OK, so I am going to my first Coldplay show ever in just under 2 weeks. Needless to say, I have been dreaming of this day for over a decade, and I want everything to be absolutely perfect! So I would like some advice from people who have been to Coldplay shows before on a few things. Take into account that there will be over 50 000 people at the concert.

 

1) Is it a given that front and centre is the best place to stand?

 

2) If not, what is? Otherwise, where else is good to stand within the golden circle area?

 

3) Do I need to camp overnight to ensure that i get front row and centre?

 

4) If not, how long in advance do I need to go to the stadium?

 

5) I would like to take sparklers with for me and my friends to light during the scientist. I was inspired to do this after watching the same thing happen at Rock am Ring earlier in the festival tour. Is this possible/a good idea?

 

6) Is there anyway to meet the band, or even to get a glimpse? Going to the airport, waiting outside the stadium, etc. How long do they usually arrive in the city before the start of the gig?

 

7) In your opinion, should I drink? Im scared that if i drink too much it will ruin the experience for me. This has happened at some sporting events before where i wish i didnt drink because i missed out on the "realness" per se.

 

8) Once the gates open, is it a sprint to the front of the standing area ala U2?

 

9) Lets say for example I camp overnight, or at least wake up early to go to the stadium, and the gates finally open, and I rush and manage to get to the front row. Now i really need the bathroom, but I'm scared that if I go, I will not be able to get back to the front. What is someone supposed to do in this situation? Do you get your friends to keep your place or something?

 

10) Same as question 9, except with regards to waiting in the line outside the stadium, should one take a marker with them to mark position in the line?

 

11) Should i make a banner? What should i put on it? Ive been thinking of lines, especially from MX era songs to put on it. suggestions welcome!

 

 

 

 

I would greatly appreciate the answers to these questions, and any other advice that anyone with some coldplay live concert knowledge has to impart. Thank you!

I noticed no one had answered your questions yet, and while I'm no expert (only been to one Coldplay concert) these are my opinions on some of your questions:

 

1 & 2) I think "the best place to stand" is really a preference. If you like to be able to see the whole stage at once and take it all in, then right up front is not for you. If you like to be super close and see much more detail/features of the guys, then up front is great. I personally prefer to stand off to the side ofChris' mic. That way I can still see Will and the others, and it's usually where Chris sits to play the piano.

 

3 & 4) In my (one) experience, there was no need to camp overnight to get up front. The concert I went to I was about 4 hours early and was able to get near the front with only two people between me and the stage. Next time I will probably try for six hours

 

5 & 6) I don't really have an answer for these ones

 

7) My vote is to not drink. The experience is so awesome as it is...plus if you drink you'll be more likely to have to use the restroom

 

8) Yes, people do run for the front of the stage

 

9 & 10) I found that when waiting in line people are usually good about keeping your spot...especially if you make friends with the people beside you. Or if you go with someone to line up. As far as when you're inside.... I was never sure on this one. I decided to just not leave my spot for the whole show.

 

11) I am not very creative...so can't help with ideas. But it is pretty neat when the band does acknowledge something you made. That happened at the concert I went to.

 

Have a fun and great experience!

I forgot to point out that there is a "sticky" in this forum about "live shows..how to:" It's probably worth reading through. :)

youve made me think twice about standing right in front, but my main concern with standing further back is that i am quite short, 5'7", and i do not want to have to look at the stage through peoples heads!

youve made me think twice about standing right in front, but my main concern with standing further back is that i am quite short, 5'7", and i do not want to have to look at the stage through peoples heads!

 

5'7 isn't bad, there are way shorter people believe me :lol:

I'm 6'1 so it's never been a problem for me, but i actually prefer to be 2 or 3 rows back because then you're ''in the crowd''.

When you're leaning on the railing, I feel like it's not as fun to jump around and go crazy with other people.

 

I guess my advice is to sacrifice a railing spot for a spot closer to the center but a few rows back, especially if you can find a spot with short people in front of you :lol:

I went to a Cp gig with other 50 000 so it will be similar,plus I went to the VIp area as you are going to.

