Justavirgin: First concert, what should we expect?

[JustaPHan]

I'm planning on expecting the time of my life but as far as Tampa goes, it will be our first live Jimmy experience.

We're wondering if you can give any advice as to:

How is the St. Pete Forum as far as concert venues?

What can we expect as far as getting in to our seats?

What time should we arrive?

What about security; is it a hassle?

What should we bring?

What SHOULDN'T we bring?

And the most naive question of all: what about cameras/videocams? Are we only allowed a mental record of this humongous event??

Thanks for your suggestions!!
I am so excited!!!! YAYYYYYYYYYYY

[bananaman]

I can't speak for Tampa but of the concerts I've been to:

Arrive early!! How early depends on how much tailgating you want to do.

Bring flip-flops and a Hawaiian shirt. And lots of "refreshments" Oh, and don't forget your tickets

Don't bring your expectations to sit during the entire show.

Cameras........I think as long as you don't flaunt them in front of everyone and if they're easy to conceal; then yes.

[Air M'Ville Cap'n]

Expect to have the time of your life! Regarding cameras, I always put mine down my shorts, cause I got mine taken away at one show (Chicago I think). To get the full tailgating experience, get there early afternoon, 1 or 2 is pretty good I'd say.

And don't forget to do this during Fins...

[JustaPHan]

thanks for the help. We are very excited. All plans are in place and we are looking to have the time of our lives!! If anyone else has suggestions they will GREATLY be appreciated!

[finsupnorth]

Expect to NOT expect something so crazy, awesome, and phun!!!!!!!!

Except to never be able to describe to anyone your experience

Except to make a voe that you will do everything in your power to go to ever show and event you can....

Except to wish you would have been doing this for years...

Except to have a time of your life!!!!!

[ATLparrothead]

Don't forget SALT, SALT, SALT during Margaritaville!

[tryin' to reason]

Bring BIG beach balls!
We ALWAYS need more beach balls...they're easy to hide to get them in, and they really add to the ambience!!
Oh, and be sure to wear SOMETHING around your neck, preferably a fake flower lei.
Be sure to get a BN nametag, so we can find you - and buy you a drink!!!!
And you may want to bring some Pop tarts, 'cuz venue food sucks and is WAY over-priced!!
And one last thing...leave your inhibitions at home, 'cuz anything goes!!
(And nobody knows you, so it the perfect time to live out your fantasies.)
Enjoy!!!!

[finsupnorth]

Bring BIG beach balls!
We ALWAYS need more beach balls...they're easy to hide to get them in, and they really add to the ambience!!
Oh, and be sure to wear SOMETHING around your neck, preferably a fake flower lei.
Be sure to get a BN nametag, so we can find you - and buy you a drink!!!!
And you may want to bring some Pop tarts, 'cuz venue food sucks and is WAY over-priced!!
And one last thing...leave your inhibitions at home, 'cuz anything goes!!
(And nobody knows you, so it the perfect time to live out your fantasies.)
Enjoy!!!!

FOOD!!?????? that is what I forgot....suppose that would have helped the stumbling, slurring, and stripping.....

[Tiki Bar]

You should expect to be in awe...

You'll be in awe of the outfits.
You'll be in awe of the tailgating set-ups (if permissable).
You'll be in awe of the generosity and friendliness of parrot heads.
You'll be in awe of the performance Jimmy Buffett and the Coral Reefer Band deliver.
You'll be in awe of the whole experience, if it's anything like my 1st.

HAVE PHUN!

[Air M'Ville Cap'n]

Don't forget SALT, SALT, SALT during Margaritaville!

Or yell what we yell... "salt, where's the f*cking salt!"

[tryin' to reason]

Bring BIG beach balls!
We ALWAYS need more beach balls...they're easy to hide to get them in, and they really add to the ambience!!
Oh, and be sure to wear SOMETHING around your neck, preferably a fake flower lei.
Be sure to get a BN nametag, so we can find you - and buy you a drink!!!!
And you may want to bring some Pop tarts, 'cuz venue food sucks and is WAY over-priced!!
And one last thing...leave your inhibitions at home, 'cuz anything goes!!
(And nobody knows you, so it the perfect time to live out your fantasies.)
Enjoy!!!!

FOOD!!?????? that is what I forgot....suppose that would have helped the stumbling, slurring, and stripping.....

I find that food significantly expands my ability to do more "social" drinking!!!!
(If you like that sort of thing...)

[JustaPHan]

you guys are killing me!!! (as if I wasn't counting down the days already!!) I can't wait to see for myself this unbelievable experience!! I just never thought I could ever get tickets and now that I have, I am so excited!! I spoke to my Dad and he is as pumped as I am!!! I think he is going to have as much fun IF NOT MORE than my husband and me!!!! He has a special liking of Jimmy for sure after my Mom died (see "What are my chances..." topic from last week here on BN if you missed the story) and this is the ultimate parrothead gift I could give him!! I can't wait to see the look on his phace!!!!!

We will talk about this and share this fantastic memory for years to come!! I can't wait!

[finsup536]

Tampa Bay Parrotheads put on a heck of a pre-pre and pre-concert party....Channelside, about 3 blocks from venue is full of activities all day as is Newks across the street. He's a hugh Parrothead and always extends his warm welcome with bands and great drinks. But the real party happens in the parking lots around the Palace. Arrive early, wear something beachy, and walk around and party with some of the nicest people in the world. The show is phenomenal, you will feel like you never want to leave....and that's just outside of the Forum. VISIT FINSUP.COM.....home of the Tampa Bay Parrotheads for more information. Enjoy, I know I have for many years. Tampa crowds are some of the nicest concerts I have ever been to.