If it starts at 7, what’s the best time to arrive?
Haha. IF you get in as a volunteer, 3 hours before hand, otherwise, it will probably be a 6 hr wait to get a close up seat.
I wish FR had some pull so we could get VIP seating. It would take someone from the inside for us to notify when one of our brothers or sisters at FR are coming, then get the pass.
Is this possible?
The time to arrive depends on a number of factors such as where do you want to sit or stand in the venue? Do you want to try and get on the crowd line in front?
My rule of thumb is to get in line 3 hours before the doors open. Often times, people show up 12 hours or more before the doors open, so there will almost always be a line formed upon arrival.
Typically, arriving 3 hours before the doors open will put you in the front “portion” of the line, giving you the best chance to find a seat, or a spot on the floor with the crowd up front, no more than 10 rows deep.
Every venue is a little different... sometimes there are no chairs, therefore no seating, like in an aircraft hanger, a convention hall, or in my experience- a park.
Sometimes food is available inside if it’s part of normal venue use operations. If not, the USSS or DHS will limit what can be brought in, regarding food and water. In my attendance, 1 bottle of water was permitted minus the cap, and no snacks, with an exception for medical needs such as a diabetic needing something with sugar content, in the event of a reaction.
I would eat before going, and bring plenty of water to drink while waiting in line, especially if it’s hot, and the line is in the sun’s reach. Some snacks to eat, before reaching the security teams, is advisable, depending on wants and needs.
Limit diuretics beforehand, like coffee, tea, or caffeinated soft drinks, so as to avoid latrine visits.
Wear comfortable shoes.
Think about the traffic flow after the event, and try to park strategically, even if it means a bit of a walk, to gain an advantage over your peers when leaving.
I cannot advise on the protestor aspect, as that is unpredictable, especially for an outsider to be chiming in from the other side of the country, other than travel in groups, and prepare to stand your ground in self defense.
If the local PD has published info. on the venue such as closed streets, entryways, protestor areas, etc., study the grid for any advantage that can be gleaned, which might help in pinpointing the ideal location to park, mitigating contact with the protestors.
Last thing- ALL ABOARD! Woot! Woot! Woooooot!