GA Best Practices

Ive done 38 shows i think only 1 seated. G.A is different in each country. Ive only sat in the u.s. so all my G.A are European. The queue has gotten ridiculous the last 10 years. You will have to be in line days before for those shows in u.s
Ive done mid morning the day before mostly in Europe. Its cool to go to the toilet and maybe grab some food or merch but not longer than half hour i would say but the are always some nazi police.ive had many arguments but many great people in line that have become friends for ever. There is really only one rule like ed says....don't be an asshole

I’ve done about 10 GA’s but never a stadium GA so I can only speak of arenas which are obviously smaller. I’ve typically never gotten in line before about 6:00 PM and a few times got there around 7:00pm after the gates were already opened.  I’ve never been further than about 4-5 from the rail but that’s usully off to one side or the other. The middle fills up first, then typically Mikes side because he’s so interactive, then stones side. We walked in at 7:00 pm in Greenville and we’re second from the rail on stones side.  If you are off to the side, people are always very nice allowing you to leave for a quick restroom break. However, we usually take turns so one guy can kind of hold the spot. Probably much harder to do if you are in the middle or up front. I also try not to drink too much before hand so I can get away with only one pee break mid show. Also, make friends with those around you before show starts so people will recognize you when you leave. People are very tolerant unless they think you are some tool bag trying to weezle your way up front when you weren’t there before.  GA is also very mellow with limited movement, except for maybe some people jumping up and down in one spot. All that being said, if you want the rail or somewhere close to that, you will have to line up probably the day before. Not work it IMO. I’d rather enjoy the city and some nice restaurants all day and still be about 5 rows back. Good luck!

Stone side is easier for a reason. 
Mikes side is alive.
My preference should i get the chance. Bang infront of jeff best of all worlds.

Every time I've been in GA everyone has been super cool about beer/bathroom breaks in line and while waiting for the show. Wouldn't recommend leaving once they start though. Also always had pretty good experiences regarding everyone looking out for each other. Only exception was maybe at ACL but that was different, when it's all 10C fans everyone's been really cool. I'm a sucker for Mike's side, so much fun interaction. Also pics like this.

^^^&this and don't keep farting stink

Been GA twice at Wrigley and both times walked in about 6:30 - an hour or so before show time on the ticket.  Both times we were about a 12-15  people back in the middle.  Plenty of room, very easy to slip out before the show started.  Get to know the people around you and you'll be fine.  Once the show starts it definitely got a little tighter but never had a problem.  

The pits are pretty cordial,  and most people respect the first come first serve thing.  Where you people who lined up longest get the best spots.  You do get a few aholes that try to budge through, but it's mostly pretty good.

The stadium GA pits are pretty big.  For Wrigley we got there around 4pm both days.  Tried to get pretty close to centre.  Maybe 12-15 people in front of us.  I thought they were pretty good spots.

I am also first time GA at Wrigley and this is a great help. If i wanted too be within the first 5 rows any idea what time i should line up? 

mcdon248 said:

Wrigley night #2 will be the first time my friend and I have had GA tickets for a Pearl Jam show. We are absolutely ecstatic! 
I am looking for input from grizzled PJ GA vets on GA best practices/etiquette. 

A couple questions that come to mind: 
- What time do you normally arrive/line up for decent GA position? Does this matter if you anticipate grabbing a beer/hitting the washroom?
- Are washroom breaks unfathomable if you'd like to maintain a good position in the crowd? I.e. Do you plant yourself nearest the stage as soon as the doors open and do not move? 
- In the past I've heard the GA situation at Wrigley and Fenway was borderline claustrophobic unless you were standing towards the back/side. I would imagine this is always the case? 
- Are PJ fans in GA pretty good with the safety first/watch out for your neighbour mindset, or should I expect a lot of loose cannons in the crowd like any other concert?

Apologies if the answers to these are intuitive, just looking for some feedback on what to expect! 

The closer you are to the stage, the more territorial people become.  Night 1 of Wrigley was fine where I was... But Night 2 I saw people getting shit for leaving & coming back with beer or whatever... And I was right near the guy who was kicked out by Eddie Vedder.  Lots of tension Night 2.  But you can always move away from the people looking for confrontation.