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so, i have been to the 1st Mariner Arena before - but i've never been to a concert there.
my perfectionist self decided to look into the whole deal a little more...
and i thought i'd write up the stuff i learned (specifically pertaining to the 1st Mariner)
so everyone else can know too : )
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MEETING THEM AT THE BUSES
someone told me that last year she met all the idols when they got off their buses, so no worries about how that happens here!
she said that when you get there, it is really obvious where they park, and she couldn't really describe it more than that.
just in case you have no idea what i'm talking about...
if you want to meet them at the buses, get here around 10:00-10:30am.
buses arrive at 11-12, and most of the idols will get out and sign things, take pictures, and talk to the fans.
i found this photo of the arena:
see the left of the photo? that a big lot with two white rectangles sitting in it? that looks like where the buses will probably be! =)
and also, i looked on google maps, so this is a birds-eye view of the arena:
an even better view of the parking (and the roads- so you know where to drive!)
***if you have any questions about this, contacting the arena isn't the thing to do. this is definitely something you should ask about on the boards here.
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BRINGING SIGNS
i emailed the arena about this. this is what i was told:
Our arena allows posters at wrestling events and such, however, for
the most part at concerts; the security will not allow them in. Sometimes
if the posters are small and will not block the view for the people behind
you, security will allow you to bring them in, but use your own discretion.
and, after a few more emails about other things:
The reality is you will have to go through security and the likelihood
that security will let you through with signs is very small. A large sign
will obstruct the view of other patrons.
so guys, be cautious about bringing in signs! make sure they're not too big, and if they're a little big, make sure you didn't spend TOO much time on it - especially if it gets taken away.
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POLICY ON CAMERAS
the camera policy seems to be the same for most of the venues, because reading all the discussion boards about this issue, it seems like there's one main deciding factor - what the camera looks like.
this is what the arena website says in their FAQ:
The general building policy is that professional cameras, video cameras, and detachable lenses are not permitted. However, some shows may allow standard 35mm cameras or disposable cameras. It is best to call the arena the day of the event at 410-347-2020 to find out the exact show policy.
my advice? hide your camera! if you have a thin camera, keep it on your person (pockets, jacket, whatever floats your boat). but either way, they are way less likely to take it away
if you have a chunkier camera, hide it. an idea i thought of for girls: stuff it in a tampons/pads box (keep some of the real deal in there too just in case they open it though). i highly doubt security will check any deeper in there!
the reality is, security probably isn't trained to be an expert on cameras. it might be hard for them to tell the difference between a professional SLR and a camera that's just kinda big & chunky and happens to take nice pictures. so hide it creatively just in case!
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BE PREPARED FOR THE WEATHER
if you live in Maryland, you probably already know the weather is kind of unpredictable this year!
it may be sunshine for a few hours but in 5 minutes it can drastically change into tornado weather!
so make sure you plan just in case there's some drizzle/rain,
and also make sure you're dressed right because it'll probably be HOT outside.
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ANYTHING ELSE?
any other questions?
if it's about this venue specifically, then ask on this board, or check the arena website for information. if you still don't know, you can contact them through that website.
if you just want to know general info about the concert, then just post here on the 2008 Tour thread.
hope this helped : )
) getting tickets for the Baltimore concert too.
