When attending a concert by a major artist like Drake, one of the most important considerations is what time you should arrive. Getting there early enough to get a good spot and avoid long lines is key, but you also don’t want to show up too early and have to wait around for hours. In this article, we’ll provide tips on the optimal timing for arriving at a Drake concert so you can make the most of your experience.
Avoid the Rush
The first rule of thumb is to get there early enough to beat the big rush. For many big arena shows, a bulk of the crowd tends to arrive in the hour or two leading up to showtime. If you can get there a few hours before the doors open, you’ll miss that big influx of people all trying to get into the venue at once. This will make your entrance into the venue much smoother and less stressful.
When Do Doors Open?
Depending on the venue, doors may open anywhere from one to two hours prior to the scheduled start time. Be sure to check the venue’s website or your ticket information to find the exact door opening time, and plan to be at the venue at least an hour before then. Even a half hour before doors can make a big difference in where you’re able to get in line and can ultimately affect how close you get to the stage.
Getting a Good Spot
Once you’re inside the venue, getting a primo spot to see the show often comes down to how early you arrive. Here are some tips for positioning yourself close to the stage:
Rush the Stage
As soon as the doors open, rush in with the crowd and get as close to the stage as possible. The earlier you can stake your claim to a spot in the front rows, the better. Being one of the first fans entering the floor area can make a huge difference vs. those who take their time wandering in later.
Secure the Rail
If getting the very front row against the stage barricade is your goal, be prepared to stand your ground and maintain your position right up against the rail. Camping out along the rail and fending off other fans vying for the front row can take some work, but the payoff is an unmatched view and bragging rights that you were front and center.
Scope the Layout
Once inside, scope out the stage setup and venue layout to determine the prime spots to be. If there are reserved pits for VIPs or early access ticket holders, plan to avoid those areas. Also take note of obstructions like speakers, lights or other structures that could block your line of sight. Position yourself where you have the clearest view of the entire stage.
When to Arrive for Different Experiences
If You Want to Be Front Row
To get one of those coveted front row spots right up against the barrier, you’ll need to get in line at least 6-8 hours before doors open. Some hard-core fans will camp out 12 hours or more in advance, but 6-8 hours is typically enough time to secure a spot right against the rails. Just bring some comfy shoes, water and snacks, and be prepared to stand your ground.
If You Want Lower Bowl Seats
For excellent seats in the lower bowl section closer to the stage, aim to arrive about 2-3 hours before doors open. Even just 90 minutes early can make the difference between lower level and upper level or further back. Give yourself enough time to get through security and snag seats closest to the action.
If You Just Want to Be in the Building
If you aren’t concerned about vying for a prime spot down front and just want to ensure you make it into the show, arriving by the time doors open should do the trick. This will get you in ahead of the bulk of the crowd and guarantee you don’t get shut out. But don’t dilly dally if you want anything better than the nosebleeds.
If You Have Reserved Seats
If you have assigned reserved seating, whether lower or upper level, there’s no need to arrive super early. Just plan to be at your seat at least 15-30 minutes before showtime to get settled in. With reserved seats, you don’t have to compete for prime positioning.
Other Timing Considerations
Parking and Traffic
When budgeting time, also consider factors like parking and traffic around the venue. Leaving early gives you a cushion in case of traffic jams or full parking lots. Nothing worse than missing the start of the show because you’re still searching for parking!
Merch and Bathroom Lines
Don’t forget about lines for merchandise, bathrooms, and food/drink. Give yourself some extra time for these inevitable concert obstacles. Missing part of the show because you’re still waiting for a T-shirt would be a bummer.
Opening Acts
Most major concerts have one or more opening acts to kick off the night’s events. If you want to catch the openers, be sure to arrive when doors open, or check the schedule ahead of time so you don’t miss artists you want to see.
| Goal | Time to Arrive Before Doors Open |
|---|---|
| Be front row against the stage | 6-8+ hours |
| Get lower bowl seats near the stage | 2-3 hours |
| Just get in the building | By door time |
| Have reserved seated tickets | 30 minutes before showtime |
Arrive Early for Peace of Mind
While the exact timing for a Drake concert may vary based on the venue and city, the general rule of thumb is to arrive as early as reasonably possible. This not only increases your chances of getting closer to the action, but provides peace of mind that you’ll get in the doors smoothly and catch all the artists on the bill. Drake puts on an incredible high energy show, so you’ll want the best vantage point possible. Arriving early alleviates stress so you can focus on enjoying the full Drake experience.
Conclusion
When seeing a concert as big as Drake, every minute counts when it comes to arriving early. Give yourself ample time to clear security, find parking, and snag the best spot you can. Aim for at least 2-3 hours ahead of doors if lower bowl is your goal, and 6-8 hours if front row against the barricade is your dream. Built in buffer time for parking, merch lines, and opening acts too. With the right timing, you’ll avoid the big crowds and be set up for an epic Drake show with a primo view. Arrive early and make the most of this potential once-in-a-lifetime concert experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
How early should you arrive for a good GA spot?
To get a good general admission spot on the floor, you’ll want to arrive at least 2-3 hours before doors open. Arriving 4-6 hours early is best for getting closer to the stage or barricade. The earlier you can get in line and enter the venue, the better your floor position will be.
What time do doors usually open for concerts?
Most arena and stadium concerts have doors opening 1-2 hours prior to the scheduled start time, so check your ticket or the venue website to confirm when doors open. Even a half hour can make a difference in getting in early!
What if I have seated tickets, not GA?
If you already have assigned reserved seating, you don’t need to arrive excessively early. Just plan to be at your seat 30-60 minutes before showtime to get comfy. The benefit of reserved seats is you don’t have to vie for position.
Should I bring anything while waiting in line?
Yes! Bring water, light snacks, sunscreen/poncho depending on weather, a portable phone charger, and anything to sit on like a blanket or folding chair. Making friends with other fans in line also helps pass the time. Come prepared to camp out so the wait is comfortable.
What if I just want merch, not front row spots?
If merch is higher priority than getting close to the stage, you may want to hold off on lining up extremely early. Arrive later once crowds have filed in so you can shop merch more casually after doors open. You can still get into the show easily, just further back from the action.
Key Takeaways
- Arrive at least 2-3 hours before doors open for good floor spots
- Get in line 6-8+ hours early if you must be front row
- Take traffic, parking, and venue layout into consideration
- Give yourself time for merch, bathrooms, and food/drink lines
- With assigned seating, 30-60 minutes before showtime is fine
- Come prepared with water, chargers, blankets, etc. to wait comfortably
The earlier you arrive at a Drake concert, the better positioned you’ll be to soak up the incredible atmosphere and energy up close. So get there bright and early, stake your claim, and be ready for an epic night of hits from one of music’s biggest superstars!
