Pit Etiquette 101
Seeing a show from the general admission area, or “the pit”, is an unforgettable experience. You have the chance to get close to the stage and dance around with other fans. Being in a seated section is also fun and probably more comfortable, but the energy in the pit is often unmatched. If you’re a daredevil, you could also try a mosh pit, depending on the show.
Don’t have a lot of experience with being in the pit? Here are some things to keep in mind so you and the people around you can stay safe and have a good time!
Help people get up when they fall
No one wants to get hurt or accidentally trample someone else. This is also the golden rule of mosh pits— regardless of how chaotic they get. When someone falls or accidentally gets shoved into the pit, everyone stops to help them before they continue moshing. It’s very endearing to see.
Don’t be desperate
Being at the barricade is NOT more important than safety! Don’t be the *insert bad word here* that shoves people just because you want the chance to have your favorite band member’s sweat droplets fall on you. Also, don’t try to get closer to the stage by lying to people about trying to get to your “friend” that’s waiting for you at the barricade. If you really feel the need to be that close to the stage, make the effort to get to the venue earlier to wait in the GA line.
Enjoy the show… and not through your phone screen
Please don’t film the entire show on your phone. We can guarantee that your Instagram followers don’t really care about the 63 shaky video clips you post on your story. Take some photos every once in a while or record your favorite song so you can reminisce after the show, but don’t block someone else’s view with your phone the entire time. You’ll probably be able to find the whole concert on YouTube afterwards, anyway.
Stay aware of your surroundings
Of course you want to be in the moment and enjoy the music, but you should still stay alert as much as possible. Make sure you know where the nearest exits and/or security guards are in case of an emergency. The person next to you could pass out from dehydration. Maybe you start to feel dizzy because it’s hot, you haven’t had a sip of water in hours, and you need to take a break from the pit. There could be a random crowd surfer on your left coming towards you. Maybe a photographer is in the crowd trying to take photos. A circle pit could suddenly open up around you while you were distracted by your phone and now you’re getting tossed around like a ragdoll. Never underestimate what type of ridiculousness can occur at a concert.
Respect the opening acts
It’s really disappointing to witness how rude some people can be to the other artists they aren’t there to see. Even if you don’t know a single song by the opening act, you can still be supportive by cheering for them. It can be nerve-wrecking for an artist to perform in front of a bunch of strangers, and even worse if those strangers start to boo them because they only want to see the main act. (Side note: Some of our favorite artists were once the unknown opening acts of other artists we went to see, and we ended up enjoying their sets more than the main show.)
Be mindful of your beer
No, really. We can’t tell you how many times we’ve gotten soaked with someone’s alcohol. If your venue has a bar and you want a drink, please try to finish it before entering the pit, or try your best to prevent it from spilling. Entering the pit while highly intoxicated is also a questionable choice.
Keep your hands to yourself
Yes, personal space is basically nonexistent in the pit and you’ll spend a lot of time crammed against other bodies like sardines. However, we’re referring to scumbags who use crowded spaces as an opportunity to grope or pickpocket other people (hopefully you’re not one of them.) Unfortunately, sexual assault is a common occurrence at shows— especially when crowd surfing starts. Let’s take a moment to appreciate the people who openly condemn the harassers, like Nirvana did at this show.
Be nice and don’t complain the whole time
Be friendly with the people you meet while waiting in line and in the pit. You could become good friends! You’ll probably enjoy the concert more when you get along with the people around you. They can also help you out by saving your spot when you need to use the restroom. Keep the energy positive by keeping complaints to yourself. We understand that your legs might be hurting from standing, or the merch is so expensive, or you’re so annoyed that you have work tomorrow, but people are there to have a fun time and enjoy the music, not listen to drama.
