Photo courtesy of: www.seatgeek.com
If you are an avid concert goer in the months of June through August and live in the vicinity of exit 116 on the Garden State Parkway, you have most definitely felt the thrill and pain of entering PNC Bank Arts Center. My personal love hate relationship stems from many aspects that are unavoidable while attending a summer venue.
1. Packing a car full of friends while listening to the artists songs on Spotify in preparation
Photo by: Annalee Flaherty
The day has finally come. Group chats are made, plans are set, DD is established, meeting place is designated, snapchats are storied. It is officially summer. PNC is a major contribution to the summer nights I'll cherish with my friends forever.
2. Tailgating right before sunset, when the sky is orange and picture taking is prime
Photo by: Hunter Earle
Sure, this is a great way to hang out before hand and walk in together, but let's tell it like it is, this period of time is where everyones make up is in tact, outfits are primped and pressed, and the lighting is perfect for Instagram.
3. The positive vibes when you enter the arena
Photo by: Kirsten VanWoudenberg
You don't have to attend a PNC concert to feel the rush of the music and people, it's really any concert. But PNC will always have a special place due to the multiple concerts and memories made during my high school career.
4. Each section on the lawn is somehow designated by school
When it gets dark, you always know where your people are, I guess that can be a plus or a minus.
5. The artists and dancing, duh!
Photo by: Annalee Flaherty
I have seen so many artists with so many great people over the years for a relatively cheap price and short drive. Some of the concerts I will never forget were Wiz Khalifa, The Jonas Brothers, J cole, Luke Bryan, and Nikki Minaj.
Dancing the night away no matter how horrible you are, that's what summer concerts are for.
6. Lawn section (General Admission)
Photo by: Annalee Flaherty
Other than the sub-par sound, this speaks for itself.
7. Buying a last minute ticket for triple the price your friends paid
It hurts your wallet a little bit I can't deny that, but sometimes it's worth the night out.
8. The cloud of smoke above the lawn section (and no it's not from precipitation)
This overwhelming aspect can contribute to the concert feel or take away from it, you decide on that one.
9. Ordering two chicken tenders and a small soda for $15
Gif courtesy of: www.riffsy.com
It's about an hour in and you already feel like you've been walking with Jesus for 40 days and 40 nights, but you are NOT about to pay $6 for water.
10. Multiple available bathrooms
BLESS THE LORD because multiple bathroom breaks occur.
11. THE AFTER CONCERT PARKING MADNESS
Photo courtesy of: www.App.com
When the concert lets out and the lights go up, no one is safe. Cups are sprawled across the entirety of the lawn while people by the masses begin to exit, no small bush is safe.
The parking lot is another story. Getting in is one thing, getting out is a whole different ballpark. People walking across traffic to get to the lots across the bridge, kids waiting by the guardrail at the exit to be picked up roadside, and parents on phones inside their cars trying to depict their child in the crowds.
12. Drunk fights
Gif courtesy of: www.riffsy.com
During your stay, you will see at least four fights, three separate girls walking past you with tears in their eyes, and five people being taken away by security to the medical tent. Keep it together people.
13. Getting with people becomes a competition
Do not partake in this, boys have cooties!
14. The lawn when it rains
Photo courtesy of: www.tumblr.com
Say goodbye to your clean white soled Vans forever.
15. The end of the night McDonalds run
Gif courtesy of: www.riffsy.com
After escaping the jungle of red taillights and pedestrians, there's no better way to end the night then discuss the songs, drama, and gossip with a large fry and McFlurry in hand (shout-out to Meredith Stankus for this one.)
