Riverbend 08 advice, tips, sugestions?

[SpurHunter]

Ok so Riverbend is one month away...I have lived in Chatt for 12 years and have been able to avoid the masses of Riverbend. Not so this year, my son will be singing backup on Friday night on the CoVista stage for the band No Big Deal. I am not familier with the band, so first question is: What is the scoop on this band?</p>

Next, what tips or advice does a RB newbie need to have a good expieriance? </p>

Where is the best place to park?</p>

I assume adult beverages are abundant, but are there drink passes or such for kids?</p>

Basically I need "inside" information on having a good time while there with the family, and if me and the BW go by ourselves.</p>

Any help or tips are appreciated. </p>

 

[hoggerhead]

All i can say is...BE PREPARED TO WALK!!! Wear tennis shoes, and yes there is beer but you have to buy tokens when you get inside the gates. Im not sure about the kids cokes and such but i believe you can buy them with cash at any of the vendors. Last year i went on the last night and i had to park up by mckensie arena. But the last night is usually the busiest because of the fireworks. If you get there by 3 or 4, you can usually park alot closer. If not, more than likely you will have to pay 10 to 20 bucks to park in a private parking lot up by utc. Good luck if your closterphobic lol!

 

[SpurHunter]

Thanks for the tips Hogger. I just found out it will be on Saturday night, not Friday also.

 

[Fishin' Junkie]

I always park on the 4th St entrance ramp to Hwy 27S. Its not a bad walk and you don't have to fight much traffic on the way out. And hh is right! Be prepared for tight personal space. emoLaugh

 

[Guest]

Spur, we won't be able to reconize you after the river bend shuts down, you will probably lose 30 to 40 pounds from the walking and lighten your bill fold by a few hundred bucks if you are lucky, that place is rip off city to the max, I heard they might start charging you to breathe this year.

 

[honkytonker26]

Park at the UTC arena and ride the shuttle. It's free. No big Deal is like a cover party band.

 

[kickinbass35]

I usually ride the carta bus to the gate but it is still a little walk not to be though ya better hold your ears im lookin forward to the black crowes and zz top myself

 

[WLG]

Lets take the BIG BLUE barge and park out in the river...bend!!! emoParty

 

[SpurHunter]

Those that responded, thanks for the idea and tips! Weird though, I would have thought that tons of you music guys would go and have something to offer here....

 

[rsimms]

Last year we hauled bikes and rodes bikes down Riverwalk to Riverbend. That was fun. Special bicycle "valet" parking when you get there.

 

[catch 1]

I have always been lucky and found good parking. Last year I parked @ the Bijou Theater. I have parked @ North Chattanooga and walked across the bridge. I am looking forward to the ZZ Top show which I have reserved seats. The only way to go.

 

[BassmanIU]

SpurHunter - 5/11/2008 7:30 PM

Those that responded, thanks for the idea and tips! Weird though, I would have thought that tons of you music guys would go and have something to offer here....

I look forward to Riverbend every year. Along with the big names, I dig the smaller stages. There are always good bands to discover. As far as parking goes, I usually don't drive and usually can't remember how long I've walked or how I got home anyway. We usually park at the car lots near 4th ave and walk. It's about a 1/2 mile but worth it when leaving. If you don't want to spend a fortune on beer tokens, hit up the local restaurants before you get in...most have drink specials each night.

 

[NRG]

I used to go .. but decided was way to crowded, way to expensive for food and drinks, and you used to not need reserve seating to get up close to Coke Stage for the big acts .. first come first served.. I went last year to see the fireworks .. but went by river in boat .. was cool .. but getting boat back out to go home was a nightmare .. took 4 hours from time I left for the river park ramp and loaded my trailer and headed home.. wont do that again unless I have a boat big enuff to sleep on for the night

 

[drumking]

I guess that I'm just an old stick in the mud. Never been to Riverbend and probably never will. Crowds I don't like even on the lake while fishing. Don't drink more than an occasional glass of wine with a meal. I even quit going to Neyland stadium to watch the Vols play. (But that's a good thing. Tee Hee)

But to those who do go to Riverbend and love it. Have a great and safe time this year. While you are sweltering in the oppresive heat, dodging the thundershowers that are common this time of year, I'll be laid back in my easy chair under the air conditioner watching a good movie or maybe fishing late in the PM while the lake has fewer folks on it. But then, that's just an old stick in the mud's rambling on and on making no sense at all. emoBigsmile emoGeezer

 

[SpurHunter]

Your "ramblings" have made perfect sense to me for 12 years Dickey!

</p>

I just figure since I have to go see the boy sing, your stuck buying a pass that is good for the whole gig, I might as well suck it up and try to get some enjoyment out of it. I dont drink other than the occasional "girly" drinks, never had a beer in my life...they taste like carp to me.</p>

I loath the thoughts of what food and drinks cost at these type of events. I can out-cook every vender there for 1/10th of the money, so I am trying to formulate a good plan to spend time and money wisely!</p>

 

[SpurHunter]

Parked right in front of Newton Chevy Sat night, kinda long walk in this heat though. I will try the UTC/shuttle thing tonight I think. Anybody been on family night? Is it busier than other nights or not?