1. Are we allowed to bring in cameras?
   Answer: Yes, cameras will be allowed into the Ford Ampitheatre. The only restrictions are no video cameras and no telephoto lenses. Your standard cameras won't be a problem.
   
   
2. What are we allowed/not allowed to bring?
   Answer: Here's the list of things that you can/cannot bring into the Ford Amp:
   
   

   Guest are WELCOME to bring Disposable or Digital Camera Sand Chair - seat bottom no higher than 9" off the ground and back of seat can be no higher than 24" off the ground Blankets Backpacks Small Bag (Detailed Inspection) Small Umbrellas (Tote Size), Ponchos or Rain Coats Seat Cushions Snacks or Picnic Food in (1) Clear Plastic Gallon Bag, (1) per Person (1) Factory Sealed Bottle of Water per Person

   What Not To Bring No Professional Cameras; this includes S, M or L detachable lenses No Camping Chairs in Carrying Bags No Alcoholic Beverages No Large or Hard Coolers No Video Recording Devices No Audio Recording Devices Sharp or Dangerous Weapons

   
   
   
3. Do you know if the Ford Amp Box Office are selling tickets? Or is the only way to get reserved tickets via online?
   Answer: Yes, they are. Here's the info, but you might want to call ahead before going out there:
   
   

   Box Office 4802 US HWY 301 N Tampa FL 33610 813-740-2446

   Box Office Hours Monday thru Friday 10:00am - 5:00pm Weekends for On Sales and Show Days Only

   Forms of Acceptable Payment Cash, MC, DSC, VISA, AMX Box Office Service Charge $5.00 per ticket

   
   
   
4. I haven't been to a NBT concert yet but a friend of mine brought up the subject of censoring at concerts and how some shows are to be played curse word-free. I was just wondering if the bands would be censored in such a fashion or not.
   Answer: We do not censor our bands under any circumstances. We have never asked a band not to curse during their set. On the air, that's a different story.
   
   Your friend is probably thinking about Warped Tour in Vinoy Park, where the City of St. Petersburg actually fines the promoter of the show a certain amount of money for every swear word on stage. Bands at that show are asked to keep it clean, but most don't.
   
   
5. I have Pit tickets and plan on being there at the crack of dawn to be at the stage. Is there an actual section for the Pit and how early should I be there?
   Answer: The doors are at 10 a.m. and the parking area at the Fairgrounds opens approximately 2 hours before that (8 a.m.).
   
   
6. Is 97X going to be giving away stuff at the concert or are you doing that as much as possible before the day of the show?
   Answer: Yes, we will be giving away stuff at the show. We'll probably be upgrading some lucky listeners on the lawn with Pit tickets, hooking up some people on-site with meet & greets and more. Stay tuned for details.
   
   
7. Once we enter the venue can we leave and re-enter again?
   Answer: Just like previous years, there will be a no re-entry policy at NBT. You will not be allowed to leave and re-enter the venue once you're in.
   
   
8. The Ford Ampitheatre is known for controversy regarding the noise level and surrounding communities. Is this going to affect the bands and be forced to "turn it down?"
   Answer: There is a restriction on the noise level at all shows at the Amphitheatre. All the bands have agreed to work within that noise level and none have had an issue with it. That tells me that bands are comfortable knowing that the level agreed upon is loud enough for their audience to enjoy their music. If anyone wants their music to sound the best it can, it's the band!
   
   We think you'll be pretty happy with the quality of the sound at the Amp. There's a reason that some of the best places to see live music in this country is in an amphitheatre setting.
   
   
9. I have not been to a Next Big Thing concert in a long time. How long does it last? When does it end? I know the doors open at 10am but what time will it be over?
   Answer: Amy, The Concert will be over at 11PM!
   
   
10. Last year I noticed people with Camelbaks were allowed to enter. Is it the same for this year?
    Answer: Tom, We're not sure what you saw last year but Camlebaks are NOT suppose to be admitted. You can bring one sealed bottle of water per person though.
    
    
11. Can I use a credit/debit card to purchase the VIP Experiece package at the ticket drop?
    Answer: Ashlee, unfortunately We only accept cash at ALL of our ticket drops, that includes the VIP drops. We're sorry if this is an issues. Please don't hate us! :(
    
    
12. Why don't we get a discount on tickets? If we buy the tickets directly from somewhere like FYE, is it cheaper than ordering from ticketmaster offline?
    Answer: Nichole, The exclusive for X-Nation was being able to purchase tickets before everyone else could, plus we'll have some other exclusive opportunities for you and the other X-Nation members!
    There are different service charges for buying the tickets in person, at a Ticketmaster outlet, and online through Ticketmaster.com. As far as it being cheaper, I'm not sure which is less expensive. Don't forget you can buy lawn and section 14 (the old 300 level) tickets from us at our ticket drops completely service charge free for either $30 or $40 cash! You'll save over $10 per ticket!
    
