Alpine Pit Etiquette

[jsosnay]

I tried searching the forum, but couldn't find much on topic.

I've scored Pit tickets for the first time at Alpine (N2). I haven't decided whether I will go early and try and get in front or if I'll go late and just hang out in the back/sides. I've been in the pit at Alpine before (snuck in) but always stayed back since I didn't want to ruffle feathers for those that had been there all day.

Question: If I get there early and get up front, how hard is it to get back? Should I even bother to try? Should I just pee my pants instead of leaving?

If I hang back early, how pissy are people if someone tries to move up closer? Is the pit somewhat cyclical (i.e. people coming and going, more fluid)?

Any tips from veteran pit attendees is appreciated.

[ExistenceNow]

If you show up early and get rail, it'll be very difficult to get back to your spot if you leave. The people next to you will remember you, but everyone else you're pushing through wont and will just assume you're trying to push your way to the front late in the game. If you get railed, unless it's way off to the side, just plan to live there all night.

That kind of answers your next question... yes, people will get pissy if you arrive late and try to push your way up. The level of pissiness will increase the closer you get. People who have been there all day peeing their pants aren't going to take kindly to some dry pants dude shoving his way in front of them mid-set.


I'm a drinker and I am also claustrophobic in crowds, so I'm a back/side of the pit kinda guy. I just want a comfy spot where I can see and can easily get too/from for beer/bathroom runs. Others' priorities will obviously differ. If you don't drink, and don't mind having some dude dry humping you from behind all night, dead center rail or second row might be your jam.

[BlueWater13]

If you try pushing your way up after everyone has filled the pit and gotten their spots, you’ll be pissing a lot of people off. Basically decide where you want to be for the show and stay there, unless you move back, that will never upset people. Lol


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[Bearclaw_]

Do people actually piss their pants? I’ve heard of it for football games, etc. but never a DMB concert. I suppose it makes sense, or to wear a diaper, if you get the rail and have to wait for the next X hours.

[prdstmnky36]

It happens more times than it should, and it should never happen. It’s pretty pathetic.

[doogles]

They did the pit lottery in Mexico, so you might not have to get there early to vie for a rail spot. And Alpine has a wide stage, so lots of rail.

[rhd9b]

Originally Posted by ExistenceNow

If you show up early and get rail, it'll be very difficult to get back to your spot if you leave. The people next to you will remember you, but everyone else you're pushing through wont and will just assume you're trying to push your way to the front late in the game. If you get railed, unless it's way off to the side, just plan to live there all night.

That kind of answers your next question... yes, people will get pissy if you arrive late and try to push your way up. The level of pissiness will increase the closer you get. People who have been there all day peeing their pants aren't going to take kindly to some dry pants dude shoving his way in front of them mid-set.


I'm a drinker and I am also claustrophobic in crowds, so I'm a back/side of the pit kinda guy. I just want a comfy spot where I can see and can easily get too/from for beer/bathroom runs. Others' priorities will obviously differ. If you don't drink, and don't mind having some dude dry humping you from behind all night, dead center rail or second row might be your jam.

Interesting take. I was on the rail just to the right of Dave in Chicago last summer and I went out to pee probably 5 times without any issues getting back.

[prdstmnky36]

Originally Posted by rhd9b

Interesting take. I was on the rail just to the right of Dave in Chicago last summer and I went out to pee probably 5 times without any issues getting back.

I don’t mean this personally, as I don’t know you, but I think it can also vary greatly by the individual. If you are someone that is in the pit a lot, multiple shows, over multiple years, people recognize you coming and going, you see the same people at multiple shows, and it might not be an issue moving about the pit. If it’s your first time, don’t see a lot of shows, maybe don’t have those familiar faces around you, it can be daunting for sure.

[ISawTheBridge10]

If I’m on the rail and have to go to leave, I give everyone on the way out a “hey remember me. Remember me. Hey I’ll be coming back remember me.” Remember the last 3-4 faces/hats/outfits at the end of the pit, then when you make your way back try and follow that same path. I’ve never had someone get pissy at me.

[prdstmnky36]

Originally Posted by ISawTheBridge10

If I’m on the rail and have to go to leave, I give everyone on the way out a “hey remember me. Remember me. Hey I’ll be coming back remember me.” Remember the last 3-4 faces/hats/outfits at the end of the pit, then when you make your way back try and follow that same path. I’ve never had someone get pissy at me.

Just be nice, ask the people you pass if they need anything while you are out (beers/water). It goes a long way! I feel like those are vet moves though. If you just leave unnoticed, and try and come back to a spot, that’s where issues arise. Be known without being an asshole.

[bustedstuff88]

Just piss yourself brah

Ive heard stories of people shitting in the pit

[willndmb]

Originally Posted by bustedstuff88

Just piss yourself brah

Ive heard stories of people shitting in the pit

Best way to get your spot back and keep dancing room, shit right on the floor
��

I have never had an issue getting back in
Be friendly the whole time and let people know you are coming right back.
Don’t be gone forever or right close to start time
Hold the person next to you spot for them too

[bustedstuff88]

Just shit in a circle and BOOM! instant dance space no one will invade

[UrsadonDMB]

This thread has had some good posts. I hang in the back of the pits now, but the old move was to use the bathroom shortly before doors open. If that wasn't possible go after I had secured my spot and made some friends around me. Always exit along the rail to the sides instead of going straight back. Never had issues.

