How Bad is Tinley Park....Really?

BigR-KyParrothead · Post by **BigR-KyParrothead** » April 11, 2006 10:04 pm

Bad timing this year for me. I will not be able to do Cincy or Indy, so I'm heading to Chi-town for my 1st JB show in the Windy City. I've not heard many great about this venue...just how bad is it???????

Post by **SMLCHNG** » April 11, 2006 10:08 pm

Went there a couple of years ago. I though it was fine.

It was a REAL hot day/night, but otherwise I thought the venue was enjoyable.

eickhorst_reid · Post by **eickhorst_reid** » April 11, 2006 10:22 pm

Tinley isn't bad at all. Just a normal venue if you ask me, and I've been there numerous times. A lot of people like to talk s*** about the pillars, the sound, etc. Personally, I really like it.

A Balding Fan · Post by **A Balding Fan** » April 11, 2006 10:28 pm

you need to sit in the middle of the first pavillion to have the best sound. Lawn is huge. Skyboxes block out all the sound to the 2nd pavillion and lawn, so expect crappy sound.

Parking Lot is all rock, excpet a little bit of harassment if you arrive early. Though if you do stay late--- just play it cool---if a cop tells ya gotta go---just ask POLIETLY if you can finish your beer and leave, and they will usually let ya.

There is a 4am bar just down the street that should be hoppin after the show.

Coconuts · Post by **Coconuts** » April 11, 2006 10:50 pm

It's not bad- the tailgating isn't on the level of Cinci, but blows Indy out of the water. It's a very quiet venue, sound-wise- as in, we were near the top of the lawn and could barely hear the music.

Bring extra flip flops though- the gravel is almost rock size, and I managed to blow out 2 flip flops in one afternoon!

Wino you know · Post by **Wino you know** » April 11, 2006 11:14 pm

Take it from an old pro-Tinley Park ROCKS!

Tiki Bar · Post by **Tiki Bar** » April 11, 2006 11:15 pm

It's every bit as good as you make it!!

(of course, I've only been twice, and both were in the center front section)

ejr · Post by **ejr** » April 11, 2006 11:27 pm

I have been there for lots of shows, Buffett and otherwise. I think the place has improved a lot, and isn't nearly as bad as people say it is. Sound has improved tremendously. I have always been in the pavillion and have been all over the pavillion-have had a hard time understanding all the lyrics and the banter, but not in the past few years.

My negatives about the place---pillars create quite a few obstructed view seats (tickets will indicate that), gravel in the parking lot is not fun at all, and, if you are in the pavillion, the rise is graded (rather than steps) so you are standing on a slight declining slant which does nasty things to my back and neck.

But I am delighted to be going again this year, and will keep on doing it as long as Jimmy plays there!

YuppieParrothead · Post by **YuppieParrothead** » April 12, 2006 12:30 am

What Tinley lacks in sound quality and overall party atmosphere, it makes up for in quality of people. At all the venues I have been to I have never met a more sociable quality group. The party is tame but fun and the overall experience is exceptional. It's certainly a notch below Alpine, but not as far below as one might think. I have been to 13 concerts at Tinley and will continue to go as long as Jimmy plays. Well worth the trip.

big hat carmen · Post by **big hat carmen** » April 12, 2006 7:17 am

I think Tinley is fine, even in the rain.

Indiana Jolly Mon · Post by **Indiana Jolly Mon** » April 12, 2006 9:56 am

Parking lot will vary based on the attitude of the cops. The sound has improved greatly over the years. Used to be able to hear better in parking lot than lawn, but has improved. Very fun place as im sure all venues are when Jimmy is there. Only two major problems. First is that the two ways to get to lawn are bottlenecked so its a disaster to get anywhere. And second if you have to pee, you are screwed, very few bathrooms (men and women) lines are longest ive seen at any concert or sporting venue.

LIPH · Post by **LIPH** » April 12, 2006 9:58 am

I was there once, the day of the Great Coconuts Flip-Flop Disaster in 2003. I didn't think it was that bad except for the heat, it was probably the hottest day of the summer in Chicago.

nutmeg · Post by **nutmeg** » April 12, 2006 10:38 pm

I've been there a few times. I like it!

LonePalm1 · Post by **LonePalm1** » April 12, 2006 10:58 pm

I've only been to Tinley and Wrigley field. Wrigley, we had the worse echo in the top far far back balcony. Tinley isn't bad, I mean, you can understand the words, and i guess that is all that matters.

Post by **SMLCHNG** » April 12, 2006 11:07 pm

LIPH wrote:I was there once, the day of the Great Coconuts Flip-Flop Disaster in 2003. I didn't think it was that bad except for the heat, it was probably the hottest day of the summer in Chicago.

That heat was soooo unbearable..

And I grew up in the suburbs of IL..

Coconuts · Post by **Coconuts** » April 12, 2006 11:07 pm

LIPH wrote:I was there once, the day of the Great Coconuts Flip-Flop Disaster in 2003. I didn't think it was that bad except for the heat, it was probably the hottest day of the summer in Chicago.

Sigh. I miss those flip flops.