garage
- Government Center Garage
Arrive early, as spaces fill up fast before big concerts.
Ride Sharing
Services like Uber and Lyft can provide door-to-door service to TD Garden for the show. Prices may surge before and after the concert, so factor in potential rate hikes.
Food and Drinks Inside
TD Garden has a variety of food and beverage options available for purchase inside the venue. Here are some highlights:
Food
- Pizza
- Chicken Tenders
- Cheesesteak
- Popcorn
- Nachos
- Fries
- Ice Cream
Drinks
- Soft Drinks
- Bottled Water
- Beer
- Wine
- Mixed Drinks
Items can be expensive, so eating beforehand and limiting purchases inside can save money. There are also ATMs if needed.
Bag Policy and Security
TD Garden has some rules to be aware of regarding security and allowed items.
- Standard size bags up to 14″ x 14″ x 6″ allowed
- No backpacks, large purses/bags, etc.
- All guests subject to screening upon entry
- Standard prohibited items: outside food and drinks, weapons, etc.
Knowing what is allowed in ahead of time prevents issues getting through security. Arrive a little early to account for any screening lines.
COVID Precautions
Since the COVID-19 pandemic began, health and safety protocols at concerts continue adapting. Currently, TD Garden still recommends the following:
- Masks optional inside, per county guidelines
- Extra hand sanitizer stations
- Increased cleaning of high touch surfaces
- Follow recommended health practices before & after show
Stay up to date on the latest venue policies as the concert date nears. Have a mask handy in case guidelines change.
Concession & Merchandise Stands
Two big parts of any concert experience are grabbing merch and waiting at concessions. Here are some tips for navigating TD Garden offerings:
Merchandise
- Multiple stands located around arena
- Exclusive tour merchandise available
- Cash and cards accepted
- Items tend to run $30-$70
- Lines very long right before & after show
Get to merch stands early or mid-show to avoid long waits. Selection often sells out by the end of the night.
Concessions
- Food and drinks at numerous stands
- Cashless payments encouraged
- Average soda $6, beer $12+
- Consider mobile ordering to minimize lines
Whether your snacks beforehand or brave the concession lines, fueling up is part of the fun.
Best Seats at TD Garden
With a capacity over 19,000, TD Garden is a huge arena. Where you sit can really impact the viewing experience. Here are some of the best spots to consider:
Section | Pros | Cons |
---|---|---|
Floor | Closest to stage | Most expensive, crowds |
Lower Bowl | Great views, energy | Can get pricey |
Club Seats | All-inclusive amenities | Higher cost |
Upper Level | More affordable | Further from action |
Aim for floor or lower bowl seats if possible. But the upper decks can still provide decent views, especially closer to center stage.
Avoid Obstructed Views
Within each section, beware of potentially obstructed views behind columns, lighting fixtures, or other stage setup. Check seat views online before buying.
Conclusion
Drake concerts are always high-energy events filled with hit songs and huge crowds. While the exact start time is still TBA, fans can expect him to take the TD Garden stage around 9:00 PM for a fiery set filled with his chart-topping rap anthems. Arrive early, get ready to sing along, and enjoy the show!