peggytwoten

Just home from Tulsa and scanning the comments about the GA Line and the show, so I'll throw in my 2 cents worth. For perspective, I've done GA for at least some shows for every tour starting with Elevation, with the exception of JT. You can't see me, but I'm sitting on the sidewalk in the photo that Max Tuskino posted on page 3 of this discussion. I was part of the un-numbered. I did get a number on Tuesday evening when I arrived - # 216, but just couldn't bring myself to get up for the 5AM lineup. We showed up at 6:30 AM and the line leaders refused to do anymore numbering. I've never encountered this before, early morning, day of the show. I guess that they just couldn't be bothered - follow their rules or be screwed. Everyone that showed up at 5 was renumbered and the last number given out was about #199 - apparently, quite a few of us didn't show up at 5. I was about 5 people behind the last "officially numbered person - # 199. Not too bad. We were supposed to self-police, and stay there except for short bathroom breaks and food, but of course, lots of people left for long periods of time, so there were large gaps in the line. By the time the BOK staff made us put chairs away and tightened up the line around 5, it appeared that there were many more than 200 people in front of me - I saw some people with sharpies - I think some people made up their own numbers. About 10 people behind us, there was a couple that we were concerned about. The woman was in a wheelchair and her companion kept attending to her - we wondered why they would do GA. Well, we found out later, when a man and his young son suddenly appeared in line that the man had paid this homeless couple to stay in line for him all day - probably about 8 hours. Really awful what some people will do for GA. By the time the doors opened, I had resigned myself to not getting a rail position - 12 hours wasted. We did end up with one of the last rail positions - on the catwalk, which is a great location - you can see something of both stages and the band often stops in front of you. But then we found out the couple next to us showed up at 5:30 pm, went in another entrance when the doors opened! BOK Center doesn't win any kudos from me for GA line management. So I see Guy Oseary walking by and I called out to him. He did stop to talk and I asked him if U2 would consider taking over the GA line. He seemed surprised that it was an issue - obviously, he doesn't read these boards or get any feedback - so I'm sure I'm wasting my time with this post. I mentioned some concerns and gave examples of how U2 did Vertigo with a lottery and suggested something like the Bruce Springsteen method. He said that he'd look into it. I could tell that he didn't consider it to be a big issue, but then again - it's U2's opening night and he had plenty of other things on his mind. I appreciate that he did take the time to stop. My beef is - as so many others have expressed - is that the current system favors fans who have plenty of time to kill - either they don't work and/or can afford to travel and stay in town for several days before a show. They set the rules and it differs for each venue. To be fair, I did find the "rules" on Facebook, but they weren't posted on the main U2 fan sites. The sign in book started on Friday - 5 days before the show! The less obsessive fan thinks that the info provided by the venue is the rule, but the venues almost always cave. I'd just love a system that gives everyone a fair shot at the position that they want. Or at least for the fan run lines to have consistent rules from venue to venue. As to the show - it was amazing. The band and crowd had great energy. I loved everything about it except for two songs. During Blackout and UTEOTW the band was obscured by the screen. UTEOTW is one of my favorite songs to see live and I love the interplay between Bono and The Edge. I come to see the band - not watch a screen. Except for "Acrobat", I wasn't terribly excited by the rehearsed songs, but it flowed really well and U2 always seems to bring new meaning to some of the warhorses like Pride and SBS.

They came on at 8:30

If only U2 management would take control of the line! I'm sure the fans running the GA list will sweet talk BOK center staff to use their list. It's happened before and will continue to happen unless U2 does something to change it. The vast majority of us can't afford to fly into Tulsa several days before the show and even those living in Tulsa can't check in twice a day. I know that there is no bad place in this stage design, but nothing's as exciting as a rail position - anywhere along the rail! Just wish there was a fairer system so that all of us have a chance.

I had VIP Gold seats for two recent shows. When should I expect the Tour gift? I've only ever had VIP tickets for one other artist and received the gift well before the show. And, what is the gift and is there a difference between the gift for VIP Party, Gold, and Silver packages? thanks

This has gotten so out of hand over the years. I really wish that U2 would step in to do something about it, ala the Springsteen method. Even at FEDEX, when the venue said absolutely no lineup before 8, the unofficial line started offsite at Planet Fitness and FEDEX caved and "honored" the line. Yes, if you search for it, you can probably find the unofficial line info 48 hours in advance but most of us have a life and can't get to the venue every 12 hours to check in. Yes, it's fabulous to have a front rail position, I've had it 2 times and will never forget that experience, but it would be nice to give everyone a fair shot. Even the Red Zone has gotten ridiculous. I did this for two previous tours, got to the venue mid afternoon and would get a great rail spot. At FedEx, the line started at 8. I didn't do GA or RZ this tour but hope to do so for next arena tour. Please U2 -fix this problem- I'm willing to take my chances with some kind of lottery.

It's very dismaying that people are still having problems with presale tickets. I figured that all would go smoothly since so many members have already used their codes. I'm saving my last two in case they decide to add Atlanta. I sure hope that TM and U2 gets their act together. And while I'm whining, I wish that U2 would talk to Bruce Springsteen about how to run a GA line!

I'm in the US - Eastern Time Zone. Surely someone in the U2 organization had to have this information!

I was very disappointed not to get prices for Red Zone or VIP packages until the sale started. It's hard to make a decision without all of the information. I planned to buy VIP gold based upon the prices posted in Europe only to find the cost was quite a bit more. I did like the count down clocks so that I didn't have to guess the second that the sale started. I had 2 devices running, looking to get tickets to 2 different shows. One clock was 20 seconds faster than the other

After doing GA and Redzone for previous tours, we decided on seats given the prospect for hot weather, afternoon thunderstorms, etc. I wanted good seats so went for Gold VIP! What a ripoff - didn't know the price until the tickets went on sale $ 420 each for a seat and a "gift". In the heat of the moment, I ordered them. Went back to try to see what regular seats would get me - one search yielded same section 3 rows back. Another was same section Row 6 - I'm in Row 18. Next time, I'll just try regular seats first and then VIP

Same thing happened to me. Sure hope tomorrow goes better.

Damn, People Have the Power rocks! I sure hope they include this on the HBO show.

So glad U 2 weren't playing tonight. Saw them at State de France for 360. Prayers for Paris and all of the victims. I expect U2 will come through like they did after 9/11. Will be a very emotional show if it's allowed to go on.

My Comcast Xfinity Guide now has the U2 Finding Home documentary listed for 12 November from 2-3pm (EST) on HBO 2. The Paris concert is scheduled for 14 November from 9-1130pm on HBO E, HBO LE and HBO LD. The last two are Spanish language channels.

I did Red zone twice this tour. I probably won't do again if they come back to North America for the reasons you stated. Red Zone in 360 was a much better option, and was much less expensive as well.

Curt, you must be close to me. I'm in Georgia too, but very close to Jacksonville. Also, went to Boston to see them. Seeing them in JAX would be awesome, but I'd settle for Atlanta, Orlando, or Tampa.