yea the buses pull into a tunnel thing that goes directly into the venue. there's a large iron gate at the top of the hill where the buses go. it's tough. there may be a photo opportunity if they go up the hill, but pix might look like they are behind bars. i could be wrong and they could change it, but ive been to many shows and security is pretty tight. now if it was at the spectrum across the street, it would be easy..back entrance right across from the level bus area. the center is like fort knox. god i'm gonna miss the spectrum when they knock it down. 1000 times better than the center.

*depressed*
Ok...so i guess can deal with that stupid fence. But in past seasons, they have come over and talked to the fans there before. And at this point, i will be happy with that.
In all honesty...I am feeling more then a little down about this entire situation...and have been tempted to not even bother going, if it's just going to end up being as frustrating as AC was.

As I said previously, there is no fence at the main gate, and many of the gates were open during the day for the Neil Diamond concert. I didn't see any gate where they'd be buzzing people in, unless there is ANOTHER gate inside the main arena parking.

The after party passes have now been nixed because of a problem with some fans (not exactly sure what) and MJ told fans they weren't allowed to give them out anymore. Friends and family only.

and press

Its a security gate and yes it does exist. It leads down to the tunnel that the athelets, performers and big wigs use. It's a little booth with the arm (i referred to it as a gate). Sorry for the mixup! That is where they will enter the complex. Where they go to meet the fans is unknown.

I called WC today to try and get some info on where the fans are supposed to wait etc, and got absolutely NOWHERE. It's more than a little frustrating at this point. I'm meeting a bunch of people at the venue tomorrow, and none of us even know where we're supposed to wait.

I have been trying *really* hard to stay positive about this whole experience tomorrow, and maybe i'm just in an overly emotional mood today (no doubt about that, actually)...but i'm starting to wonder if i should even bother putting myself through all of this when it seems like a hopeless situation. *sigh*

I could totally handle meeting David through the fence (as seen in the Sanjaya pic)...it's most definitely better then not meeting him at all. But i am starting to get really down about this whole thing. I'm starting to feel like it's going to be another long, extremely frustrating day.

Not trying to bring anyone down...just needed to vent, i guess.

It probably is going to be confusing, with a lot of running around and various stories about where to go, but it'll be worth it in the end. It just sucks that of all the cities, ours has a giant iron fence, where at most of the other cities they had police tape or barricades.

And for now, I'm going to go with the "better to meet David through a fence than not at all" mentality.

I keep telling myself that.
It might be a little awkward asking to take a picture with him with the fence being there....but jailhouse David is better then no David at all.

Anyone want to exchange cell numbers so we can try and keep track of where everyone is waiting? We did it in AC and it made things a LOT easier, and less confusing.
If you're interested...PM me.

Jailhouse David, hahahaha. I'm already planning on asking for a hug. I'm tiny so I can slip my arms through the iron fence of doom.

Velvetsun, you have a PM as soon as I send it.

Well, tomorrow is the big day to try and face the iron gate of doom. Hopefully those of us who were in AC will have a much better story to tell this time...something like "David Cook scales 8 foot iron gate to spend quailty time with devoted Philadelphia David-Cook.org fans."

Personally I am very excited and hopeful. I had no intention of going to the show but thanks to you wonderful ladies I decided to check the tickets last night and saw row 4 in section 123, but still said I really cannot afford to go. I decided to tease myself when I got home from work tonight certain those tickets would be long gone. I found floor 2, row 10. I could not pass that seat up. I am hoping that is a sign of good luck for this location for me.....and everyone else that is waiting out with me. Especially my fellow AC ladies VelvetSun and StitchMeUp.

C'mon girls perseverance and positive thinking. We WILL meet David!!!!

First off...as you already know, i'm thrilled about your getting that ticket!

Secondly...As i was saying to someone earlier....Jailhouse David is more then fine with me. The iron fence of doom will not stop me from asking for a picture with him. If I am able to speak, that is.

The EAST Coast tends to have tighter security opposed to places like the midwest and even LA. Phila, NY and Detroit are tough cities....hence why security is intense. Who knows maybe David will work a miracle around the iron fence of doom....but I am unaware of past idols who were successful. Security said no.
Good Luck to everyone....

Okay folks, due to someone bailing, I have a single seat in section 3, row 4 available. I will take face value for it, or you may be able to bargain It is seat 12, which is right for some prime MAVID viewing.

If anyone is interested, PM me!

I saw those seats today and hoped someone for David got them! Great catch! Depending on how many rows it takes out at this stadium, you COULD be front row, center! How exciting is that?

