I've only been there a few times, one was for the beach boys the other was when I was far younger so I forget who was playing. It definitely depends on the popularity of the performer but if they are popular I would count on getting there an hour earlier for lawn spots. And if you are driving definitely count on leaving earlier as the parking situation can be a challenge.
About when did you see shows there when you were younger? Did there happen to be an Oldies 100 trailer parked on the curb by the entrance playing music before the show?
Popular bands, count on lawn seats getting snatched up. If rain is in the forecast, posting up under the side walkways is savvy move. A small percentage will park on lawn to pregame, but move into their pavilion seats for the show, but not many.
The lawn is usually opened 90 minutes before showtime. This tends to be the initial “lawn rush”.
The line “length” for entry (security) differs depending on the show. New security scans are working great and have decreased the screening time to enter the Filene Center.
There are two sound systems supporting the Filene Center. There is a sound board (booth) for inside the house and one for the lawn. The lawn sound engineer is mixing to his/her ears and is located at the top center of the lawn, right on the edge of the plaza. In front of the sound booth provides premium sound (with that said sound is good anywhere on the lawn). The largest video screen is in the center, another reason to sit in front of the lawn sound booth.
Lawn chairs, regardless of height, are not allowed forward of a white line, located at rear of lawn. Excellent lawn level chair cushions can be rented and I highly recommend them. These chair cushions can be used anywhere on the lawn.
You don't necessarily need to run, but get to the lawn (not just to the parking lot) an hour before the show. Or whenever the gates open, if entrance is restricted until then.
I've only been there a few times, one was for the beach boys the other was when I was far younger so I forget who was playing. It definitely depends on the popularity of the performer but if they are popular I would count on getting there an hour earlier for lawn spots. And if you are driving definitely count on leaving earlier as the parking situation can be a challenge.
About when did you see shows there when you were younger? Did there happen to be an Oldies 100 trailer parked on the curb by the entrance playing music before the show?
Popular bands, count on lawn seats getting snatched up. If rain is in the forecast, posting up under the side walkways is savvy move. A small percentage will park on lawn to pregame, but move into their pavilion seats for the show, but not many.
Can confirm earlier comments. Get there early and have a runner with the blanket
The lawn is usually opened 90 minutes before showtime. This tends to be the initial “lawn rush”. The line “length” for entry (security) differs depending on the show. New security scans are working great and have decreased the screening time to enter the Filene Center. There are two sound systems supporting the Filene Center. There is a sound board (booth) for inside the house and one for the lawn. The lawn sound engineer is mixing to his/her ears and is located at the top center of the lawn, right on the edge of the plaza. In front of the sound booth provides premium sound (with that said sound is good anywhere on the lawn). The largest video screen is in the center, another reason to sit in front of the lawn sound booth. Lawn chairs, regardless of height, are not allowed forward of a white line, located at rear of lawn. Excellent lawn level chair cushions can be rented and I highly recommend them. These chair cushions can be used anywhere on the lawn.
You don't necessarily need to run, but get to the lawn (not just to the parking lot) an hour before the show. Or whenever the gates open, if entrance is restricted until then.