Concerts in Prospect Park

maryk

Hi,

I was going to go picnic outside the fence tonight for WILCO as tickets are long sold out. I just noticed there is "netting" up over a tall fence, obstructing any views from outside the venue. I've never noticed this before for shows (though it's been a couple of years since I've done this).

Why do they do this and do they do it for all shows (was going to do the same next week for SIGUR ROS - also long sold out)? I think it's crap! as most shows are sold out so it's not like they're losing revenue from picnic-ers.

whynot_31

They might not be losing revenue from picnickers, but they do gain extra expense and work.

Anytime a crowd gathers in NYC, police and parks workers have to be there to ensure that everyone gets along, give them a place to toilet, and pick up the mess they leave behind.

...in this case, they also have to keep people from stopping on the road to watch the show, which blocks the bike/jog/walk traffic.

....hence, the net. The net keeps the event at a level that can it can easily be managed, and allows the parks alliance to come close to breaking even on the deal.

opossumqueen

They put up the privacy fencing for the benefit shows (paid ticket shows). I think it's ridiculous; as long as I've been in the area, the benefit shows sell out really quickly and I can't imagine people who buy tickets deciding to choose sitting outside the fence over being inside.

whynot, I think that the cops tend to congregate in the road during these shows and block the road quite a bit themselves.

whynot_31

OpossumQueen-

Do you have the belief that parks performances should try to serve everyone?

...the Parks Alliance seems to have the belief that the bandshell performances should try to serve only those who fit inside.

"better luck next time" to those who weren't lucky enough to get tickets.

The cops probably like the netting as well. In addition to not having to monitor crowds of people outside the fence; it allows them to congregate on the road without being bothered by members of the public. I think they are looking for people who are so determined to bring a bottle of wine into the venue that they hand it to their friend under the fence.

...the bag checkers at the gates don't play.

opossumqueen

I think it's silly to add extra work by blocking off the bandshell for a day at a time, repeatedly. I'm guessing a lot of money is wasted on this effort (probably paying OT rates) as the park crews are usually out really early and late to do this.

I'm fine with them raising money to support the free shows and I don't understand how the extra work of covering the fence (which is always there for shows, just covered for benefits shows with tarps or something like that) makes any difference. If I really want to see a show, I buy a ticket and I wouldn't care if other people who didn't have tickets were sitting right outside the fence watching as well.

Crowds still gather by the 9th St and 11th St picnic tables and in the ballfields for bigger acts, despite the fence. I guess I just don't see how it helps crowd control.

maryk

Yeah, I still think it sucks, esp. if they only do it for the benefit shows that are always sold out. And they'll still probably have almost as many people hanging outside - who didn't know that you can't see inside - that they'll have to police. Elitist IMHO! (and I would have totally bought tickets if they were available more than 20 minutes after going on sale... and not cared if there were people sitting for free beyond the unblocked fence).

whynot_31

I wonder if the bandshell will get fewer good acts now that there is a big arena opening.

Post Sept, those will money can go Barclays, and those without money will be left with acts at the Bandshell that are in such low demand that everyone who wants tickets, will be able to get them.