Anyone, Please PM me to exchange numbers for meeting up.

Good luck today ladies!!!

I'm not able to go early, but I absolutely cannot wait until the show tonite ... it is NOT going to be a productive morning lol!

So excited! I am heading down around 3:00! Good Luck! I know we'll all have alot to talk about tomorrow!

Good Luck everyone - I have already put up the Philly Link for experiences, vids, ect. so enjoy your day/night and keep the East Coast Love Fest alive with David.

today is the big day!

Even though I can't see them at the buses (if that'll even happen lol), I"ll be there tonight! Let's show David how much we love him! GO NJ/PA DAVID FANS! WOOT! heehee

I'm awake, I'm nearly ready, and I'M EXCITED!!

I hope everyone has a great time tonight!

Folks:
Please see the attached link from Travis - if anyone has a video camera and has an opportunity to meet David and speak with him - Travis is requesting that if someone is up to the challenge to have David speak to our member community.

Here is Travis's request>

http://www.david-cook.org/Get-David-to-say...org-t12317.html

Can't wait till tonight! Daughter and I will arrive early enough (I hope) for decent parking, but because of my work schedule we're not attempting to be there super-early for a pre-show encounter with David or the other Idols. Anyway, looking forward to the show itself, and Mavid of course. We're in section 114, row 6, which, if I read the WC seating charts correctly, looks pretty good!

Hi Philly concert goers,

I'll be the one with two blond kiddies with me a boy (7) and a girl (10).
My son thinks he's bringing his guitar to be signed so that should help you spot me! LOL

They want me to take them to the buses but with the fence at the Wachovia, I'm hesitant. I'm sure I'll give in and try.

I wish you all luck and hope you have a great time meeting DC!
(I'm saying that becuase I'm sure it will happen for you all)

Don't forget extra camera batteries! and an extra memory chip if you have one!

PS...If I see DC and can speak at all, I'll ask him your request Travis.

Well I'm currently in the car on my way down from Northeast Philly and I'm stuck in traffic. 11 am and I'm stuck in stop and go traffic. This makes no sense and I just want to get there already!!

Wow, traffic like that at 11am. Hope it clears up soon, if it hasn't already. Good luck. Hope you get to meet DC. Have fun tonight. We'll all have to cheer hard and do Philly proud!

Its finally moving! Turns out a truck hit a car. Still don't see the need for all of that traffic!!

As Rickey would say "Comfort Fedoke", "Comfort Fedoke" you will get to the venue in plenty of time. Have fun and good luck.

I hope everyone has the best of luck today trying to meet David. Please take lots and lots of pictures!!! I will be in a suite tonight so I don't expect to see David up close, but I am thrilled to just be going. I will rely on those of you who are waiting at the fence for all the good pictures and stories. Have a fabulous time! I just can't wait!!!

i wish i could be there there today with you guys since i live about 2 hours from philly but no way of getting a ride there so jut have alots of fun scream for dc really loud i will get my chance to scream from him on sept 8

I also wish I could be there tonight.
Having lived in Philly for 11 years, I honestly think audiences there are the best in the world. Especially when it comes to rock! Philadelphia is a totally rocking town, and David is going to bring down the house tonight!!!!

i'm wishing you all to see David!

im sooooooooooooo exictied

if anyone wants to meet up i will be seating in section 109 row 6
and also i will be wearing a green/white/black tie dye shirt
with a picture of archie on the front and a picture of archie and cookster on the back
and i will have a baby blue poster!!

Click to view attachmentClick to view attachment

Bulletin....

Iron fence of doom be damned! They set up barricades and came out! WOOOOOOOHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO! I'm a little excited right now. Met David, got a hug, got some good pics of him.

He came out and said he only had 20 minutes so he was just going to sign, no photos with him. Everyone was very calm and respectful! Amazing crowd. I was very proud. <G> A taste of photos....first the Mavid Build a Bear I got for him. I handed it to him, he read the shirt and said "I LOVE it!" So I asked him to hold it up, and this is what he did. LOL

He really is something else. Gotta love him.

ok....whatever he is doing to that teddy bear's ear......nevermind, i should keep it clean......but i bet others are thinkin what i'm thinkin!!!....good dreams for me tonight!!

The build a bear "Please Don't Stop The Mavid" is PRICELESS - You have to love DC. Cute Pictures.






I am so glad you posted what you did - my mind was going there as well

someone HAD to say it!!!...i couldn't resist!!

