Spectrum Misc

The Fixer

I've been to a bunch of concerts at the Spectrum over the last few months and I figured I'd just post some miscellaneous info here for those that haven't been there in a while and those that have never been there.

1 - DO NOT dress warmly. The Spectrum is like a sauna. Expect to sweat

2 - Watch your step (especially on the steps). The floor literally sweats and makes it feel like you're walking on ice.

3 - Give yourself extra time to get to your seats prior to the show. The concourses are extremely narrow and can be difficult to navigate (think overcrowded frat party)

4 - Give yourself plenty of time to hit the bathrooms. The bathrooms are limited and small, which leads to longer lines than usual.

5 - As for seating...for the recent springsteen shows I had 300 level, side stage seats for 3 of the 4 shows (301, 313, 325). These seats are phenomenal. The spectrum seating is more vertical than the newer arenas, so even if you're in the 300 level, you feel like you're on top of the stage.

6 - Don't expect World Series updates on the video screen. I laughed when I saw how outdated the screen is.

Enjoy yourselves this week. These shows this week are gonna be legendary. The Spectrum is an amazing place to see a concert.

Also, the SEPTA (public transportation) strike threat is real. If you are coming in from out of town and plan on using the subway/buses, make sure you follow this story. Could make things messy.

snipes824

i can attest to number 3. saw foo fighters there a couple years ago and jesus you couldn't move before the show. the concourses are so narrow it's packed to the brim. make sure you walk in through your correct gate. i usually don't worry about that stuff because i'm fine walking inside around the concourses but not here. make sure you walk in relatively near your section so you don't have to walk too far through that concourse.

Get_Right

and there are only a few entrances/exits to the floor
expect log jams getting up and down

firecrotch23

one MAJOR thing when it comes to concessions/beer, the only accept CASH, its easy to not know this b/c there is only a small sign when you get to the counter

The Fixer

firecrotch23 wrote:

one MAJOR thing when it comes to concessions/beer, the only accept CASH, its easy to not know this b/c there is only a small sign when you get to the counter

good point...and make sure you bring plenty. $8.50 for a Bud/Bud Light. Ouch

release00

Awesome thanks for the info. Is Pj going to be using a video screen though?

The Fixer

release00 wrote:

Awesome thanks for the info. Is Pj going to be using a video screen though?

springsteen had his own video screens set up on the sides of the stage. I'm assuming PJ will have a similar setup since both use a no frills stage

Yellow Bedwetter

this thread is great...thanks to all for the kind tips

Blind3

Here is one for the bevie drinkers: i sat in section 209 ( first concourse level ,straight back . Oldtimers to the Wacho Spectrum know it as section A ) for three Bruce shows in the last couple weeks and discovered NO CUP HOLDERS ! Beer or bevies on floor = spillage, $$$ pissed away when someone kicks over your $8.50, and possible wet merch. Beware.

Come Back in Black

The Fixer wrote:

release00 wrote:

Awesome thanks for the info. Is Pj going to be using a video screen though?

springsteen had his own video screens set up on the sides of the stage. I'm assuming PJ will have a similar setup since both use a no frills stage

I doubt this. Pearl Jam just uses what the venue's provide. I doubt they will provide any screens.

cannotstaylong

Yellow Bedwetter wrote:

this thread is great...thanks to all for the kind tips

Yeah, very helpful for us out-of-towners.

DeLukin

And, since it's a Pearl Jam show, it never hurts to have these handy reminders:

http://www.twofeetthick.com/2006/06/the ... icipation/

release00

Yeah, I didn't notice any video screens from the YouTube videos of when PJ last played there

N_Jay_H

How is security getting in?

cannotstaylong

N_Jay_H wrote:

How is security getting in?

Good question. Somewhat related... what is the policy on cameras? If they allow them, how big?

peacegirl

N_Jay_H wrote:

How is security getting in?

last week for Bruce they just scanned your ticket and you went in...I try to take in as little as possible anyway so I didn't have a purse/bag anyway

Mrs.Vedder78

The Fixer wrote:

firecrotch23 wrote:

one MAJOR thing when it comes to concessions/beer, the only accept CASH, its easy to not know this b/c there is only a small sign when you get to the counter

good point...and make sure you bring plenty. $8.50 for a Bud/Bud Light. Ouch

well that's nothing comparing to the $11 I paid for 1 Bud Lime in Portland, I almost had a heart attack when she said your total is $20.00 I was like WHAT?!?! Im buying 2 beers not a 12 pack! :shock:

The Fixer

N_Jay_H wrote:

How is security getting in?

not bad...quick pat down upon entering. the tough part is navigating once you're in the building

TM219473

Does anybody know if they are going to make a DVD of this show. Being a native Philadelphian, I find it hard to believe that the last show ever in the spectrum is not going to be filmed. Go Phils!

jaboodey

How about parking? I see that The W Center has "reserved" parking available. I'm driving down from either my humble home of New Hampshire and was wondering if the reserved parking helps or hurts. Mucho appreciate any info....

The Fixer

jaboodey wrote:

How about parking? I see that The W Center has "reserved" parking available. I'm driving down from either my humble home of New Hampshire and was wondering if the reserved parking helps or hurts. Mucho appreciate any info....

they were charging $12 to park in most of the lots near the spectrum for the springsteen shows and phils playoff games. I usually park in the football stadium lot (Lincoln Financial Field)...easy access to the spectrum and tailgating is permitted.

not sure about reserved parking...might get you closer to the venue.

Pretty sure most lots open around 3:00 for concerts/sports events...

i got id

Do they accept credit cards at merch stands?

ATMs inside of the venue?

danica

this is awesome - thanks for all of the tips everyone!

-danica

RGarabed21

DeLukin wrote:

And, since it's a Pearl Jam show, it never hurts to have these handy reminders:

http://www.twofeetthick.com/2006/06/the ... icipation/

kenny olav

Yes, great tips, thank you! Let's keep this bumped up!

PureandEasy

I'm assuming since they told us $15 to pre-park to pick up tickets during the day, you can be almost assured the average parking price will be $15.

firecrotch23

i got id wrote:

Do they accept credit cards at merch stands?

ATMs inside of the venue?

not sure about the merch stands, my guess is that they will be but I would bring cash just to be on the safe side. There are a few atm`s throughout the building, after all, it is the Wachovia Spectrum

Evacuation Rules

The Fixer wrote:

Pretty sure most lots open around 3:00 for concerts/sports events...

The lot opens at 1:00 PM (11:00 AM on Saturday)

camaros

thanks for the info!

blacknapkins

The Septa strike is no longer a threat ... it's a reality:

http://tinyurl.com/yl6sj4l

Stay tuned here: www.septa.org for service interruptions.

The Fixer

i got id wrote:

Do they accept credit cards at merch stands?

ATMs inside of the venue?

not sure about the merch stands. there are limited number of ATMs. I would strongly recommend hitting one before you enter the spectrum though.