NY or Philly

Blacksheep76

I'm trying to surprise my wife with a quick get away before she goes back to school (teacher).  Was thinking of catching a couple of shows either in NY or Philly.  We've been to NY multiple times but never to a concert there but we've never been to Philly.  What would you guys recommend?  We never really visit the NE so was just looking for some ideas for those of you who travel all over for shows.  TIA.

CantKeepmedown

Might come down to which shows you can get tickets to. Or how much money you're willing to spend. Philly tix are a bit cheaper at the moment. But you might get lucky with ticket drops in the days leading up to the shows.

I've been to both cities for shows but will let locals chime in. I probably liked Philly a little bit more because it just seemed easier to get around and was less "busy". But NYC and MSG are hard to pass up for a show (even with how overhyped it has become)

Whichever one you choose will surely be a great time. Enjoy!

BagCzech

I live in between NYC and Philly and have been to several shows in both cities.

Purely looking at the day of show element:

• MSG is one of the best, if not the best, indoor venues to see PJ at.
• While the Wells Fargo Center isn't necessarily the best venue, Philly shows have historically been great shows. The band and crowd are always on fire. 

Layering in some other information:

• Philly night 1 is on a Saturday, so the tailgate scene should be top notch that day.
• Philly shows are also face value for fan to fan on Ticketmaster, whereas NYC allows for fans to sell on TM above face value

Let me know if you have other questions that I can help with. 

MisterEtake2

Can't lose with the shows in either city.  If you've never been to Philly, it is worth a visit.

RBCUrNotGood316

Only saw a Philly show at the old spectrum, so can't comment on WF Center...MSG is a fantastic experience.
All in NYC is likely to be more expensive (tix, hotel, restaurants, etc.) depending on what you want to do.
Philly offers a lot to see with Independence Hall, Franklin Institute, Reading Terminal Marketplace (4th St. cookies...), Rittenhouse Square, Rocky Statue, blah blah. You might hit 2 birds if sightseeing is a priority.
Can't really go wrong either way.

demetrios

Blacksheep76

Thanks everyone, appreciate the advice.

washed in black

My advice has always been never miss a Philly show. That said, the energy in MSG is insane, and if you can get tickets, go for it. Unfortunately, the resale prices are insane due to stupid scalper laws.

Hope you can find tix! Sat night Philly is a challenge, not too many popping up for face value, yet. I'm hopeful there will be more next week when people's plans have changed.

Lerxst1992

BagCzech said:

I live in between NYC and Philly and have been to several shows in both cities.

Purely looking at the day of show element:

• MSG is one of the best, if not the best, indoor venues to see PJ at.
• While the Wells Fargo Center isn't necessarily the best venue, Philly shows have historically been great shows. The band and crowd are always on fire. 

Layering in some other information:

• Philly night 1 is on a Saturday, so the tailgate scene should be top notch that day.
• Philly shows are also face value for fan to fan on Ticketmaster, whereas NYC allows for fans to sell on TM above face value

Let me know if you have other questions that I can help with. 

This is true, if pre show hang is important, Philly will likely be a tailgate in the lot, or if at a bar, since most are a distance from Wells, involve a subway ride or long walk after the pre show party. At msg, there are tons of places to do a pre show that’s  a short walk from the garden.

Weston1283

My number 1 rule of being a traveling Pearl Jam:

Never miss a Philly show

demetrios

kosteva2

Either great.  Can't go wrong.  Maybe figure it out based on whatever tickets you can land or which date works better for you.

I've hit every Philly area show since '98.  Philly shows have a very high success rate and always draws a great crowd.  You can take top 5 or so all-time Philly shows and put them head-to-head against any other city's top 5 and would be tough to beat.  Off the top of my head 4/29/16, 10/3/05, 10/30/09, 10/31/09, 4/28/03.  

Great restaurant scene in Philly if you wanted to pair it with a show although maybe cutting it a little close on time if did formal sit down.  Can do public transportation via Broad Street line from Center City or just drive in.

That being said MSG is the mecca fpr rock and roll shows.  Some great Pearl Jam ones there too.  Seems like any band playing MSG brings their A game.  There's always a buzz around MSG that you don't get elsewhere.  Sound is better at MSG than Wells Fargo (unless you're upper rows 200 level blocked by Chase Bridge).  Easy access in/out via trains/Penn Station.  Ton of food/drink options around.  

Blacksheep76

Thanks again everyone, decided on Philly.  Tickets, flights and room booked.  Can't wait.

SPEEDY MCCREADY

Blacksheep76 said:

Thanks again everyone, decided on Philly.  Tickets, flights and room booked.  Can't wait.

Have fun!

PureandEasy

Lerxst1992 said:

BagCzech said:

I live in between NYC and Philly and have been to several shows in both cities.

Purely looking at the day of show element:

• MSG is one of the best, if not the best, indoor venues to see PJ at.
• While the Wells Fargo Center isn't necessarily the best venue, Philly shows have historically been great shows. The band and crowd are always on fire. 

Layering in some other information:

• Philly night 1 is on a Saturday, so the tailgate scene should be top notch that day.
• Philly shows are also face value for fan to fan on Ticketmaster, whereas NYC allows for fans to sell on TM above face value

Let me know if you have other questions that I can help with. 

This is true, if pre show hang is important, Philly will likely be a tailgate in the lot, or if at a bar, since most are a distance from Wells, involve a subway ride or long walk after the pre show party. At msg, there are tons of places to do a pre show that’s  a short walk from the garden.

Not true, Philly has Xfinity Live, in parking lot of old Spectrum, and across the street is CBP which has McFaddens.  Both easily w/i walking distance to Wells Fargo.  Also, there is a restaurant called Chickie's and Pete's which offers shuttle service from venue to restaurant; and back again.  There is also LIVE casino a block or two away from sports complex.  Obviously, I favor Philly.  Nice of you to surprise your wife, good job!!

demetrios

Blacksheep76 said:

Thanks again everyone, decided on Philly.  Tickets, flights and room booked.  Can't wait.

Sweet! 

Blacksheep76

Sitting in the airport waiting on our flight back home. What a great time. Great city. We will definitely be coming back.