It's funny because I didn't say to do anything weird with the bear. I just wanted a pic of him holding it up. This is so much better. LOL

I am thrilled that the doomsayers were wrong. We shall overcome....

I so wish I had come out to the buses today. I thought the iron fence would win. :-(

Congratulations to all the fans that can attend to the concert (I cannot)..

I just want to make a reminder for the ones that are going to record Cookie´s songs.... PLS... PLS.. PLS..... I BEG YOU ALL!!!... RECORD THE BANTERS!!!! , even knowing that David make every song a bit different every night, I feel that banters are like Mavid... they bring more sparks to the show.

It is refreshing to see the jokes and the interaction with the crowd.... that is priceless.

Thanks!!!!

Picked up my ticket, all is well in the world!

Managed to angle a picture of myself with David standing near me so although its not posed, its a picture with him nonetheless. Got pictures with David A, Jason, + Brooke though so its been a good day!

I met some amazing people today, both Idols and Word Nerds.

Oh! I gave David a bracelet of mine and he asked what it was for and held his hand out and I slid it onto his wrist. Felt like backwards prom! And then he courtseyed (sp?) and said thank you haha. I had a moment <3

Meeting this man only makes me love him more. Bring on the solo tour!!

haha - I was standing near you at the fence...yeah, he liked the bear!

Is there a cellcast tonight?

Pam should be getting a cell cast thread up soon.






Somebody posted the bear with his ear in David's mouth on the Philly Website set up for vids, experiences, ect.

I will post a recap tomorrow, however, I will say that barricade was a first....they never had this before.

Many fans were very disappointed in Cook for not coming out to a hugh crowd after the show. We were told he sat in his bus. Sorry, but everyone came out except Cook and three of the others. Michael Johns was great, as well as Jason who said he is gettiing a lot of Jason Miraz comparisons, Kristy was a doll, and Brooke as well as Archie.

fanforlife, I have heard that TPTB will not let Cook greet fans after the show anymore. I guess it became to crazy. He only will meet fans before the show. It is disappointing though. However, it is a way to gain some control. I don't think Cook is the type of guy to willingly sit in a bus and pass up an opportunity to meet his fans.

I am...in no condition to write a recap about tonight. But I have to make a few comments:

1. I met the man. And got my hug.
2. Got pics with Archie, Jason, Brooke & Kristy
3. Spoke to and got pics of Michael after the show. And he winked at me.

As far as David not coming out after the shows...it *IS* a security issue. He was not just sitting in the bus, tonight. He actually came out on the "grassy knoll" by the fence and was running around goofing off with a football. There were some people that were annoyed that he didn't come outside the fence...but frankly, he has come out *before* the concert at almost every show of the tour. There is NO reason to be angry with him over this. I will state this for the last time: David has gone above and beyond for his fans since day one. End of story.

Is anyone else feeling somewhat empty now that its over? Now I'm regretting not going to more shows while they were close by. :/

Wow, Wow, Wow. I had the best time. My daughter (16) and I snuck over to seats that were RIGHT next to the right side of the stage. (their right, my left). Best seat in the house by far. We made friends with a security guard and begged him to let us back stage, he said he couldn't but he'de do what he could do. 5 minutes later, (Carly was on), David peeked out behind the black curtain on the side of the stage and waved real quick and went back in. Right after the show, he came back out, and shook all our hands and talked for a few seconds....Told us over and over how much he appreciates us coming out to see him and how he loves all his fans, and thanked us several times for coming. I was SPEECHLESS!!! He loves his fans...security must not let him out after the shows, because the crowd goes wild for him. I have some great pics, one being right under him, when he stood up on the metal bars during Hero. And another shaking my daughters hand, and some good close up singing. I'll try to get them for you all later.

Allison, if you are here, I'm the crazy one you met last night & sat with next to the stage. We were going to smoke a cigarette, even though we don't smoke, after our *moment*

My 9-year-old daughter and I were at last night's show and loved it, and so did the Philly crowd!

To me it's not as important to meet David and his fellow Idols as it is to be treated to their remarkable abilities as artists and performers. That's what we were there for, and we were not disappointed. If only six of them came out after, so be it. Five came out before the show according to an MJ fan that we met, and DC was one of them, along with DA, KLC, JC, and Brooke.

David was phenomenal and in excellent voice as a performer during the show, and utterly engaging as a person. Hearing "Time of My Life" on the radio (WPST) as we drove to and from the show was a fun bonus!

It was a great night all around.