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    Bridge Benefit Concert-Goer's Guide

    by Gregory Calistar Hernandez
    (Written for Bridge XI. A few updates in red below.)
    Hi All,

    I've seen many many questions concerning this year's Bridge shows. So I decided to put this together to tell about some experiences I've had in the past.

    The 1997 show will be my ninth Bridge Benefit (I think I missed the first and third one). Every year we make the trek over to the Shoreline and enjoy the music and atmosphere. I can remember my first show back in '88 or '89 when it was held on just one night and the place was about half full. Now, it's gotten so popular that it's two nights and might sell out. (Nowadays both nights generally DO sell out.)

    First, the disclaimer: This information is from memory. The info resides in the dark recesses of my mind (scary, scary place). Please verify for yourself ALL information including showtimes and prices, etc...

    Okay, heres the info:

  • The Weather. Usually pleasant during the day (upper 70's) and cool at night (50's). 1996 WAS COLD! By the time Neil came on (around 9:30pm) it was freezing (lower 40's...for us Californians, thats Ice Age stuff). We take one good solid blanket every year and dress in many layers. Jackets are highly recommended.

  • The parking. The price changes every year, but expect to pay between $6 - $8 per vehicle. (Nowadays parking cost is included in the ticket price, so you don't pay at the parking lot anymore.) In the parking lot, there are grassy areas where you can have a "pre-show" picnic. Just be careful with the open containers of beer cause the "Smurfs" will hassle you. (The Smurfs are the security staff that work at the Shoreline and wear powder-blue jackets.)

    Tip - Use a solid color unmarked plastic tumbler.

  • The Music. All acoustic all the time. Neil usually comes out at the start (around 4pm this year, I think) and plays between 1-5 songs. Then the bands perform in semi-random order (the more popular bands perform later). Every once in a while there will be a suprise guest (in 1996 it was Pete Townsend who did an excellent set).

  • The Seating. Like someone said, there are about 5,000 reserved seats and 15,000 lawn seats. The lawn isn't bad (IMO) if the place is not sold out. The 1997 Saturday show is sold out, so the lawn is going to be packed. Everyone will be crammed up there and "good luck" finding your spot on the lawn if you have to get up to use the restroom or buy a beer during the night.

    Tip - Take a small miniture flashlight. Not big enough to bother your neighbor but strong enough to help you find your way and keep track of your stuff.

    Tip - IF you end up sitting on the lawn, you may want to consider getting to the venue early and getting into line (like 1-2 hours before the doors open) and stake out a prime area up on the hill by spreading a blanket. Keep in mind your proximaty to the Big Screens as you are choosing a spot on the lawn.

    IF you have reserved seats, you can also enter the lawn area at any time. Say you want to leave the seats for a set or two (the guy next to you is smoking or you want to smoke and not bother anyone) you can simply enter the lawn area and stay as long as you want. However, this does not work in reverse...if you have lawn seat tickets, you cannot enter the reserve seat area.

  • The food. Lots of OK food to buy. Hamburgers, Pretzels, French Fries, Water, Coke ... even BBQ.

  • Telephones. For the 20,000 people that are going to be there...there will be like five or six phones (mild exaggeration).

    Tip - Take a cellphone, it will save you from having to stand in line for an hour.

  • Restrooms. They get REALLY REALLY packed with people. DO NOT even try to go to the restroom directly after a big band like Metallica or Smashing Pumpkins. I've seen the women's lines stretch over 30-40 yards.

    Tip - The best time to go to the restroom is during the middle of one of the band's sets.

  • The venue. You WILL be frisked on your way in and your bags or blankets or purses will be checked. There is NO "in & out" policy. Once you are in, you cannot leave the venue and return without another ticket.

  • Cameras/Video/Taping. I don't know what the policy is this year, but in the past, these have been forbidden.

  • Programs. On your way into the venue grab one. Usually free.

  • Big Screens. There are 2 or 3 large screens for the Lawn people to watch.

  • Drinks/Alcohol. There are a couple of lounge/bar type places where you can buy the hard stuff. Beer is sold at several locations throughout the venue and there are a couple of import beer locations. You will need to get a wristband ... bring your I. Also a gourmet coffee bar! (However the coffee line is slow and gets really long.)

  • Arts/crafts. There will be several arts, crafts, & jewlery merchandise booths to choose from. Mild haggling has always worked for me and has netted me some good deals (Mrs C has at least one trinket from each of the nine shows).

  • Children. Very few children attend the show. However, I did see a few young teenage Neil fans last year.

  • The Totem Pole. This is a "real" totem pole that exists in the venue and acts as a meeting place for groups/friends. As you enter the main entrance, turn left and walk about 50 yards and it will be on your left hand side. I've actually seen other "internet groups" meet there and its quite interesting to see people's reaction as they meet for the first time.

    There are also picnic tables there.

  • Show times. I think I saw that the Saturday show starts at 4pm. If that is true then the show will probably end between 11pm and 11:30pm. If you leave early and miss Neil's sing-a-long encore, then there is no trouble getting out of the parking lot. If you leave after that, then expect at least a 45 minute traffic jam.

  • Driving. If there is only mild traffic, it's about 45 minutes back to San Francisco. It's 20 minutes to Saratoga Springs (home of the 1997 IRF!).

    Well, thats all I can think of for now. I'm sure that other veteran Rusties can add information. Have a great show everyone, find me at the Concert or the IRF and buy me a beer... er... I mean say hello! ;-)

    Greg (AKA Calistar) Calistar@Worldnet.att.net

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