    
13. I have not been to the Ford Ampitheatre before, does "section" mean rows of seats?
    Answer: Brad, Each section is comprised of rows of seats except for the PIT and Lawn which is general admission with no seats.
    
    
14. 97X nation got an email saying the bands that are posted on the next big thing section of the website but it said there are a couple bands besides these. have they been announced? if so, who are they?
    Answer: Adam, We will be announcing new bands as we get them. We're still working on some things. Hold tight and keep listening!
    
    
15. What time will the first band be going on?
    Answer: Kindra, Doors are at 10am and the first band will go on around 10:20 - 10:30.
    
    
16. If I want VIP, Sections 1-7 or Pit tickets - - do I have to pay for a ticket for a child 3 and under?
    Answer: Pamela, The Ford Amphitheatre requires every person to have a ticket, no matter the age.
    
    
17. I was wondering if you were going to have another contest for local bands for a chance to perform at the event like you had last year?
    Answer: G.M., We are going to have a contest for local bands to play the show! Just keep listening for when the contest will start.
    
    
18. Do the Macy VIP Exeriance tickets include writstbands/entrance to the pit?
    Answer: Robie, VIP does not include access to the pit. See what it does include here
    
    
19. For Journalistic photographers, such as myself, who do we need to contact for a press pass for admittance into the photo pit?
    Answer: Christine, All photo passes are issued on a case by case basis and are only received when band management contacts us about getting one for a photographer they want to have do pictures of their band. In other words you'll have to contact the bands management you want to shoot and ask them for a photo pass. We (97X) do not give out universal photo passes that are good for all bands.
    
    
20. Do you know specifically what times each band is playing?
    Answer: Stefanie, On th week of the show we will post the set-times on our site. If you signed up for the X-Nation you will get it a few days eariler!
    
    
21. When I was looking at the information for the NBT Ticket Drops, there wasn't a time specified and I'm sure it's not going to last dall day....
    Answer: Katie G, When you click on "NBT Ticket Drop" on the NBT homepge, A list will come up. Next to each event name (they all have the same name) you'll see detials. Click that and it will give you all of the specific info for that one ticket drop.
    
    
22. I tried to get VIP tix at the ticket drop. Where can u get VIP tix w? NO SERVICE CHARGE!!!! ? No one seams to know. I even left a message w/Rush. still no answer
    Answer: Jakey D, The only place you could get the VIP package with no services charges was at either of the 4 VIP Ticket Drops we did a few weeks ago. Now you can only get them online. You will get some additional charges (shipping and handling), and my name is spelled Rusch! :) We get a little busy around here with this show. I'm trying my hardest! DONT HATE ME!
    
    
23. With the VIP tickets I realize that about 120 people will end up having these but I was just curious if, with this package, we would be able to meet any bands or if any bands are doing meet and greets. I was also wondering how the viewing of the interviews would take place and where the VIP tent is in relation to the VIP seats. I guess a better question would be: "As I have purchased a VIP package will I receive more detailed information about the package once I receive it in the mail?" also "When do we receive our tickets?"
    Answer: Cammie, WOW thats a butt ton of questions! There are no special meet and greet for the VIP tickets holders. We do offer Meet and greets with most bands but it is a register to win at different vendor booths at the show. The way the interviews happen is completely new this year. We usually did it backstage but now we'll be in the VIP area (which is located, if your looking at the stage, to the right. all of this is in the VIP package envelope that you'll get if you buy one). It's where all of the invertivew for the jumbotron will take place. It will be up to the bands on how much they will want to interact with the people in VIP. Your tickets will be mailed out to you 2 weeks prior to the show.
    
    
24. I was wondering if the list of bands on 97X for the Next Big Thing are in the order in which they will perform?
    Answer: Gail, The order on the site is not the order that the bands will play. We will post that order on the week of the show.
    
    
25. If pit, sec. 1-7, and floor level tickets all cost the same, can we go to any of these or do we have to stay at what the ticket says?
    Answer: Kaylie, Floor is considered PIT and you will not be able to get into the PIT if you have a seated ticket, despite where it is, and vice versa.
    
    
26. I counldn't find the info on this deal, if we vote in tomorrow's election, we can get next big thing tickets buy 1 get 1?
    Answer: Elaina G., We are offering lawn ticket, buy one get one free, tomorrow (November 4th, 2008) at the 97X studios and the 4 ticket drop locations if you show us your I voted sticker. See the ticket drop locations here.
    
    
27. I bought my tickets at a ticket drop and i was wondering if parking was included and if so how does that work? Do we just show them the ticket or what?
    Answer: Cristian, All you have to do is go the the main parking lot. The price of parking is included in your ticket. As far as seeing your ticket I think they will just let you in without seeing it but have it ready just incase.
    
    
28. So,i'm thinking of getting tickets at one of the ticket drop places,and i'm wondering,do all we have to is pay $30 per ticket?And nothing else?
    Answer: Idnie, If you are just buying a Grow Financial Lawn ticket then yes it is $30 cash per ticket. We do sell select reserved tickets for $40 at our ticket drops also. If you want to give the person that sells you the ticket a hug, that would be cool too.
    
    
29. i am 13, should i be aloud to go to the concert?
    Answer: Parker, There is no age limit on the Next Big Thing.
    
    
30. I want to get a VIP package, however when I went online to purchase the tickets, I was not given the specific box information I was being assigned. I have a personal preference to sit in the middle, which may not be the "best seat available". Is there someone I can call, in order to pick a specific box out of what is still available? I called Ticketmaster and they were no help.
    Answer: Shauna, There is no way to pick what seats you get for the VIP package. The only way you could have picked one was to come to one of the four VIP ticket drops back in October. Your confirmation e-mail will have what box and seats you will receive.
    
    
31. I see that it says that there will be two stages, does that mean that some bands will be playing at the same time? Is it possible to see all the bands? How long does each band usually play?
    Answer: Sara, bands will NOT overlap eachother so you will be able to see all of the bands at the show. As far as how long each band usually plays is not set yet, see questions #20 for more info on that.
    
    
32. Will there be meet and greets at the show? Also will there bw tents set up for the bands like at Warped Tour? Thanks for the help!
    Answer: Carey L, I'm sorry it took so long to answer you. There will be meet and greet opportunities. All you'll have to do is ivist the vendo booths throughout the dya and sign up. each vendo will have a specific band that, if your chosen as one of hte winners, you'll be able to meet. Be sure and check them all out early because the M&G happen at specific times and they start early! Band will not have tents set up at the show.
    
    
33. Is there a fee to park at the concert? I know I can buy the special parking pass, but I really don't need/want it.
    Answer: Simone, There is NO Fee to park. The $20 special parking is in the VIP parking section. You don't need to pay for it if you dont want it.
    
    
34. Ok I've looked over the sight but how do we buy the VIP tickets? All I could find was for the regular ones.
    Answer: Joe, Click here
    
    
35. A group of four of us want to get VIP packages for NBT. We want to all sit together at the show but I didn't know if this was possible. We can order the two packages together if this would help get our seats together for the shows. Just wanted to know how we can get seated together. Thanks!
    Answer: Heather, Have your friends give you the $$$ and just buy them at the same time, then your seats will be together. Cool?
    
    
36. I accidentally bought the premium parking on Ticketmaster because I thought it was the regular cost for parking, so since I've now paid the $20, what is actually the difference between VIP and regular parking? Is it really that much closer?
    Answer: Linda L, premium parking is going to be the same thing as VIP parking. You'll enter at Orient Road rather than on 301. You will be much closer, so you wont have to walk as far, and leaving will be quicker. It was a good accident to make!
    
    
37. is there usually a long line at the ticket drops? i know it is "first come", but i'm wondering if i should show up early...
    Answer: Katt, We do only bring out a limited amount of tickets to each ticket drop. I would sugest you get there eariler rather than laster just to make sure you get what you need!
    
    
38. Do the concert tickets ever go off sale? If so, when? And, how much are the tickets for this event, at F.Y.E?
    Answer: Marie, The only time we will stop selling tickets is when the show sells out. There is no way to determine that. FYE is considered a Ticketmaster outlet so Ticketmaster charges will apply if you buy your ticket from there.
    
    
39. I'm not sure if I'm entering what I want the right way.. I want to get the Buy one get one free deal on ticketmaster and it says no seats available, but I'm not certain I'm entering it correctly.. Any help?
    Answer: Rich, be sure that you are selecting the $30 lawn of $40 reserved tickets. You can always go to a ticketmaster outlet or call them to buy them online. Click here to find a Ticketmaster outlet near you.
    
