Dear Pearl Jam, let's re-think this whole GA thing..

PJ_Soul

bootlegger10 wrote:

I wonder how the debate would go if people did not go to numerous shows a year. Those going to numerous shows probably need the GA more to keep the "high" going. It is a little tougher I'm sure sitting in the nosebleeds or 20 rows up on the side for your 5th show in a row, while being 5 people back in GA sure makes it a lot more fun even for that 5th show in 8 days.

So...if everyone went to one show, we'd probably all be fine and have a great time no matter where our seats were, GA or not. Unless the music is no longer enough. That is a whole other set of questions.

Nah, I am for GA all the way, and I only went to one show this tour. I am for GA at ALL rock concerts, not just Pearl Jam. It is simply WAY MORE FUN.

morrmike

Agreed, it's GA, but assuming you want to fix the line problem and still provide seniority benefits in GA, not sure there are many options available.

PJ_Soul wrote:

morrmike wrote:

I enjoyed my time waiting around for GA, but I definitely understand the frustrations around the process. This may have already been offered up, but here is my spur of the moment "fix" to the GA line issue. I'm sure there are many holes to be poked in it! Poke away!

Current GA/Reserved lottery system stays the same
Choose GA or Reserved

If you win reserved, your seats are reserved by TC # priority

If you win GA, the following occurs, after you are informed of winning GA tickets
• A second lottery occurs for line prioritization
• Based on 10c #, you get x # of tickets into the line lottery (for example 50,000 and under gets 10 tickets, 100,000 and under gets 9 tickets, etc till you get to the higher #s)
• A lottery is run for spots in the GA line
o All lottery tickets are entered and pulled starting with spot 1, until all spots are given out
o Everyone has the ability to be pulled for the front or back of the line
o Emails go out to everyone informing them of their spot in line
o Numbers are put on GA wristbands and given out with tickets at 10c ticket pickup
o GA attendees are informed in the email of their # in the line, the 10c wristband pickup time and are told to be at the show at x time to line up based on their wristband #. Say, an hour before to give everyone time to line up correctly.
o 10c or venue personnel are on hand to help coordinate the line up in a smooth fashion
o After doors open (specific time), the numbering process no longer applies and you enter based on when you got in line

Benefits:
o Seniority still applies, but everyone still has a shot at being close in GA, based on lottery spot in line
o PJ won’t see the same folks on the rail at every show
o GA members don’t need to worry about lining up at 5am, as the numbering system defeats the need to line up early to hold a spot
o GA attendees can still choose to show up later, but are given the option to take advantage of a priority line #, if they received one

Mike

Down with making seniority something that matters in GA. That's is ridiculous. It's called General Admission for a reason.

PJ_Soul

Do NOT want to apply seniority benefits in GA. That's crazy talk. The list is also idiotic. The goal should be to have different people at the rail at every show (so that the maximum number of people benefit, not the minimum). Both the list AND seniority benefits would ensure that that doesn't happen.

morrmike wrote:

Agreed, it's GA, but assuming you want to fix the line problem and still provide seniority benefits in GA, not sure there are many options available.

PJ_Soul wrote:

morrmike wrote:

I enjoyed my time waiting around for GA, but I definitely understand the frustrations around the process. This may have already been offered up, but here is my spur of the moment "fix" to the GA line issue. I'm sure there are many holes to be poked in it! Poke away!

Current GA/Reserved lottery system stays the same
Choose GA or Reserved

If you win reserved, your seats are reserved by TC # priority

If you win GA, the following occurs, after you are informed of winning GA tickets
• A second lottery occurs for line prioritization
• Based on 10c #, you get x # of tickets into the line lottery (for example 50,000 and under gets 10 tickets, 100,000 and under gets 9 tickets, etc till you get to the higher #s)
• A lottery is run for spots in the GA line
o All lottery tickets are entered and pulled starting with spot 1, until all spots are given out
o Everyone has the ability to be pulled for the front or back of the line
o Emails go out to everyone informing them of their spot in line
o Numbers are put on GA wristbands and given out with tickets at 10c ticket pickup
o GA attendees are informed in the email of their # in the line, the 10c wristband pickup time and are told to be at the show at x time to line up based on their wristband #. Say, an hour before to give everyone time to line up correctly.
o 10c or venue personnel are on hand to help coordinate the line up in a smooth fashion
o After doors open (specific time), the numbering process no longer applies and you enter based on when you got in line

Benefits:
o Seniority still applies, but everyone still has a shot at being close in GA, based on lottery spot in line
o PJ won’t see the same folks on the rail at every show
o GA members don’t need to worry about lining up at 5am, as the numbering system defeats the need to line up early to hold a spot
o GA attendees can still choose to show up later, but are given the option to take advantage of a priority line #, if they received one

Mike

Down with making seniority something that matters in GA. That's is ridiculous. It's called General Admission for a reason.

morrmike

The list already happens and in the shows I went to , most of the same people were on the rail each night (and from the photos I saw, they were on the rail for multiple shows after that).

So that said, both are already happening. Maybe a list without the seniority benefits then? Max people benefit and you don't have the line issues.

PJ_Soul wrote:

Do NOT want to apply seniority benefits in GA. That's crazy talk. The list is also idiotic. The goal should be to have different people at the rail at every show (so that the maximum number of people benefit, not the minimum). Both the list AND seniority benefits would ensure that that doesn't happen.

morrmike wrote:

Agreed, it's GA, but assuming you want to fix the line problem and still provide seniority benefits in GA, not sure there are many options available.

shortstack

morrmike wrote:

The list already happens and in the shows I went to , most of the same people were on the rail each night (and from the photos I saw, they were on the rail for multiple shows after that).

So that said, both are already happening. Maybe a list without the seniority benefits then? Max people benefit and you don't have the line issues.

so when would the starting of this list happen?

its_ok

bootlegger10 wrote:

I wonder how the debate would go if people did not go to numerous shows a year. Those going to numerous shows probably need the GA more to keep the "high" going. It is a little tougher I'm sure sitting in the nosebleeds or 20 rows up on the side for your 5th show in a row, while being 5 people back in GA sure makes it a lot more fun even for that 5th show in 8 days.

So...if everyone went to one show, we'd probably all be fine and have a great time no matter where our seats were, GA or not. Unless the music is no longer enough. That is a whole other set of questions.

No, the music is not enough, and never was. If it was then I dont think you, me, or anyone else would pay 250$ for a pair of LIVE tickets when we can listen for free in our stereo at home.

You go to live shows for the the music obviously, but also seeing the band, feeling the energy of the crowd, singing along, hooking up with friends and so on.

Cosmo

morrmike wrote:

I enjoyed my time waiting around for GA, but I definitely understand the frustrations around the process. This may have already been offered up, but here is my spur of the moment "fix" to the GA line issue. I'm sure there are many holes to be poked in it! Poke away!

Current GA/Reserved lottery system stays the same
Choose GA or Reserved

If you win reserved, your seats are reserved by TC # priority

If you win GA, the following occurs, after you are informed of winning GA tickets
• A second lottery occurs for line prioritization
• Based on 10c #, you get x # of tickets into the line lottery (for example 50,000 and under gets 10 tickets, 100,000 and under gets 9 tickets, etc till you get to the higher #s)
• A lottery is run for spots in the GA line
o All lottery tickets are entered and pulled starting with spot 1, until all spots are given out
o Everyone has the ability to be pulled for the front or back of the line
o Emails go out to everyone informing them of their spot in line
o Numbers are put on GA wristbands and given out with tickets at 10c ticket pickup
o GA attendees are informed in the email of their # in the line, the 10c wristband pickup time and are told to be at the show at x time to line up based on their wristband #. Say, an hour before to give everyone time to line up correctly.
o 10c or venue personnel are on hand to help coordinate the line up in a smooth fashion
o After doors open (specific time), the numbering process no longer applies and you enter based on when you got in line

Benefits:
o Seniority still applies, but everyone still has a shot at being close in GA, based on lottery spot in line
o PJ won’t see the same folks on the rail at every show
o GA members don’t need to worry about lining up at 5am, as the numbering system defeats the need to line up early to hold a spot
o GA attendees can still choose to show up later, but are given the option to take advantage of a priority line #, if they received one

Mike

...
Way to complicated.
How 'bout this:
a. We understand we are adults
b. We understand we are not children
c. We treat people with respect
d. We realise that we cannot have everything in life we want
...
Simple. You show up at the venue and go to the end of the line... like an adult that respects others and understands that life doesn't give you everything you want.

morrmike

I guess you would take my idea, and remove the seniority component from it.

10c runs a line # lottery and every one has an equal shot at getting a line #, good or bad.

shortstack wrote:

morrmike wrote:

The list already happens and in the shows I went to , most of the same people were on the rail each night (and from the photos I saw, they were on the rail for multiple shows after that).

So that said, both are already happening. Maybe a list without the seniority benefits then? Max people benefit and you don't have the line issues.

so when would the starting of this list happen?

63schoefflin

But there's way too many people here that can't wrap their minds around it. Hell... Just walk down into GA during the show. It's way easier than standing on line all day.

And to get rid of GA would be idiotic. Having the floor all seats just isn't a rock concert. The only people who would want GA gone are those who get the first 5 rows every show.

morrmike

I agree, I did the same thing in GA and had a blast. As you can see, a lot of folks can't follow a, b, c or d.

The PJ reserved/GA ticket lottery change this past tour was certainly complicated at first as well.

Cosmo wrote:

Way to complicated.
How 'bout this:
a. We understand we are adults
b. We understand we are not children
c. We treat people with respect
d. We realise that we cannot have everything in life we want
...
Simple. You show up at the venue and go to the end of the line... like an adult that respects others and understands that life doesn't give you everything you want.

vedderchick

I wouldn't trade my PJ GA experiences for anything. I was one who stood in line for hours and it was worth every single second. I met amazing people in Worcester - including someone I have become great friends with. I didn't encounter one single "asshole." I felt like a teenager again!! Hartford was a cluster because of the head of security, but that's the roll of the dice.

callen

63schoefflin wrote:

But there's way too many people here that can't wrap their minds around it. Hell... Just walk down into GA during the show. It's way easier than standing on line all day.

And to get rid of GA would be idiotic. Having the floor all seats just isn't a rock concert. The only people who would want GA gone are those who get the first 5 rows every show.

.

Not if your 5'. I have no problems but I've been with and seen people pretty much only hear the concert and get pushed around by Neanderthals.

Two best pj shows I've seen where at MSG. All seats and trust me it was a rock concert.

PJ_Soul

callen wrote:

63schoefflin wrote:

But there's way too many people here that can't wrap their minds around it. Hell... Just walk down into GA during the show. It's way easier than standing on line all day.

And to get rid of GA would be idiotic. Having the floor all seats just isn't a rock concert. The only people who would want GA gone are those who get the first 5 rows every show.

.

Not if your 5'. I have no problems but I've been with and seen people pretty much only hear the concert and get pushed around by Neanderthals.

Two best pj shows I've seen where at MSG. All seats and trust me it was a rock concert.

How do seats make it any easier to see on the floor?? Do you stand on your chair or something? Either way, there are taller people in front of you unless you're in the first row.

callen

PJ_Soul wrote:

callen wrote:

63schoefflin wrote:

But there's way too many people here that can't wrap their minds around it. Hell... Just walk down into GA during the show. It's way easier than standing on line all day.

And to get rid of GA would be idiotic. Having the floor all seats just isn't a rock concert. The only people who would want GA gone are those who get the first 5 rows every show.

.

Not if your 5'. I have no problems but I've been with and seen people pretty much only hear the concert and get pushed around by Neanderthals.

Two best pj shows I've seen where at MSG. All seats and trust me it was a rock concert.

How do seats make it any easier to see on the floor?? Do you stand on your chair or something? Either way, there are taller people in front of you unless you're in the first row.

Cause you can move a little to the left..a little to the right...swap places with your seat mate..and you aren't getting pressed from all sides by man boobs. Huge difference..and yes sometimes one can step up on brace of chair. Finally in GA you are pressed right against the 6 footer where with seats you can breath.

Cosmo

callen wrote:

Cause you can move a little to the left..a little to the right...swap places with your seat mate..and you aren't getting pressed from all sides by man boobs. Huge difference..and yes sometimes one can step up on brace of chair. Finally in GA you are pressed right against the 6 footer where with seats you can breath.

...
I suppose things are different where you live.
I go to a lot of shows where seating in General Admission and it is usually a case where people give each other room to breathe becuase we all prefer some free spaces over cramped spaces. And these are rock shows, such as Soundgarden, Queens Of The Stone Age, Foo Fighters, etc... that can get intense at times, but, it is not constant.
There are some shows that get tight, but, it comes to be expected going in. Like, you should expect to be squeezed together and jostled around at a Green Day show. Or expect some Weezer girl to press against you in order to try to wear you down and let her pass. Or you know you will be forced to move in a Pennywise pit, whether you want to or not.
But the Pearl Jam gigs... those shows were mild. Or, more like the norm, adequate space and periods of jumping around.
...
And, yes... I understand that being 5' 0" it tough in those situations. Which is why my 5' 0" tall friends got there early and waited in line all day.
...
Note: if you are standing behind the 6 footer, it probably means he got there before you did and you chose to stand behind him. Try scanning the area as you walk in and look for the sea of short girls over by Stone.

PJ_Soul

Cosmo wrote:

....look for the sea of short girls over by Stone.

Thirty Bills Unpaid

I've just figured out something:

This isn't about GA. This is an end run for the short pants people to have seating arranged by height:

Row 1: sub 5'
Row 2: 5'
Row 3: 5'1"
Row 4: 5'3"
...

Pure horseshit I say.

callen

Thirty Bills Unpaid wrote:

I've just figured out something:

This isn't about GA. This is an end run for the short pants people to have seating arranged by height:

Row 1: sub 5'
Row 2: 5'
Row 3: 5'1"
Row 4: 5'3"
...

Pure horseshit I say.

I like it.

STAYSEA

Veddernarian

Thirty Bills Unpaid wrote:

I've just figured out something:

This isn't about GA. This is an end run for the short pants people to have seating arranged by height:

Row 1: sub 5'
Row 2: 5'
Row 3: 5'1"
Row 4: 5'3"
...

Pure horseshit I say.

Sounds like the boarding process for Southwest Airlines. Like that is ever civilized.