 

1) Centre middle is awesome yes.but you wont see the whole thing,as you are too close.

But watching the guys in person is epic :D

 

2) try the 1st rows,if not.. a little behind.

 

3,4)No,but if you are like from 5 to 8 hours on the line,youll get the place you want to.

 

5)dont know

6) yes! Hotel where they are staying!!!

7)Dont think so.dont Drink.

8)Run or walk fast!

9,10)there are bathrooms inside the gig ,but you should try to go with someone so if waiting in line you have to pee,the other person watches your place.

 

11) could be great :D but its up to you

Concert queuing expert here. Not for Coldplay necessarily, but for bands with fans just as feverish as hardcore Coldplay fans.

 

1) Depends on the stage set-up, but more often than not, front-center is the envy of all GA people. Granted, it takes hardcore dedication to obtain, and anywhere along the front barrier is perfect for the most hardcore and dedicated fans. But you're going to have to work for it.

 

2) I'd really have to see a floor map to determine the golden circle layout, but see what I said above.

 

3) Depends on the venue capacity, the cult-like status of the most hardcore fans, and what country or continent you live in. I can't speak for South Africa, but I will tell you that in North America (which is less hardcore than shows in Europe where they DO camp), I just show up early in the morning for an arena act or larger. Like, sunrise early. Ask in the respective gig threads here and you can compare with other fans.

 

4) See #3

 

5) I certainly wouldn't do it, especially if you're GA. You don't want to risk having them confiscated and forcing them to search you heavily upon entrance, jeopardizing your spot. Rock am Ring is a festival. It's different, and even then it's a little risky. Glow sticks and bracelets are fine. No sparklers.

 

6) I've never met Coldplay, but they're difficult to meet since they're so big. You need some luck on your side. Okay, A LOT of luck.

 

7) If you want to keep a good spot in the GA section, I would advise that you NOT drink. You want to avoid having to go to the bathroom once you're inside, and alcohol would make that much more difficult. Also, once you stake out a spot on the floor, you want to protect it and not leave unless you have some really reliable buddies.

 

8) Oh my, yes. Oh, the most nerve-racking part of the queuing experience - the dash once doors open. Pray endlessly that you don't get stuck in a slow security line. Nobody is friends with each other during that dash. Just get in and run for the best spot. If staff yells at you to slow down, just pretend to slow down or completely ignore them. It's not like they're going to chase after you and tackle you.

 

9) Take your final bathroom break about 30 minutes before doors open. That way you can make some queue buddies hold your spot in line, and you have plenty of buffer room to make it back in time. It's difficult once you're inside. Not impossible, but again relies on people saving your spot. This is made easier if people sit down on the floor once they're inside. Usually venue policy on whether or not they make you sit.

 

10) I've gone through the marker system before and I hate it, mainly because nobody follows it. Just ask people to hold your spot while you run out. Pretty easy.

 

11) I personally hate dragging around banners just because they're dead weight, but if you want to, go right ahead. If you think of something cool, go for it.

 

Hope that helps. :)

thanks for the brilliant advice everyone. it seems that going to the bathroom while in the stadium can be quite difficult according to what ive heard. i will be going with a bunch of close mates, so hopefully that will make things a little easier in terms of keeping my spot.

 

keep it coming!

1) Is it a given that front and centre is the best place to stand?

 

2) If not, what is? Otherwise, where else is good to stand within the golden circle area?

 

 

nope! its squishy and loads of people want to stand there. I've been 3/4 rows back from the barrier, am only 5' 4" and had people climbing on me & nearly knocking me over. I got separated from the people i was with, and just before Coldplay came on got a little scary.

 

I prefer the sides. Whilst the majority are heading for dead centre, the front row at the sides fills up slower. I've been Guy's side front row & Jonny's side front row.

 

 

3) Do I need to camp overnight to ensure that i get front row and centre?

4) If not, how long in advance do I need to go to the stadium?

