What time do i arrive before concert (standing tickets?)

[My Angel Pie]

Hi, i'm off to NIA Birmingham to see JTimberlake, i have bought standing tickets and of course want to be near to the front, how many hours before would you suggest we arrive? And what to avoid in terms of 'crushing' when the concert starts as i've always bought seated tickets in the past for conerts, any helpful advice appreciated.

[jack29091989]

i went to the MEN last month and arrived at the stadium an hour before and we managed to get very close to the front it was relatively quiet at that time and so we just struggled through a little to the front. With regards to cruhing once you have found a place try and stay there moving round just causes mayhem and people get very annoyed with you.

[andy-hughes]

I would think a couple of hours will see you in a good spot.

Don't head right for the front - you will strain your neck trying to see up to the stage, which is high, and if there is a crush, you'll be against the barriers, and it hurts! Aim to be about ten 'rows' from the front and you'll be fine. If you feel the crowd pushing you, push back, and make sure you balance and stay on your feet.

[Backdrifter]

Well I'm weighing in to say I'm a great advocate of the early arrival and rush for the front barrier. For me, there's nothing like the buzz of being on that front rail and having no-one blocking your view. And I don't think the crush will be that bad - this show is in the round and that will dilute the 'crush dynamics', I reckon.

My approach is to set aside a day - yes, a whole day. It's worth it, believe me. Try to find out beforehand what the main entry point is and, especially if there's an earlier show, try to find out what time people arrive. Be prepared to arrive in the morning! It sounds terrible but it can actually be quite fun. Sort yourself out some food and water, take your place and relax. There'll be other like-minded people around and I always end up chatting. Be nice to any passing stewards or security and get them to explain how you'll be routed once you're inside.

On entering you'll be told "no running!" but leg it anyway and just make for that barrier. As it's in the round, there'll be quite a bit of barrier to aim for. If you feel the crowd getting lively, just grip the barrier and push against the flow of movement. It's much nicer than being further back where you get the crush and movement but nothing to hang on to!

The alternative if you don't fancy the barrier is to head straight for the wall around the standing area and lean back on that. All sides should give a good viewpoint for this show.

Just ask me anything else you want to know about queueing and the barrier, I'm an expert. Good luck and enjoy.

[My Angel Pie]

THanks guys, some great tips. We are sooooo excited now x