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Post by Mr. Bob Harris on Mar 8, 2013 21:29:45 GMT -5
The answer is an emphatic yes if you drink. The access is unrivaled by any festival that we've ever been to (been to over 20) and the attention to detail is next to none.
There are two swimming pools to cool off in and the acoustics are really good in the VIP area on the main stage. The VIP grove features a small stage for special performances as well. Many folks say that the Gary Clark Jr. VIP show was their favorite of the weekend. There is liquor in the grove area that is free, but you can't take it out of the grove. The food is free, but not great, again in the grove only. For the second stage in the sand, there is also a swimming pool, though it is outside of one of the condos. I'm hesitant to post this, because I don't want to give away my secrets, but it is open to VIP and no one knew about it last year. The beach VIP (in the sand) was kinda lacking for this second stage and the acoustics and viewing area were not as good from this point, although there was a tent for shade.
For the third stage, VIP is crucial. You're not close to the stage, but you're in the shade and that stage is hot as it is in a parking lot.
Overall, if you drink and like the headliners, you're going to be much much closer to the action on the main stage and you won't have to pay for drinks all weekend long.
The Super VIP and Big Kahuna seem like huge examples of over-indulgence, but I've never done either, so maybe someone can speak to that better.
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Post by fsl1020 on Mar 10, 2013 16:20:29 GMT -5
I highly recommend it, having been to all three previous Hangouts and having done both GA and VIP. It's pricey, but I'd say well worth the money on a number of levels. Allows us to get there early and stay all day without getting too burnt out. Here's a rundown of our experiences:
Having a separate entrance means not having to wait in line to get in, and usually less hassling by security. You can also get in a little earlier than GA, which is an interesting experience seeing the festival grounds completely clean and empty and feeling like you have the place to yourself to scout out. You tend to miss some things when it's packed full of people.
The grove is great for relaxing in the shade for a few minutes, and the pool(s) are awesome for cooling off while still catching a show. Another little trick we learned last year, as shuttle riders, is that the grove stays open for about an hour or so after the headliner finishes. The raised viewing area they had for the Letting Go stage viewing area provided an excellent spot to sit and people watch as we waited for shuttle lines to die down while taking advantage of the open bar for a little longer. Took maybe 5 minutes to catch a bus after a couple after show drinks in the grove.
Food in the grove is mediocre at times, but pretty clutch when you're just passing through between shows and need a quick snack. We've also been greeted with donuts and mimosas on several days upon arrival, which is nice, and they often have some sort of part favor as well (koozie, cheap shades, little squirt gun).
Viewing areas are awesome, particularly if you like to see as many shows as possible and not stand in the back every time. Don't have to worry about skipping shows to save a spot for something you want to see. It's also nice not having to trade sweat with the 5 random people standing around you... Maybe I'm getting older (26) but it's nice to have a little breathing room sometimes... And be able to get back to your spot when you need to run to the restroom in the middle of a 2 hour set. You're also free to go out into the general crowd if you prefer a different vantage point, or want to catch up with some friends.
A surprisingly nice surprise are the bathrooms. Clean, fancy, air conditioned bathroom trailers with attendants in the grove make for an easy, refreshing pit stop, especially since there is rarely a line (though I've never been above making a few barefoot trips into the dark portapotties as the night get's a bit hazier). In addition to emptying your tank, a minute or two of ice cold air conditioner in the midst of a hot southern alabama day can do wonders for the spirit, lol.
And last but not least... those open bars. Rarely much of a wait, as the bars are well staffed. Not a totally complete selection (kind of depends on the sponsors from what I can tell... i.e. if Jim Beam is sponsoring, Jim Beam will be the only whiskey available), but there's plenty of quality, and plenty to drink. I think the biggest gripe I ever had was a couple years ago when all they had was fancy beer at the VIP bars. While I love a good Abita beer, when it's 90 degrees and the sun's beating down I can't drink a ton of super heavy beer... I need something like a Coors light (go ahead and break out the torches and pitchforks, but I'm sure some of you know what I mean). So really, if that was my biggest problem, I'd say I didn't have too much of a problem at all. I think I spent about $250 the first year on beer, and that wasn't getting wasted, that was just to keep from getting too thirsty from the heat... Pretty sure I could have spent double that if I was going all out and not a broke college kid. When I factor that in to what we now spend on VIP tickets, it makes the price seem a lot lower.