 

 

not necessarily. last time I was front row we got there approx 8 hours before the door opened and there were only 8 people ahead of us. last time Ian was front row, he queued most of the day again. For LCCC he got there for 7am, and I think the gates opened around 4/5pm. I don't know what time he got there for Wembley.

 

 

5) I would like to take sparklers with for me and my friends to light during the scientist. I was inspired to do this after watching the same thing happen at Rock am Ring earlier in the festival tour. Is this possible/a good idea?

 

i guess this would depend on your venue and any regs on the tickets. we had yellow glowsticks round our wrists for Wembley.

 

6) Is there anyway to meet the band, or even to get a glimpse? Going to the airport, waiting outside the stadium, etc. How long do they usually arrive in the city before the start of the gig?

 

depends on their schedule.

 

7) In your opinion, should I drink? Im scared that if i drink too much it will ruin the experience for me. This has happened at some sporting events before where i wish i didnt drink because i missed out on the "realness" per se.

 

if you want front row, don't drink! you'll seriously kick yourself if you lose a front row spot because you have to go to the loo

 

8) Once the gates open, is it a sprint to the front of the standing area ala U2?

 

officially no! and the security will be yelling at people to walk.

 

9) Lets say for example I camp overnight, or at least wake up early to go to the stadium, and the gates finally open, and I rush and manage to get to the front row. Now i really need the bathroom, but I'm scared that if I go, I will not be able to get back to the front. What is someone supposed to do in this situation? Do you get your friends to keep your place or something?

 

you plan ahead. you queue with friends or make friends with the people next to you in the queue and then take turns whilst queuing to go to the loo and try to go as late as possible so you don't need to leave front row. once there, i'm not leaving!

 

10) Same as question 9, except with regards to waiting in the line outside the stadium, should one take a marker with them to mark position in the line?

 

11) Should i make a banner? What should i put on it? Ive been thinking of lines, especially from MX era songs to put on it. suggestions welcome!

 

if you want to :)

oh and nice list of questions :)

 

I'll add a link to this thread to one of my generic ones somewhere

I am South African too, so maybe I can help. Are you going to the Joburg or Cape Town show?

 

1) Is it a given that front and centre is the best place to stand?

Personally, I always go for barrier, but it does involve a lot of queuing, and it gets super hot and squashed, and people at the barrier can get mean sometimes. I am going to barrier in Joburg though.

 

3) Do I need to camp overnight to ensure that i get front row and centre?

4) If not, how long in advance do I need to go to the stadium?

Big Concerts, and the the stadium security people won't allow overnight, they allowed from 7am for U2, but the park and rides only start going from about 1.30pm, so try to make other plans to get there. I am getting a lift from Gold Reef City and then getting the park and ride back.

 

5) I would like to take sparklers with for me and my friends to light during the scientist. I was inspired to do this after watching the same thing happen at Rock am Ring earlier in the festival tour. Is this possible/a good idea?

Such an awesome idea! might be a good idea to check with Big Concerts if it's ok first though, because you'd hate to be kicked out for something like that. i'm getting glowsticks

 

6) Is there anyway to meet the band, or even to get a glimpse? Going to the airport, waiting outside the stadium, etc. How long do they usually arrive in the city before the start of the gig?

 

I'm assuming they might fly straight from Rio to CT, so check the flights and go chill at the airport if you really want. some of my friends did that and managed to meet The Script at the airport in June

 

7) In your opinion, should I drink? Im scared that if i drink too much it will ruin the experience for me. This has happened at some sporting events before where i wish i didnt drink because i missed out on the "realness" per se.

I basically dehydrate myself the day of a concert, so that i don't lose my place to go to the bathroom. ;)

 

8) Once the gates open, is it a sprint to the front of the standing area ala U2?

 

Security get really upset with running, because of safety. Keep it to a speed walk

 

9) Lets say for example I camp overnight, or at least wake up early to go to the stadium, and the gates finally open, and I rush and manage to get to the front row. Now i really need the bathroom, but I'm scared that if I go, I will not be able to get back to the front. What is someone supposed to do in this situation? Do you get your friends to keep your place or something?