    
40. how long can you get buy one ticket,get one free?
    Answer: Bambi, We have them until they sell out. We have no way of telling when that will happen though.
    
    
41. What is the pet rule for the NBT? Are small dogs allowed? I don't see anything on the list that mentions them.
    Answer: No dogs are allowed at the event. Sorry.
    
    
42. So I received a message that Hollywood Undead is coming but ya'll still haven't updated the site! THIS BETTER NOT BE A RUMOR BECAUSE WANT TO SEE THE FOR THEM A 3RD TIME! ARE THEY COMING?
    Answer: They are NOT playing the show. I'm not sure where you heard this but whoever told you is a LIAR!!! :)
    
    
43. Is there any specific water bottle size we are aloud to bring?
    Answer: AJ, 20OZ bottle or less.
    
    
44. I've attended a number of shows at the Amp and in the past have bought a separate ticket for VIP tent. I have PIT passes already but can I buy this area for NBT other than buying the the whole Macy's package?
    Answer: Scott M., The only way to have access to the VIP area is to buy a Macy's VIP package.
    
    
45. I got two buy one get one reserved tickets from ticketmaster, and it only gave me the two tickets to print out. Will the 3rd and 4th person be able to enter with those as well, and will they get seats with us or have to sit on the lawn? I'm not quite clear on how that works.
    Answer: Alisa, The buy1 get1 promotion ended this past Saturday (11/29) at 6:00pm. If you bought your tickets after that then you did NOT get the deal. If you did buy them prior to that I would contact Ticketmaster or the Ford Amphitheatre box office.
    
    
46. Was looking for the line up, want to know what shift to work and when to be in the concert to see Flogging Molly!!! They are the only band we want to see, the rest are extras...
    Answer: Johnna, If you are a member of the 97X-Nation then you'll know when they play Wednesday @ noon. If you are not then you should be ASHAMED!!!! :) We'll be putting it up on the site sometime after we give all of the super special awesome X-Nation members.
    
    
47. Are we still able to buy tickets from the 97x building itself without the service fee?
    Answer: Squeaky, Funny name... Yes you can still get them here but only during our regular office hours Monday - Friday 8:30am - 5:30pm. So putting 2 and 2 together.. your last chance to get them here is....YEAH! You got it! This Friday (12/5) by 5:30pm.
    
    
48. If I am on a band's guest list, what do I do when I get to the show? Please help, I am very concerned.
    Answer: Carey, All guest lists will be at will call at the main ticket box office on the day of the show. Bring photo ID to make sure you get your tickets.
    
    
49. I got the buy one get one lawn seats and I was just wondering if you could actually sit anywhere within the lawn area.. this is my first NBT concert and I'm all excited. Thanks.
    Answer: Alex, The Grow Financial Lawn is all general admission. You can sit anywhere you want up there.
    
    
50. I have bronkitis but nothing is keeping me away from Jack's Mannequin. My worry is the smokers, will they have a designated smoking area or should I wear a face mask?
    Answer: Jessica, First, I hope you feel better. Smoking is allowed in the lawn and on the concorses where consessions are located. Smoking is no allowed under the overhang where seats are though. I would sugest you bring your mask for the simple reason that you would look AWESOME wearing it!
    
    
51. hey i got reserved tickets and just curious as to where that is in the amphlitheater?
    Answer: Brianna, reserved tickets are under the overhang. You will have an seat rather than the lawn which is not under the overhang and is all general admission with no seats.
    
    
52. So, I didn't realize that seated tickets didn't get me access to the pit. Does that mean I won't be able to get up to the stage for the shows? And how does that apply to the other stages? Are they all under the overhang?
    Answer: Christina, You will not have access to hte pit for the main stage but will have access to the front of the stage for the 2nd stage. It is not under the overhang near the main stage, it's on the concorse right when you come in the main gate to the right.
    
    
53. the buy one get one free special was very misleading. it was half off tickets, not buy one get one free. is there an explanation for this? my sisters and i feel like we've been gypped
    Answer: Anonymous, I'm not sure what was misleading about it. If you bought a ticket you got a free one. If you think about it you can say it's half price. I still don't understand how you think you got gypped. You got a FREE ticket if you bought one?!?!? Please e-mail me if you'd like to talk about this more. Rusch@97xonline.com
    
    
54. I ran into a babysitter issue and now have to take my son. Hes 3 years old so I was wondering if he needs a seperate ticket or is there an age limit for kids to get in free??
    Answer: Ashley, see question #16
    
    

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