Your guide for having a great concert experience without an assigned seat.
It’s easy to get anxious about not having a designated place to sit down during a concert. You might be thinking, there’s no way I could do that! What if my legs get tired? What if I can’t see the stage? What if it gets too crowded?
But, a general admission (GA) ticket can be your way into the best show you’ve ever seen– if you know how to use it to your advantage. GA tickets allow you to “feel both more connected to the artist and the other fans and concertgoers,” said freelance photographer and seasoned concert-goer Kate Maiers, who said she has seen 44 concerts and festivals with GA tickets so far. With all that experience, Maiers is well qualified to offer a few tips for making the most of your GA ticket.
- Pre-concert: Eat, drink and bend your knees
It’s crucial to remain hydrated throughout a show since being in the pit is a lot warmer than being in the seats. You’ll be dancing, singing, exerting more energy and be surrounded by more people than if you were sitting down the whole time. “I typically hydrate more in the 24 hours before going to the show and eat a decent meal before every concert. I will also bring snacks to eat before entry,” Maiers said. Don’t be afraid to grab some water at the venue’s bar. Most of the time it’s completely free and can save you from becoming parched mid-show. And don’t forget to bend your knees periodically to prevent passing out. This type of fainting is known as orthostatic or postural syncope and is a result of blood pooling in the veins of the legs. Occasionally bending your knees will keep the blood flowing throughout your body and keep you upright and awake through the show.
- Go with a buddy
Life is always better when you have a friend, and so are concerts. “For most concerts, seated or standing GA, I typically go with a friend or significant other,” Maiers said. It’s nice to be with someone you know, especially when you are standing in a crowd of unknown people for hours. And it doesn’t matter who: a sibling, friend, roommate, cute person from chemistry class, Instagram mutual, the possibilities are endless. Not only will having someone to go with ease the stress of being alone in the city, but it will also make you feel more comfortable in the great unknown of the GA pit.
- Befriend the people around you
Making friends with the people next to you is one of the best ways to ensure an enjoyable experience at a GA show. Not only will you be able to have new friends who like the same music as you, but you’ll have an extra person who can hold your spot, grab merch or a drink at the bar for you. And it’s genuinely easy to connect with the people around you. You already have so much in common. “I find by being friendly (but not too overzealous), respectful, kind, and willing to share, it makes for a better experience in a GA pit,” Maiers said. It’s also important to match the energy of those around you. Start by observing what that is. “Sometimes the energy of those around me keeps to themselves, sometimes it’s singing, dancing, and connecting with those around you,” she said.
- Commit and have a good time
Finally, and most importantly, enjoy the show! General admission shows are some of the most communal spaces you’ll find. Whether you’re at Fine Line, 7th Street Entry or First Ave, where there’s a general admission concert, a community of people is ready to scream-sing at the top of their lungs with you. So have fun. If there’s a dance circle opening up, join in! “There’s nothing wrong with being seated,” Maiers said. “But with GA, I connect and relate with the whole experience on a deeper level. I feel closer and more in tune with the artists, the music, and those around me.”