 

once you're at the barrier, or have a slot, do not leave! make friends in the queue to keep your space there so you can go to the loo during the day.

 

11) Should i make a banner? What should i put on it? Ive been thinking of lines, especially from MX era songs to put on it. suggestions welcome!

 

I'm not sure if they allow big banners, something about blocking other people's view, the same reason umbrellas are banned. maybe make a cool t-shirt or something to wear instead, that's what i've done

 

hope this helped! :) maybe I'll see you in the queue!

Going to the cape town show... :D

Wow! Only 9 days left then, you must be so excited! :)

Hey, us Coldplayers should all get together and help each other out. Seriously, it's lame to go as a lone wolf.

I realllly wanna meet them. Anyone have an idea of where they're staying?

Interesting thread ! Thanks :)

the show that im going to, my dad and i are planning to wait for approx. 2 hours queueing time. will i get a good view of the boys or will slight pushing/shoving/navigating be required? :P

You'll get good view :)

1) Is it a given that front and centre is the best place to stand?

 

I think that the front is the beat , Or I loved it. the thing is that I often closed my eyes just because I felt the music so deaply. haha fu* myself x.x

 

2) ^

3) 4) If not, how long in advance do I need to go to the stadium?

Me and my firend waited for 17 houres for Coldplay we came at 3.30 and the concert began 21.20 something like that.

 

5) I would like to take sparklers with for me and my friends to light during the scientist. I was inspired to do this after watching the same thing happen at Rock am Ring earlier in the festival tour. Is this possible/a good idea?

 

don't think is a good idea, but ask those that arr the concert if it's okey!

 

6) Is there anyway to meet the band, or even to get a glimpse? Going to the airport, waiting outside the stadium, etc. How long do they usually arrive in the city before the start of the gig?

 

stalk them. haha

 

7) In your opinion, should I drink? Im scared that if i drink too much it will ruin the experience for me. This has happened at some sporting events before where i wish i didnt drink because i missed out on the "realness" per se.

 

nono-

 

8) Once the gates open, is it a sprint to the front of the standing area ala U2?

 

At wtai we did like a number system .

we that was the first ones we had the number 1 on our hand and then it was like 2,3,4,5,6,7, and when they let us in they took the 20 first ones :)

9) Lets say for example I camp overnight, or at least wake up early to go to the stadium, and the gates finally open, and I rush and manage to get to the front row. Now i really need the bathroom, but I'm scared that if I go, I will not be able to get back to the front. What is someone supposed to do in this situation? Do you get your friends to keep your place or something?

 

or go to the toilet before, the gates open :D

 

10) Same as question 9, except with regards to waiting in the line outside the stadium, should one take a marker with them to mark position in the line?

 

we did so :D

 

11) Should i make a banner? What should i put on it? Ive been thinking of lines, especially from MX era songs to put on it. suggestions welcome!

 

 

we did we makes this one 8D

^excellent banner :lol::lol::laugh3::laugh3:

 

 

did he answer ? :rolleyes:

 

ah no :( they just looked and laughed .. :( BUT HE LOOKED AT ME :dazzled:

^They looked and laughed ?!! This is AWESOME :awesome: You're so lucky! :D (I'm not kidding)

 

And HE LOOKED AT YOU ?! OHMYGOD!!! :dazzled::dazzled:

You'll get good view :)

 

well that's good news! thanks :)

It doesn't necessarily take luck to meet the band, but persistence. If you stay outside the venue it might be a long wait for someone to come out. T'was some hours in my case

^They looked and laughed ?!! This is AWESOME :awesome: You're so lucky! :D (I'm not kidding)

 

And HE LOOKED AT YOU ?! OHMYGOD!!! :dazzled::dazzled:

 

I'd find myself lucky to meet Coldplay, eye contact alone. A smile, a laugh. :awesome: