Wait time at The National

Submitted by PearlGirl12 t3_10l0w14 in rva

Caught a great show at the National last night, but waited in line for about 35 minutes to get in and missed a good chunk of the show. Is this typical?

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themadnooch t1_j5u9pgf wrote

Yeah for larger shows - go early, like before the first opener and you can avoid this and the longer bar lines, then secure a good spot.

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zebra_c4kez t1_j5uwjbf wrote

This makes me think I'm completely weird for going around when doors open. Never had this problem. I always clinch my favorite spot and get two beers without any line.

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Littleprisonprism t1_j5v8jkh wrote

I always try to get there at doors. You won’t catch me missing an opener

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PearlGirl12 OP t1_j61mmix wrote

No opener on this one! Could be that sent folks in closer to start time rather than door time?

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JanRVA t1_j5ufxvz wrote

They didn't start until 8:40 so you may not have missed much!

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PearlGirl12 OP t1_j5uk6lx wrote

Oh good! We were def wrapped around the block and got to our seats around 8:45. Wasn’t sure how much we missed! Thanks!

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a_cycle_addict t1_j5u0m0j wrote

It definitely depends on the band. Some shows wrap the ticket line down the block and around onto 8th.

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bkemp1984Part2 t1_j5un1zf wrote

It varies tremendously. I've noticed with more mainstream stuff the lines seem worse. People get there pretty early and more closely together and it creates a backup. Getting there a bit early for those is good. I don't agree with another comment that you need to get there before first opener though, never seem it be THAT bad. Hippie jam band shit, people roll up whenever and it's more staggered. Some acts prompt a much more invasive search protocol it seems. These are just general points, it really does vary.

I will say I've gone to the National on average once a month or more for almost 11 years and things move a lot faster than they used to. Rarely is the line as long as it used to get and the process is more efficient, even with the metal detectors. That may have even helped in some ways, as I rarely see pat downs anymore.

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elizinrva t1_j5ul59r wrote

If anybody can answer, I have a follow up question. I’m going to see They Might Be Giants at the National in March, and I haven’t been to see a band live in MANY years. Never been to the National. Doors open at 7, and they start at 8 with no opener. I have a seat, so I don’t have to find a good spot. When should I get there?

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pmyourcoffeemug t1_j5vp6o7 wrote

7:30 you might have to wait in a line but it should move quick if seated as there is a smaller capacity for seated events. You have a bit to grab beers and by the time you’re seated it’ll be around a 5-10 minute wait till showtime.

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