5 Things You Need Before Going To Your Next Concert

Concert season is upon us, and we have a lot of artists visiting the Tampa area within the next couple of months. If you look at the Amalie Arena's calendar alone, the bay has Megan Thee Stallion, Kid Cudi, and more to look forward to. Add in venues like the Yuengling Center, Janus Live, and the Mid-Florida Credit Union Amphitheatre, and you will have a concert schedule that fills the majority of your weeks till the new year. But as much as we love concerts, can you honestly say that you are ready for them?

According to Insuranks, nearly 4 in 5 people will attend a concert in 2023 and many of them plan to attend more than 1. You would think that everyone is well versed and a pro at concerts by now, but think again. If you're like me you are a person that has been to thousands of concerts, but somehow always manage to forget something when you go. Luckily for you, I have this list of items of things you need before you go to your next concert so you don't end up like me.

May seem obvious, but not for some people. Admit it, you've forgotten your tickets on the way to the concert before. Some people even go to concerts without having tickets purchased! The ticket-buying experience may be far from perfect, but it is always best to buy tickets as soon as you can. 48% of people buy tickets as soon as they become available compared to the 1% that wait until day-of.

The last thing you want to happen is your phone die in the middle of you taking a video of your favorite song. How are you going to stunt on the gram with no phone? You can always be proactive and charge your phone before, but if you want to be safe at all times go ahead and buy yourself that charger. Not only will this help you and whoever you're with throughout the night, but this will also relieve that stress of debating which songs to record and which song to save battery life so that you can call that Uber after.

Ladies, this one is going to hurt. We know you have that perfect bag that goes with your outfit, but you're going to have to trade it out for a concert approved clutch. Venues have different regulations for bags that are allowed inside, but the majority seem to accept clear plastic, vinyl or PVC bag that does not exceed 12 inches x 6 inches x 12 inches.

Nobody wants to drink a warm drink! Better yet, no one wants to handshake with someone that has cold/wet hands. Bring your own Koozie and show everyone how much of a concert veteran you are. If you really want to impress someone, bring some extra koozies in your pocket or clutch, and watch yourself become the most popular person at the concert.

Everyone has had one of those nights. When your having too much fun so your phone and other belongings decide they want to leave the concert without you (or get lost). Now you're stranded with no phone and no way of getting home. Make sure you have a backup plan that not only helps you get home, but also a way you can contact someone. Memorize a phone number or have one written down just incase your phone dies or decides to grow legs.

Is there anything I am missing from the list? Let me know below!

There's something incredibly special about going to a concert and witnessing your favorite artists perform live on that stage. It's not just about the music anymore. It's about the whole atmosphere and the unique energy that fills the air. The experience can transport you to a different world, where you can momentarily forget about the stresses of everyday life and lose yourself in the melodies and beats.

One of the best things about concerts is the sense of connection and community they create. You're surrounded by people who share your love for the same artist or genre. It's like you're all part of this big, beautiful family. Singing along, dancing together, and cheering as one.

The people at concerts are just as fascinating as the concerts themselves.  When you gather thousands of music lovers in one place, you get a colorful tapestry of personalities and behaviors. It's a great opportunity for "people watching." And if you are an astute people watcher, you know that there are definitely types of people who you encounter at shows. Here, we break it down and list ten of the types that we seem to see at every show.

From the minute the concert begins, the die-hard fan's energy level is at an entirely different level. They are the first to rise to their feet, pumping their fists in the air They know all the lyrics, and dance moves. And they are fully immersed in the music. They are often seen front and center, singing and dancing with a lot of energy.

Concerts are seen to the social butterfly as an opportunity to socialize and make new friends. From the moment they arrive at the concert venue, the social butterfly exudes a warm and approachable aura. They strike up conversations with those around them, sharing their excitement and genuine enthusiasm for the music and the event.

These concertgoers are there to enjoy the music but prefer a more laid-back approach. They may not know every song, but they appreciate the experience and are content to relax and take it all in. You might see them nod along or tap their foot to the music, occasionally joining in during well-known choruses or catchy hooks.

For this person, attending a concert is all about capturing the perfect selfie or video to share on social media. They spend a significant amount of time taking photos, recording snippets of songs. From the moment they arrive at the concert venue, the selfie addict is armed with their smartphone or camera, ready to capture every moment. They meticulously plan their shots, searching for the best angles, lighting, and backgrounds to enhance their photos. They may even experiment with different poses, expressions, and even selfie sticks or tripods (if they can sneak them in) to ensure they get the perfect shot. They might need to be reminded that concerts are best experienced without a phone between their eyes and the stage. On the other hand, let them have their fun.

You know that person at a concert who just throws themselves into the craziness of the mosh pit? That's the mosh pitter. They're all about the energy, the excitement, and the physicality of the music. When the heavy tunes start blasting, you can find them right in the middle of the action. They'll push, shove, jump, and even try their hand at crowd surfing. It's like they're tapping into some primal energy, just letting loose and going wild.

This person has an irresistible urge to dance to the music, regardless of their skill level. If you're a "people-watcher," the worse their dancing skills, the more fun you'll have watching them. They can be seen moving to the beat with enthusiasm and encouraging others around them to join in the dance. An even if they're terrible, it's the thought that counts.

They're the ones who take fandom to a whole new level. The kind of person who lives and breathes for the artist or band performing. They're like walking encyclopedias of everything related to their favorite musician. They might dress up like the artist, have handmade signs, or bring special props to show their unwavering support. You can see that they've been rehearsing for this show for weeks. Or months. Or years.

This individual analyzes every aspect of the performance, from the artist's stage presence to the sound quality. The concert critic isn't afraid to point out areas where the performance fell short or could have been better. But they also make sure to highlight the artist's strengths and any standout moments that deserve recognition. They might even engage in discussions with fellow concertgoers, debating the artist's performance or comparing it to previous shows. (They might forget that they're there to have a good time.)

These individuals prefer to observe from a distance rather than actively participate. They may be shy or simply enjoy the music in a calmer manner, quietly enjoying the concert experience. While the more energetic concertgoers are dancing, jumping, and singing along, the wallflower tends to sway to the music in their own subtle rhythm. They're not the type to scream or shout, but you can see the appreciation on their face as they close their eyes and get lost in the melodies.

The party animal is an expert at making the most of every moment. Concerts are seen as an opportunity to let loose and have a wild time for them. They often arrive in groups, bring their own party supplies, and are usually the life of the after-party. They're not afraid to sing at the top of their lungs, even if they don't know all the lyrics perfectly. They're there to have a good time, and they make sure everyone around them is having a blast too. You might want to avoid them, especially during ballads. Unless you're into hearing loud off-key vocals (that may not even get the lyrics right).