Holiday Pops Virginia Beach Concert reviews
Concert was GREAT, the drive to / from Long
I'm going to attempt to provide constructive feedback to "mgmt" and potential attendees for future events. The concert was fantastic - the duration of the performances by all three artists was just right, as was the intermission time between acts; no issues there. The Tuscaloosa outdoor theater, weather permitting, was quite lovely. Our seats were excellent, though we did pay a premium for them. In reality, the cost was a bit high compared to the additional perks we received. We were situated close enough to have a clear view of the performers without straining our necks, and we could see over the standing audience in the aisle separating our section from the front row (regarding security and related matters, see below statements). Being further back wouldn't have been desirable. PROS: All three artists delivered exceptional performances; it was a delight to witness a new artist, Paula Nelson, showcase her talent, and a privilege to see these two legendary performers before they conclude their tours. Holiday Pops was significantly better this time compared to our previous experience in HSV, AL a few years ago. He appeared and sounded terrific, exuding a sense of well-being. Although it took a moment for Merle Haggard's vocals to warm up, his performance remained impressive after all these years. While these artists may have aged alongside us, their performances were still outstanding. The trio of artists did their part admirably - thank you for a memorable show. Other Pros (facility, etc.): The Will Call line was surprisingly short; we were concerned it might be lengthy, but thankfully, it was not. Parking and traffic were efficiently managed. The outdoor theater was charming on a cool, clear night; however, in case of rain, there was no shelter available. The aroma of fried foods from the concession stand was somewhat overpowering (luckily, intermittent breezes helped disperse it), but the pleasant weather compensated for it. The seats were well designated and easily accessible if arrived early, before the crowds or darkness set in. Escorts were available for assistance, especially if running late. Arriving with 30 to 40 minutes to spare before the first act was beneficial. The seats were made of mesh, not metal as expected, which was a wise choice for weather considerations. The restrooms (both men's and women's) were clean and well-maintained; although the line for the women's restroom was lengthy and initially stagnant, it eventually began moving. It seemed that individuals had difficulty discerning between vacant and occupied stalls due to the fully closing doors; rectifying this issue would be advantageous. CONS: The journey from HSV to Tuscaloosa was lengthy for us, as was the return trip, although a fellow attendee next to us had traveled all the way from Indiana! On a Thursday night, it was quite challenging. However, we were willing to endure the travel to witness Merle and Holiday Pops. While several hotel recommendations were provided, we opted not to stay overnight. The ticket insurance we purchased turned out to be ineffective; hence, I advise against adding that extra cost, as it does not cover common reasons for cancellation (e.g., sickness is not covered, while death is; business trips are not covered, etc.). Therefore, it is crucial to thoroughly understand the coverage before investing in it. Although the insurance may seem like a minor expense, if it offers little benefit, it is essentially wasted money that could be better spent at the event. Suggestions for Management, etc.: Security initially did a commendable job of enforcing assigned seating, yet in the final 30 minutes, intoxicated individuals began encroaching on front row seats, leading to confrontations with paying seated patrons. Some attendees had to request these individuals to return to their designated spots, which could have escalated negatively; while security intervened intermittently, there seemed to be a lack of consistent enforcement. While I appreciate a lively atmosphere, it should not come at the expense of others. OVERALL: We have no regrets, but it is important to be prepared for unforeseen circumstances. Additionally, carrying cash is advisable (Merle Haggard's souvenir booth accepted cash only); although an ATM is available, using cash eliminates transaction fees.