WHO IS READY FOR WATERSHED?!?!
Every Coug at Washington State University was in a frenzy this year scrambling for a ticket. Everybody was holding their breath as the Live Nation website told them you had “less than 5 minutes" wait-time... when in reality, you would be waiting for over 20 minutes. Then finally, there was that surge of relief after you got the confirmation page saying you are officially going to Watershed. WOOHOO!
So to all of you that made it and bought a ticket, congratulations! To all of you that didn't, my deepest condolences. I bet you can try and buy a ticket somewhere, so don't lose hope!
You can feel the excitement building on social media in anticipation of Watershed. #WatershedWednesday or #Watershed2015 gives you the excuse to bring out all the pictures of you tan and in a cowboy hat, living it up during our favorite weekend of the year.
Watershed has become a new country music tradition in the Pacific Northwest. Since the Gorge is smack dab in the middle of Washington, Watershed acts as a big WSU reunion for east-siders and west-siders before school starts.
So what are you most excited for?
Ok, we all know that the concerts are to die for, but what else? I don't know about you, but the campgrounds are actually the place to be. Come on, how many times during the year do you get to camp with a group of your friends for a total drunkfest? Well, hopefully not too many times, because that is defined as alcoholism… Anyway, this is the place to make some of your favorite memories and meet a wide assortment of people. There is just something about the atmosphere at Watershed that makes everyone super friendly. All you have to do is throw out a “GO COUGS" or start singing the lyrics to your favorite country song, and automatically every stranger is your best friend. Make friends with your campsite neighbors, because chances are you might have to rely on them for a few things you forgot. It's ok they don't mind—you pay them in beer.
Well duhhh the concerts are going to be absolutely amazing, after all, it is Watershed. If you haven't seen the lineup yet, it will blow your mind. Here's a few of the artists to get you excited: Carrie Underwood, Chris Young, Dierks Bentley, Easton Corbin, Florida Georgia Line, Frankie Ballard, Gary Allan, Hunter Hayes, Jana Kramer, Joe Nichols, Parmalee, Sam Hunt, and Thomas Rhett. Ok if you weren't already excited, that lineup should have you jumping up and down right about now!
So let's talk about the Gorge itself. The view from the stage is breathtaking, especially when the sun sets. The light gleams off the Columbia River which rolls right behind the massive stage. Seating can be a dilemma. Will you sit up top on the grassy slope, or rough it out in the pits? There are pros and cons for each:
The Grass.
Pros:
You have the option of being able to sit and relaxingly watch the concert.
It is easy to stay with your friends and not get lost by yourself. You can also watch the concert together as a big group.
Even though you are far away, you are still able to see the performer due to the jumbo-trons that flank the sides of the stage.
Cons:
You will never actually be on the jumbo-trons.
You get to tell people you saw the famous artist in concert, but you can't say that you actually touched them or were only 5 feet away from them. Basically you just lose bragging rights.
The Pit.
Pros:
You can push your way to the front (or almost to the front) of the stage.
You have the chance to see or touch a celebrity up close.
There are big security guards that hand out water.
You are able to jump along and dance with the music without looking like a total idiot.
The jubo-tron may film you jumping along and dancing (this could potentially be a con depending on your dance moves).
Cons:
You will be pushed, shoved, and stepped on.
If you plan on staying with a large group of people—forget it. There is no way all of them will be able to get to the front. If you are not willing to leave a soldier behind, you are better off just standing in the outskirts of the pit.
If your friends are meeting you in the pit, there is no way they'll be able to find you.
You will be completely surrounded by sweaty strangers.
Insider tip: Sweaty Strangers + Hot Temperatures = they smell awful
Personally, I choose the pits, because these are rare opportunities you don't want to pass up. You can get a little roughed up in the pits and just drink it off after the concert… or during, I don't judge.
Just remember, this is a huge opportunity especially for college kids. Once we are thrown out into the real world, we won't have as many chances to have incredible weekends like these. Treasure the times when you are able to drop everything and goof off with your closest friends. I hope you guys are as excited as I am for
