Chicago 2016

[BoatBeachBarBallad50]

Expecting another late June arrival for Jimmy & crew, and also expecting an unfortunate return to Tinley.... But let's be honest, isn't there a better option???

[Uncle John]

Yes, Toyota Park in Bridgeview!

[BoatBeachBarBallad50]

I agree wholeheartedly! We need to make the return finally happen.

[boatdrinks84]

...an unfortunate return to Tinley.... But let's be honest, isn't there a better option???

I'll be honest: not really, no.

Northerly Island was a disaster, so it's really either Toyota or Tinley. Other than Wrigley (with no tailgating), there aren't any other outdoor venues with the optimal capacity.

And anyway, the only gripe I ever hear about Tinley is that it's too far for the city folk...

[BoatBeachBarBallad50]

That's the only gripe? Not the delayed start to tailgating? Or the fact that Toyota had a better view from every spot in the stadium than practically anywhere @ Tinley? Or the s*** gravel-mixed-w/-boulders parking lot covering half the tailgating area? Or the severe lack of toilets leading to horribly long lines and practically demanding use of "alternate facilities"? Need I go on? Tinley is garbage and in an area as large as Chicagoland metro, you can't tell me there are only 2 or 3 options.

[boatdrinks84]

That's the only gripe? Not the delayed start to tailgating? Or the fact that Toyota had a better view from every spot in the stadium than practically anywhere @ Tinley? Or the s*** gravel-mixed-w/-boulders parking lot covering half the tailgating area? Or the severe lack of toilets leading to horribly long lines and practically demanding use of "alternate facilities"? Need I go on? Tinley is garbage and in an area as large as Chicagoland metro, you can't tell me there are only 2 or 3 options.

Besides the early tailgating start, Toyota suffered from all of the same issues you listed: gravel lots, lack of toilets (all Chicago venues), and the views were comparable to Tinley, not better.

I can't tell you there are only 2-3 options? Besides Tinley/Toyota/Northerly, somebody name another Chicago outdoor music venue with capacity for about 25,000 people and ample parking for tailgating. Bet you won't find any.

[Uncle John]

Toyota had plenty of bathrooms. I remember there being dozens of them every few sections of the lot and usually being able to walk right into one without a line. Tinley has, what, two? And by the time you've gone you might as well get back in line cuz it takes half a freakin' hour to pee. I just go between car doors. That said, Northerly Island makes Tinley look like heaven.

[BoatBeachBarBallad50]

Bingo. Bathroom breaks took 5 minutes at Toyota, far cry from the lines at Tinley. Northerly Island is only remembered as a poor location because it had just been converted into what it is now, so the sod was not set, and then Chicago got a ton of rainfall in the days leading up to it.... So it was muddy in places. Being at a Jimmy show on an island w/ the skyline behind it is far superior to Tinley and I really wish he'd give it another chance. That being said Toyota is written off forever as well because of sound issues during the encore one year. Both locations are better than Tinley but I fear Tinley will be all we get.... Which is a shame.

[boatdrinks84]

Toyota had plenty of bathrooms. ... Tinley has, what, two? And by the time you've gone you might as well get back in line cuz it takes half a freakin' hour to pee.

For some reason, this is largely a Chicago issue. I've been tailgating at various events in different cities, and I've never seen issues with providing enough bathrooms like I've seen in Chicago.

Tailgate at a Bears game and it's the exact same thing. You'll be in line for 40 minutes because there's like two johns.

[boatdrinks84]

Bingo. Bathroom breaks took 5 minutes at Toyota, far cry from the lines at Tinley. Northerly Island is only remembered as a poor location because it had just been converted into what it is now, so the sod was not set, and then Chicago got a ton of rainfall in the days leading up to it.... So it was muddy in places. Being at a Jimmy show on an island w/ the skyline behind it is far superior to Tinley and I really wish he'd give it another chance. That being said Toyota is written off forever as well because of sound issues during the encore one year. Both locations are better than Tinley but I fear Tinley will be all we get.... Which is a shame.

To me, the mud was the least of the problems at Northerly. These were the two biggest issues:

1. The stage isn't even visible from the lawn. At least from the back of the lawn at Tinley or the nosebleeds at Toyota you can tell that there's a band on stage. At Northerly, you're looking at a hill.

2. The tailgating blows. Northerly is essentially Soldier Field tailgating, which means the Chicago Park District takes the same hard-nosed approach they take for Bears games: lots open four hours in advance and not a second earlier, no canopies, no this, no that, no fun. Say what you will about Tinley, but at least the tailgating is way more decent than Northerly, and they always cave and open the gates early.

Anyway, anybody that hates Tinley should not worry about it and just go to Alpine, which is a better experience than any of the Chicago venues that we're talking about.

Also, regarding Toyota and the 2011 "sound issues," remember that we never really found out what happened. It seemed like a portion of the power distro went down; they lost the video system and the house sound, while lighting and monitors seemed fine. That could have been on the venue, on equipment from Buffett's touring company, locally-rented equipment, etc. So as much as Chicago parrotheads want to say "Buffett hasn't been back to Toyota because 'THEY messed up the sound,'" that's really nothing but speculation at best.

[SBParrothead]

So Indy is announced for 6/23. Might Chicago 6/25 be likely?

[LandShark9]

Trends show that Chicago follows Indy. June 25th has gotta be it, so book your rooms. They're filling up already!

[BoatBeachBarBallad50]

Secured a couple rooms @ La Quinta, but they're all full now. Good thing there are a few hotels right in the area, but maybe not for long. And that's before he even announces a show there! Start the countdown!

[boatdrinks84]

Secured a couple rooms @ La Quinta, but they're all full now. Good thing there are a few hotels right in the area, but maybe not for long. And that's before he even announces a show there! Start the countdown!

If any of the hotels at 183rd/Harlem (off of the I-80 Harlem exit) fill up, there are also hotels 3 miles west along LaGrange Road/US-45. You're still right down the street from the venue and one exit away.

[LandShark9]

We locked down a room at the Holiday Inn. Need to start discussing where the pre-tailgating is.

[MADDIE3260]

New to these boards and have only been to a few shows. Anxiously awaiting the Chicago date, but wondering what about the pre-tailgating I've seen mentioned? How can we get in on it?!?! Looking forward to setting up the Tiki Bar ASAP!

[Amo]

Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre (Tinley) on June 25, 2016 w/ Huey Lewis

[BoatBeachBarBallad50]

This has already been the assumption... Source?

[LIPH]

I don't know who, or what, Amo's source is but he's never been wrong.

[drunkpirate66]

I don't know who, or what, Amo's source is but he's never been wrong.

I can't be 100 sure, but I think this source has been known to drink rum under a pink umbrella.