[Floyd47]

Always good to make friends with people around you. Definitely helps, but not a sure thing. If you need to leave, it helps to come back through the same way you left so people recognize you.

I did pit both nights at Alpine in 2015 and it was one of the rowdier pits I’ve been in with drunk people trying to push their way through. I wasn’t on rail, but closer up to the front. The week before these two Alpine shows I almost saw a fight break out in the pit at Deer N2 bc someone was trying to push through towards the rail at the set break.

[UrsadonDMB]

Also wearing something that makes you memorable. Orange hat, Hawaiian shirt, could be anything really.

[someone]

The only time we were in pit was like 2014, 15, or 16, mostly a good time. An older dude and girl were like 1-2 layers in front of us and then left. Didn't seem like they gave anyone any indication they would return. People moved in immediately with ripple effect to the layers behind including us. Nice time for several songs, they return and shove their way in front us. Dude was an obstruction. We were like, what are you doing? He was like, we were here. We were like no you weren't these guys were (points). blah blah back-and-forth. When I realized who they were, I was like, did you say anything to anyone? and WTF aren't you up in front of those guys? Obstruction, leaves with entire party, dont tell anybody, and take a long crap or wtf guy was digging in to be alpha a red pill or some bs. They both stood there like ramrods. We stayed and danced a bit, but went back to lawn with friends. We've had a lot of fun in the pavillion, but that was before and/or outside of the pit.

If you leave, maybe check in with someone but don't exactly expect it back. That or hold your pee.

[Moose Thompson]

I piss myself when I have seats or I'm on the lawn, I'm certainly not going to change just because I'm in the pit.

Did Alpine pit in 2019. First night we were towards the back, very easy coming and going, people around us were chill, sight line was great.
Second night we were second row right near the center. Dude to my left had some part of his body touching mine about 80% of the night. On really hype songs like Crash he was jumping up and down like the crowd at a Blink 182 show. I wish I were kidding, it was one of the strangest experiences I've had at a show.
Coming and going was still relatively easy N2, I try to walk a straight line back and make lots of eye contact on the way. When I return I find the last person I walk passed leaving and try to walk straight down through as many of the same people as possible.

[Bearclaw_]

Hot take: forget the pit at Alpine. Lawn 4 lyfe. Best lawn all summer.

[eggsrsweet]

One BIG tip if you’re trying to get railed:

A week before the show, start drinking a gallon of water everyday. Get your body nice and hydrated; especially the day before the show. On the EARLY morning of, try to drink your whole gallon of water (and a Gatorade or Smartwater for electrolytes) and have it pissed out before you get in line for the pit. Have a nice big breakfast that morning too. It’s gonna be hot AF in the pit and you’re going to want to feel nice and hydrated.

[Floyd47]

Originally Posted by bustedstuff88

Just shit in a circle and BOOM! instant dance space no one will invade

At one of the nights for Alpine in 2015, someone in the pit puked. It was well before the show started, but it cleared out nice big space while venue staff cleaned it up.

[BlueWater13]

Originally Posted by Floyd47

At one of the nights for Alpine in 2015, someone in the pit puked. It was well before the show started, but it cleared out nice big space while venue staff cleaned it up.

Can’t remember if it was the same year, but we had a college age girl puke in the pit well before the show. Her guy friends really didn’t do much to help her out the entire night.


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[colson22]

2012 run to the pit. Never forget:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VyopJRvUai4

[bustedstuff88]

OP: Are you going the diaper containment route or you just gonna drop your drawers and let it fly?

Dying to know.....

[matt630]

In 2015 I would have much preferred the....expletive....behind me peeing his pants instead of just going in the pit and splattering up the back of my legs.

"Bruh, I didn't want to walk up the hill!" was his response, like I was the problem

Well now that you told me that I TOTALLY get it, bruh.

[bustedstuff88]

Originally Posted by matt630

In 2015 I would have much preferred the....expletive....behind me peeing his pants instead of just going in the pit and splattering up the back of my legs.

"Bruh, I didn't want to walk up the hill!" was his response, like I was the problem

Well now that you told me that I TOTALLY get it, bruh.

So turn around and piss on him while stating "I didnt wanna walk up the hill "

Tit for tat!

[jsosnay]

Originally Posted by bustedstuff88

OP: Are you going the diaper containment route or you just gonna drop your drawers and let it fly?

Dying to know.....

lol.

Maybe something like this:
https://www.amazon.com/Wearable-Inco...ps%2C77&sr=8-8

[beaufordrummer]

Are there any bad views in the pit? I've done the rail thing before (Dublin 07 I believe) but I feel like anything that close is great.

[bustedstuff88]

Originally Posted by beaufordrummer

Are there any bad views in the pit? I've done the rail thing before (Dublin 07 I believe) but I feel like anything that close is great.

Alpine can be a wide pit so if you are to the extreme left or right it could leave a bit to be desired but itll still be great no matter where you end up.

As long as you arent in the pavillion seats right behind the soundboard tent, there really isnt a bad seat in the house.

[ISawTheBridge10]

As I get older I find that I value space more than the best seat. My only time at Alpine (2016) we were in 201 in the back and more towards the edge. Not the best view, but all the seats around us were empty. Room to dance, put drinks, poster tubes, purse etc. It was great.

Now, if I'm in a completely sold out pavilion, I'd of course like the best seat I can get because you're not going to get space anywhere.