Bottom line... Yes it's expensive, but it's also well worth it. It's easy to discount it as something "you can't afford", but as someone who also "can't afford it" I can tell you that it's possible with a little planning. Not sure if they're offering the payment plan for VIP this year, but that certainly helps. We also usually just throw it on a credit card and pay for it over a few months. I've been to many festivals, for both work and pleasure, and I can tell you that no one does VIP like HMF. THIS is the festival worth splurging on if you're ever considering it. Some festivals' VIP options are a rip off, Hangout is not one of those.
Anyways, sorry to go on and on, and for sounding like a commercial for VIP, but wanted to give a realistic view of what the whole VIP experience is like from someone who's been on both sides of the fence.
All that being said, maybe you should just save your money and hope you win one... Seems like they gave out a ton of them last year... lol.
PS- Blank.... we had NO IDEA about that pool by the Chevy stage last year... Me and the wife have been laughing about that ever since you posted that. Would have been nice! Maybe this year, lol.... Cheers!
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Post by sparkysarah on Mar 11, 2013 12:06:48 GMT -5
Blank, you have to be kidding!! I had no idea there was a pool available to VIP at the Chevy Stage! I feel like such a dummy now, considering how I baked in the VIP section at that stage last year!!
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Post by crackersoul on Mar 11, 2013 19:22:37 GMT -5
i walked by that pool many times on the way to the VIP bathrooms and had no idea it was open myself  the HF upgraded many people to VIP over the course of the weekend last year, including a "lucky" shuttlebus full of people...by Sunday many "VIP" areas were as crowded as the adjacent GA areas. i hope they minimize that this year... |
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Post by fsl1020 on Mar 12, 2013 9:27:25 GMT -5
the HF upgraded many people to VIP over the course of the weekend last year, including a "lucky" shuttlebus full of people...by Sunday many "VIP" areas were as crowded as the adjacent GA areas. i hope they minimize that this year... That was a little frustrating at times.... I'm all about hooking people up, but it seemed like they took it above and beyond last year (and sounds like they plan on doing the same thing this year). Paying nearly 4x as much as half the people standing in front of you in line is a bit of a downer... But the lines were still short and I don't think I spent too much time waiting on anything. They usually do a pretty good job of keeping everybody happy, so hopefully that part will never change. |
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Post by Mr. Bob Harris on Mar 12, 2013 10:30:57 GMT -5
So what do you mean by upgrading folks to VIP? I loved the bus winning passes, but that was like 50 people. Are you all saying that tons more people were just given VIP upgrades?
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Post by crackersoul on Mar 12, 2013 16:13:03 GMT -5
sure seemed that way to me, blank.
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Post by fsl1020 on Mar 12, 2013 18:01:45 GMT -5
I'd love to know the exact number, but yeah... Was definitely way more than that. I think they only did the one full bus, but I talked to several folks who won a pair on a bus. You can tell as the weekend progresses. This year looks like they'll be upgrading some of the shuttle riders again, as well as some of the volunteers. They also give out a fair about via contesting on their socials.
Again, I'm all about spreading the love, so it doesn't bother me that much... And as long as they keep it under control, as they did for the most part last year, everything is good!
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Post by crackersoul on Mar 13, 2013 14:28:51 GMT -5
and it begins... Everyone who buys (or has already bought) a shuttle pass by March 22 will be entered to win a VIP Upgrade! bit.ly/YXFEGy #VIPbaby as fsl1020 said, no worries about a dozen people here and there. by Sunday last year though, the line for beer at the main stage VIP stand was longer than in the GA area, the crowd was equivalent, and they ended up running out of some kinds of beer entirely in VIP. the VIP experience was definitely diluted for those who paid extra for it. |
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Post by sparkysarah on Mar 13, 2013 14:53:55 GMT -5
Oh, fantastic. Can they not just upgrade the GAs to free beer status? Do they really have to be in our area that we paid a LOT of money for?
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Post by Mr. Bob Harris on Mar 14, 2013 17:35:06 GMT -5
I did not notice a difference throughout the weekend, but I don't really care about things like that. Red Hot Chili Peppers was super packed for VIP, that sticks out to me. But I still think VIP is better here than anywhere else, by far.
