leaving chairs unattended

[ant8er]

Has anyone here gone to SC when the doors opened, set up chairs in GA, and left them unattended to go back to ED2? If so, any problems (i.e., missing chairs, other people taking your space, etc.)? I would like to hang out in ED2 until 2 or 3 pm, but I don't want to be in the boondocks for all of the evening's headliners because I got there too late. Should there be at least 1 person left behind to keep an eye on the stuff, or will it be safe to be left unattended?

[Raquellita]

I think the best bet would be to have someone watch over your spot. You may find your stuff in one little stack by the time you get back. Or find that your spot has shrunk down dramatically.

[KUZN EDY]

I’ve done this every year I went on each day of the festival and haven’t had any problems. This is what I try to keep in mind when setting up... Find a spot with easier access to an aisle for the bathroom, beer, and food and a good landmark to find my spot or give directions to others. Spots in the middle are hard to get to once everyone sets up around you. People will obviously flock to the primo spots up front and start throwing courtesy out the window to get a better spot/view, so don’t set up front middle and expect your spot to be there. Definitely, 100%, set a blanket down on the property you want. People seem to respect your space when they notice that they are standing on your personal stuff. Then stick chairs in each corner of your spot, standing up, so your neighbors get an idea of what their view will look like when you get back.

I also try to set up right next to someone else even when there is plenty of space because I can introduce myself to them and will at least know the people to one side when I return. Then you can also agree with them to watch each other’s stuff and maybe even get a little more space between the two groups.

Good luck!

[SPKemo]

^^^^^^
This is what we do. We just make friends with the people next to us right away. Sit there and chat for a couple of minutes with them and then ask them to watch our stuff and spot and we have yet to have a problem. Also, most people are in the same spot, or very close to the same spot everyday. So, after day 1, just find the same people and try to get next to them again for day 2 and 3. That way you won't have to worry about trusting new people.

[sandholic]

We have done that each year. Kuz has some good advice. GET CLOSE TO AN AISLE! We bring brown tarps and STAKE THEM DOWN! Many years ago we did the blanket thing only to come back to our site and the blanket is bunched up and we lost about half our space. The tarp stake thing has worked for years without fail. We do what others have said. Get close to an aisle, beer, food and a screen so you can see the concert. Unless you get in the entrance line very early and run like hell to stage you will probably be pretty far back. So get your tarp down in front of a screen and STAKE IT. Make friends with folks around you and have a beer. Then ask them to watch your stuff and head back to camp. We normally only set up the tarp and a few chairs. When we come back we bring more for everyone. ENJOY!

[ant8er]

Thanks for the advice. Any problems getting metal stakes inside SC? Are the rent-a-cops cool with that, or do they consider that a "weapon". Any need to hide them?

[JNPatton]

I always hide beers inside the biggest blanket in my bag and they almost always get through. I imagine same goes for stakes.

[sandholic]

I have brought the stakes in for years. No problems. And beer also. Just hide the beer best you can. We also bring the small bottles alcohol from BevMo in to mix with soda inside. WAY cheaper!! For stakes I go to Home Depot and grab the very large nails (they call them Spike Nails) and washers. I think it cost about 8 cents for the nail (stake) and washer to go with it. They are pretty easy to push in the ground once you get inside.

[keebzie]

wow this thread was EXTREMELY helpful! I didn't have a spot to go to last year. Now that I kinda know what the heck to do thanks to you guys, I'm going to go grab a tarp!

[Raquellita]

Shhhhhhhh Too many secrets out the bag.

[sandholic]

keebzie - tarps are the way to go for sure. DON'T FORGET TO STAKE IT DOWN THOUGH! That is the true trick.

[deegee83]

I have brought the stakes in for years. No problems. And beer also. Just hide the beer best you can. We also bring the small bottles alcohol from BevMo in to mix with soda inside. WAY cheaper!! For stakes I go to Home Depot and grab the very large nails (they call them Spike Nails) and washers. I think it cost about 8 cents for the nail (stake) and washer to go with it. They are pretty easy to push in the ground once you get inside.

This is an excellent tip, sandholic!!! Your setup of spike nails and washers pushed into the ground = a LOT safer than wooden stakes not pushed all the way down, that people WILL trip over/onto.

[sandholic]

The spike nails and washer combo works great!

[Joey]

i left my chairs in EDII and some one jacked of them.... which reminds me i need to buy two new ones for this year!

[Chevgirl357]

I always hide beers inside the biggest blanket in my bag and they almost always get through. I imagine same goes for stakes.

I have brought the stakes in for years. No problems. And beer also. Just hide the beer best you can. We also bring the small bottles alcohol from BevMo in to mix with soda inside. WAY cheaper!! For stakes I go to Home Depot and grab the very large nails (they call them Spike Nails) and washers. I think it cost about 8 cents for the nail (stake) and washer to go with it. They are pretty easy to push in the ground once you get inside.

Ummm, might wanna edit your posts on how you sneak in alcohol. I'm sure they know people do it, but no reason to have them figure out every trick!

[JNPatton]

Ummm, might wanna edit your posts on how you sneak in alcohol. I'm sure they know people do it, but no reason to have them figure out every trick!

Haha, You might be right but I think we're good.... Im guessing Stagecoach security won't be looking to the message board for tips on how to do their jobs. Last year I got locked out of camping with hundreds of other campers TWICE! Friday evening and Saturday night, both times the cops came and public chastised security people for locking it down for no reason. Im sure the Saturday night guard will remember me... I was the asshole that flagged down the cop.

[sandholic]

I doubt the incompetent security force at SC is reading this forum!

[Cooter]

no, but the very competent moderator who works for goldenvoice does.

[keebzie]

Haha, You might be right but I think we're good.... Im guessing Stagecoach security won't be looking to the message board for tips on how to do their jobs. Last year I got locked out of camping with hundreds of other campers TWICE! Friday evening and Saturday night, both times the cops came and public chastised security people for locking it down for no reason. Im sure the Saturday night guard will remember me... I was the asshole that flagged down the cop.

Thhhhat must have sucked!

[unclefeiny]

We always leave our stuff sitting out all day. Last year, my chair, back pack, cell phone, shirt, and flip flops were stolen. Some people are not good.