Getting the Most out of Your South Carolina Concert Experience

Concerts are one of the most popular venues of entertainment in South Carolina. Most major cities have an arena or entertainment facility that draws popular artists from a wide variety of genres. To get the most out of your concert experience, you will need to plan ahead. For a complete listing of concert venues in the South Carolina or for information regarding planning a concert of your own, visit www.EventPlanning.sc.

Before You Go: Ticket Purchasing and Parking

Purchasing your concert tickets is the first step in your planning process. While people used to wait in line for days to get popular tickets when they went on sale at the box office, most people today order concert tickets online. There are many reputable ticket distributors online, just be sure to research the company before making a purchase. Most sites will have pictures or diagrams of the venues seating, so you can better plan where your seats are going to be. Keep in mind some -floor seats” are standing only, or are so close to the stage that most people will choose to stand for the majority of the concert. If you are enjoying the concert with elderly or disabled people, this may be something to keep in mind.

Parking is another consideration when planning your concert experience. Most venue websites or box offices should be able to give you details regarding parking during your concert. If you choose to drive to the concert, plan on arriving early. Lines going into parking lots can get long, especially for popular concerts and you don’t want to be late to the show. You want to allow plenty of time to park, find your seats and settle in before the concert begins. If you can, park smartly. Locate exits and park as close to them as possible, even if they are on the far end of the parking lot. You may have to walk farther to the concert, but you will avoid the bottleneck that usually occurs once the concert is over and everyone is trying to leave. If the concert is located in a major city, consider taking public transportation to the concert. This option is usually cheaper than parking at the venue and will allow easy access to and from the concert.

Important Things to Bring to the Concert

Once you’ve purchased your tickets and arranged for transportation to and from the concert, you will need to prepare what you need to take with you. Most concert venues will not allow backpacks or large tote bags to be carried in, so bring only those items you will truly need. Below is a list of several items you may want to consider bringing with you:

• Cell phone and/or Camera – Most concert halls will not allow large cameras or video equipment, but small cameras or cell phones are usually ok. Be sure your camera or cell phone battery is fully charged before you leave for the concert.
• Items to be autographed –You may get lucky and have an opportunity to have the band sign an item of memorabilia. Have a t-shirt or CD ready in case the band stays after to sign autographs.
• If the concert is outside, remember to bring blankets or lawn chairs. If there is any chance of rain, you may also want to bring rain gear – as many concerts will continue until the weather becomes severe.
• Ear plugs –You are paying to hear the concert, but especially if you are sitting close to a speaker you will want to bring ear plugs. Some bands perform at such high decibels that many concert goers report temporary hearing loss afterwards. Prevent this and permanent ear damage by packing ear plugs.
• Comfortable shoes and layers of clothing –Even if you sit the entire concert, you will probably have to walk a distance from the parking lot. Additionally, you want to be steady on your feet to avoid falling down in the crowd. Layers of clothing are also a good idea, as the temperature outside or in the concert venue could change dramatically over the course of the event.

Things to Remember While You’re at the Concert

Once you get to the concert and find your seat you are ready to enjoy the show! Keep your concert ticket on you at all times, especially if you plan to exit the building at anytime during the course of the event. Also remember to bring cash to the concert with you. Many food vendors or souvenir shops will not accept credit cards. Try to keep your group together as much as possible, especially if you are traveling with small children. For resources regarding concerts in South Carolina, visit www.EventPlanning.sc.