GA Line Tips/Etiquette?

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dollarlongnecks
dollarlongnecks Posts: 5
in The Porch
So I'm driving from OK to Missoula in Aug for my 20th PJ show since '98, and I've decided I'm going to spend all day (night?) in line for GA. I don't want to do something to screw-up the vibe so I figured I'd check with the GA line veterans on some tips/etiquette for the day... I was wondering about food, bathrooms, just general hanging out - should I come prepared like I'm camping, with water/food, chair, tent, trees, etc.? Can we get out of line for bathrooms, etc.? Do we get an opportunity to pack up our shit and take it to our cars before entry? What about merch?

Any tips for surviving all day in line, while staying chill with the fellow campers would be awesome! Thanks!
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Comments

  • JK109224
    JK109224 Posts: 644
    FWIW A lot of places don't allow overnight lining up these days.
    Come to send, not condescend...
  • Attaway77
    Attaway77 Posts: 3,708
    edited July 2024
    N/M...
    Post edited by Attaway77 on
    1998 Dallas (7/5) 2006 San Fran (7/15,7/16) 2009 San Fran (8/28) 2010 Bristow (5/13) NY (5/21) 2011 Alpine Valley (9/3,9/4)
    2012 Missoula (9/30) 2013 Chicago (7/19) Pittsburgh (10/11) Buffalo (10/12) Baltimore (10/27) Dallas (11/15)
    2014 Austin (10/12) Memphis (10/14) St. Paul (10/19) Milwaukee (10/20) Denver (10/22)
    2016 Ft. Lauderdale (4/8) Miami (4/9) Hampton (4/18) Philly (4/28,4/29) NY (5/1,5/2) 2018 Seattle (8/10) Missoula (8/13) 2022 Nashville (9/16)
    E.V. - 2008 Berkeley (4/8) 2012 Austin (11/9,11/12)
    Temple of the Dog - 2016 Upper Darby


  • Loujoe
    Loujoe Posts: 11,698
    Have fun. Missoula is such a cool town. Consider avoiding the ga drama. 

    I haven't done ga since 2016.

    My 2 cents.

    Scope out area day before. People will be camping for ga close to venue then move line to door DOS.  Only spend time if you want a rail spot or close to it.
    Be kind to those around you. People will try to cut/ invite friends in line ahead of you which sux. Had someone argue with me about their spot.  Few annoying people otherwise cool.  Will make new friends.

    Come and go within reason.

    Honestly I've waited a long time and had people show up 5pm dos and score a spot right behind me on the floor without cutting line.  So think about that.

    Have a blast!

  • Attaway77
    Attaway77 Posts: 3,708
    edited July 2024
    It's a rare occasion we get a show like Missoula in the U.S., most are arena in a city, baseball park. That background as the sun sets while the band is playing is beautiful/magical. Spend your day enjoying nature, get to the show, you'll find a great spot. Don't waste your time in Missoula in GA just so you can be at the front with your neck bent staring up, find a cool spot towards the back and just rock out/dance and enjoy the vibe with space and a view.
    Post edited by Attaway77 on
    1998 Dallas (7/5) 2006 San Fran (7/15,7/16) 2009 San Fran (8/28) 2010 Bristow (5/13) NY (5/21) 2011 Alpine Valley (9/3,9/4)
    2012 Missoula (9/30) 2013 Chicago (7/19) Pittsburgh (10/11) Buffalo (10/12) Baltimore (10/27) Dallas (11/15)
    2014 Austin (10/12) Memphis (10/14) St. Paul (10/19) Milwaukee (10/20) Denver (10/22)
    2016 Ft. Lauderdale (4/8) Miami (4/9) Hampton (4/18) Philly (4/28,4/29) NY (5/1,5/2) 2018 Seattle (8/10) Missoula (8/13) 2022 Nashville (9/16)
    E.V. - 2008 Berkeley (4/8) 2012 Austin (11/9,11/12)
    Temple of the Dog - 2016 Upper Darby


  • SHZA
    SHZA St. Louis, MO USA Posts: 4,314
    Yes, come prepared with the things you mentioned. You'll have a chance to stash your stuff before doors if you're parked nearby. It's cool to take bathroom breaks, etc. within reason without losing your spot.  
  • tempo_n_groove
    tempo_n_groove Posts: 41,359
    I did the last show here in 18 and walked in as doors opened and had a spot on the rail to the far left.  Was it up front? No. But i had a great time and wandered back further to take it all in.

    If not.  Bring a chair that you will throw away.  Make friends w the people around you if u need to take a break.  Show up night before or crack of dawn.  There are some serious rail people, you'll figure out whom they are.

    Enjoy yourself.
  • Horse2345
    Horse2345 Posts: 3,294
    All fun and games waiting all day in line until the show gets cancelled😂
    UBC 92, Vancouver 93, Vancouver 98, Seattle 02, Vancouver 03, Vancouver 05, Gorge 06, Gorge 06,Seattle 09,Seattle 09, Vancouver09, Montreal 11, Toronto 11,Toronto 11, Vancouver 11,Vancouver 13, Seattle 13
  • tschav
    tschav Posts: 2,899
    Horse2345 said:
    All fun and games waiting all day in line until the show gets cancelled😂
    Or a torrential storm undoing all the waiting if you're in Chicago...

    If you're anxious about spots, scope out the venue the afternoon/night before and make a judgement call then. There's a good chance you can be a few people deep from rail by just showing up closer to doors (if you're willing to be on the sides, maybe a few more if trying for a center spot).

    Once you land your spot in line - whenever it may be - just say hi to those around you and get to know each other. Most people in line know they'll need someone to spot them for a bathroom break, etc, so just reciprocate.
  • tempo_n_groove
    tempo_n_groove Posts: 41,359
    Oh shit I forgot!  Beware the Angry goat and the list!

    For a fun read!

    https://community.pearljam.com/discussion/283643/baltimore-ga-line-and-list-lets-get-started
  • dollarlongnecks
    dollarlongnecks Posts: 5
    Awesome! Thanks everyone for the tips! I'm super excited!
  • Go Beavers
    Go Beavers Posts: 9,541
    In 2018 some people were camped out in the adjacent field 3 days before the show, if I remember correctly. I got in the GA line about an hour before gates opened and was about 12 people
    deep, center.  
  • Loujoe
    Loujoe Posts: 11,698
    edited July 2024
    Bring some snacks to share. I got carrots from the farmers market...no takers, but gave me the energy to stay up 24 hours!
    Got a kapow pick handed to me from ev after off he goes.  Worth it...absofu.kinglutely. do it again? No :) 

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