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Post by fsl1020 on Mar 16, 2013 22:22:41 GMT -5
I did not notice a difference throughout the weekend, but I don't really care about things like that. Red Hot Chili Peppers was super packed for VIP, that sticks out to me. But I still think VIP is better here than anywhere else, by far. Truth... They have the best I've seen. I think CID (who runs VIP world) is pretty legit across the board, but HMF has always made an effort to make VIP even more next level, so the two combined to a really stellar job. And it didn't bother me enough to stop me from buying vip again this year, and recommending it to all my folks... BUT comping VIP world is something they should be a little sensitive to, as it can definitely come across as a devaluing slap in the face to the people who are willing to pay the most to be there. I understand it's a valuable marketing tool, but you have to be careful with it. We used to run into that issue at my office to the point where we set up 2 seperate artist meet and greets whenever there's money involved- one for the comped and one for the paying people... and we make sure the artist is aware that one group spent money to have that opportunity, so they usually spend a little extra time with those fans to make them feel like they got their moneys worth, even if they do realize some people got the M&G experience for free. Bad things happen when people are standing in line talking to the person next to them, and find out they're getting the same experience for free. Just my two cents from being on both the business side and the fan side of this situation. Some people could care less, but it definitely outrages others, so it's a fine line. Regardless.... I can't wait to be back in the grove for HMF '13. Beers on me... lol. |
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Post by Mr. Bob Harris on Mar 17, 2013 16:20:18 GMT -5
BUT comping VIP world is something they should be a little sensitive to, as it can definitely come across as a devaluing slap in the face to the people who are willing to pay the most to be there. I understand it's a valuable marketing tool, but you have to be careful with it. Point well taken. That does make sense. And if you pay good money for it, you deserve what you pay for. No doubt about it. |
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cmb
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Post by cmb on May 21, 2013 16:16:29 GMT -5
Just completed my third year (2013) as VIP and the answer is a resounding YES. I have been VIP at Bonnaroo and JazzFest. My girlfriend has been to Coachella the past few years with an Artist pass and she says this is even better than that. And she has been one time to ACL with Artist pass and it is better than that too.
-The pools!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
-The shade
-the front of stage viewing!!!!!!!!
-the food from 1 to 4. Can be meh to Hell yes, depending on the person
-the hammocks
-the vip grove concerts
-AIR CONDITIONED bathrooms
-Minimal, minimal lines ... but can get somewhat of a wait for closing acts, but I have never waited more than 5 minutes in three years. And you are usually waiting with people in great moods, a little bit older, and can control their shit. Many times they will deliver beer during the slower times
-The staff members in the VIP areas are insanely nice! And many I have seen every year I have been, which I think is fun
They seemingly have been working on improvements every year. For 2013, the main viewing area was a little smaller but they FINALLY offered close viewing at the Chevy stage and added better shade and lounge chairs on that side too - very fair trade off!! They also finally double barricaded the Chevy VIP area because people were jumping over the single barriers.
My theory on the overcrowding of 2012 main stage VIP, was the Artist lanyard. SOOOOOO many people were either not wearing a wristband or a GA one because the lanyards were being recycled - two come in, one exits with both passes, puts it on another person. Lanyards were not a problem for 2013. The also started regulating vendor/worker bands this year, especially on Sunday! It was GREAT! So much room for Stevie that night.
NEGATIVES for 2013:
-Snacks were less than previous years
-no rainbow pops, and I could never score one of those refreshing ice cream tart things year
-RAN OUT OF VODKA!! Pretty much had NO vodka all of Sunday! I assume it is not an intentional action, but it just CANNOT happen.
-Some people say the beer selection sucks. But personally I don't care. It can get hot hot hot out there and it is easier for me to drink good ol' bud and bud light in the heat
-People also complain about the keg beer, not sure why that was chosen, but I personally don't mind ... maybe it prevents people from passing beer to the GA, or it is a safety issue because people will throw them???
-no shade covering the VIP stand in Grove this year. But it is still light years better than the aluminum bleachers offered at Bonnaroo in 2010
-The VIP entrances were never manned when I entered. A tad annoying, but I also arrive before the masses, so I don't know how annoying it would be a 3 instead of 11:30 or noon.
In summary: YES it is worth every penny, especially if you buy them on the early early purchase round. And even more worth it when you buy them in 2013 for 2014 for even cheaper, which all four in my party did!
See you next year! 5th year anniversary!
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Post by beachbob on Feb 27, 2014 17:10:34 GMT -5
Never been a VIP but, have met quite a few of you. If you are staying at the Island Winds or equal close condo or house, and you drink less than a couple drinks/beers a day, you just can't make VIP price work out. I pushed my money into the close condo (fifth year) with close pool, beach, bed, bathroom, refrigerator, HVAC, alcohol and everything else at Wal-mart prices. I have been in the middle of the front row for most headliners and was in far better place than VIPs. I have to believe they are pushing some awesome chlorination through those VIP pools to kill whatever all those people are bringing in and out of them. I think I met a lot of really cool folks out in GA I would not have met in VIP. Enjoy the VIP, but just saying, you can have a great time at HOF for far less money.
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