Jamie Vergara

Another trip to NYC? I know, it’s crazy. I was just there three weeks ago, and here I was going back again for Olivia Rodrigo’s show at Madison Square Garden up in New York. I am out of words to describe this GA Pit Experience. I’ve been asked a lot, how does VIP work and how did I even get there? I hope this post serves as a guide for folks attending the upcoming shows.

1. How did I end up with General Admission Pit Tickets? Back in fall 2023 when Olivia announced her tour dates, my friends, family, and I were part of the millions trying to get into any of the nationwide shows. We all had an American Express card (Olivia’s selected partner) and used that for the lotto verified fan pool. Only I had gotten selected for pre-sale, but it was for a weekday in New York City. This was just the first hurdle. I knew my Florida family and friends were most likely not going to commit with work, school, wedding prep, kids, whatever it might be. But I said a pair of tickets is better than none. The day arrived for my Ticketmaster slot and I was prepared– pre-entered two cards, knew the sections to target, and the budget. I’m blowing by the queue and the bell for picking tickets sounds off. I was startled with the choices because there were not many. The choices were pit standing room or floor seats. There was not upper or lower bowl and I didn’t know how to react. I knew time was ticking and it’s either I lose my spot or surrender to the prices. I said the worst case is I sell them if I don’t go and there I went purchasing GA Pit Experience.
2. How does GA Pit Experience work? Once I got the tickets, I did some research as to what would be included in the package. VIP Nation and Ticketmaster said each ticket holder would receive early access into the venue, VIP bar access, VIP laminate and lanyard, pre-show merchandise shopping, VIP gift items (We got a fanny pack and hat). For what it’s worth, I can’t be mad. The return on investment justified the cost. We were also standing at barricade and took amazing photos and videos on the concert day.
3. How did you plan the concert day schedule and arrival? This was probably the trickiest thing to do. It was a struggle because Ticketmaster was supposed to send instructions for VIP Pit ticket holders on when to arrive and when early check in ends, and they never did. I never got instructions and other people we met at the concert said they did not either. The instructions are also supposed to specify your point of entry. However, our tickets said which street to enter on so our Uber dropped us off right beside the entrance. Check your tickets! My friend and I both had work that day but took half days knowing we would need to get ready and head over to the arena. My friend and I got to the arena at 4:30 PM and went through 3 rounds of security. MSG had a hallway where we all stood waiting for access, but this setup may vary depending on the city. Security Round 1 is the outside entrance – Because we did not have the email we pulled up the tickets on Ticketmaster. Round 2 – Wrist bands and lanyards: They scan the tickets and also asked for my ID. The minute my ID was scanned, I got a text message confirming check in (probably to decrease theft and scams esp with all the freebies included for VIP). Round 3 – They do a final bag check before letting you into the actual pit. They let us in the waiting lounge by 4:45 PM. Super pretty and big lounge at MSG. Was impressed with the bars and the free Dunkin Donuts. I also went to the Orlando concert and had normal seating. Security was only one round and it’s the scanning of tickets plus bag check.
4. Does security assign where you stand in the pit or is it first come first serve? We arrived early knowing we wanted to try to get barricade. We are not tall ( 5’3 and below) so it would have been tough to stand for 3 hours without a decent view. In the VIP lounge, you can buy merch, get drinks, use the bathroom and eat, but once everyone was done doing their “errands” we all fell back in a line to get ready to be escorted into the pit. As my best friend said, “All this space and all we want to do is stand in this line.” It was nerves and everyone felt it. We were at least #30 in line, and I knew and the people behind/in-front also knew we were going to get barricade. MSG’s Event Planner (literally the captain of our VIP ship) asked us to line up and stand in pairs of two. She emphasized not to run when we walk to the pit and in the pit and if we run you will be asked by security to go to the back of the pit. I was so impressed with how everybody listened to these simple rules and you could’ve heard a pin drop while walking. Felt like us walking in line for picture day at school. As I mentioned, there is one last bag check and then they let you inside the pit. In the moment, it was such a rush that I just remember telling myself “walk to barricade and call it a day” but I actually think, we all lined up in the same order we walked in. And it paid off — because we got the side I was targeting which was left side.
5. Which side is the best side? All barricade spots are more than enough. Olivia pretty much rotates performing from left, right, and center of stage. I don’t want to spoil songs or a lot on here out of respect for those wanting to be surprised (PM me separately). I just knew which songs would be on each side and my friend who went to the Miami concert two weeks before gave me guidance on which side to choose. At the end of the concert, Olivia goes down to the floor to high five the fans in the pit from left to right. So no matter which barricade area you are in, you have a 99% chance of being up close and personal with her. Keep in mind, it’s nothing crazy literally a high five and her security personnel is right behind her. If you want to be certain you have a close up, make sure you arrive early for VIP check in to get a good spot.

All in all, I am in awe with how the concert day panned out and how easy MSG made it. For future tours if this package was offered again, I would definitely reconsider.