Okay so here’s exactly what I did for the Allen Stone show in Orlando last weekend. No fancy tips, just my real mess getting there and back.
Step 1: Hearing About the Gig
Random Tuesday scrolling, saw Allen Stone was playing THIS SATURDAY. Fan since like 2019? Anyway, mild panic set in. First thought: “Wait, did I miss tickets?” Jumped straight to the venue’s page. Heart sank seeing that “Low Ticket Availability” banner flashing. Grabbed my credit card faster than I grab coffee in the morning. Paid some stupid fee that felt like robbery. Confirmation email hit my inbox – okay, locked in.
Step 2: The Pre-Game Research
Last time I went downtown? Chaos. Parking disaster zones. Started digging:
- Driving?: Yeah, because rideshares get stupid expensive after. Checked the venue info. Official lot? $30 cash only. Nope.
- Parking Apps?: Found a garage two blocks away for $15. Pre-booked a spot. Felt like a genius move.
- Bag Rules?: Venue site said clear bags only or super small clutches. Measured my dumb little crossbody – barely made the size limit. Left my big purse at home like they told me to.
- Start Time?: Doors 7 PM, opener around 8. Allen probably 9? Made a plan: Get there by 7:30ish. Realistic for me.
Step 3: Gameday Logistics
Saturday comes. Hit traffic on I-4 like ALWAYS. Of course. Stress level rising. GPS rerouted me through side streets – felt like driving through back alleys. Found the pre-booked garage, paid my $15 on the app before even getting out of the car. Easy win.
Walked the two blocks. Saw the line snaking around the building. Security dude eyeballing bags. My tiny bag got a nod, thank god. Got inside, smelled like old beer and sweat already. Typical. Grabbed a $15 watered-down beer, found a spot near the side. Stage left, decent view, not crushed.
Step 4: The Actual Gig
Opener was… fine. Kinda forgettable honestly. Then around 9:15, lights dip. Allen and the band stroll on. Boom. Opening notes of “Perfect” hit. Whole crowd just lit up. Energy was INSANE.
Highlights for sure:
- That cover of “Is This Love” (Bob Marley)? Chills. Dude’s voice live? Even stronger than recordings.
- He jumped off stage, ran through the crowd during “Voodoo”. Sweaty chaos, everyone screaming. Almost lost my phone reaching out.
- He’s hilarious. Stopped mid-song telling some drunk guy to stop spilling beer on people. “Yo! Be cool man!” Classic Allen.
- Encore was “Unaware”. Acoustic, just him and a mic. Whole place singing back, swaying. Goosebumps.
Set felt long but flew by. Sweat pouring down everyone’s faces.
Step 5: The Escape (aka Getting Home)
Lights come up. Reality hits. Thirsty, ears ringing, feet killing me. Massive crowd surge towards the doors. Bottleneck madness. Took forever just to get out. Trash everywhere. Avoided the merch line snaking into next week.
Walked back to the garage. Line to get OUT of the garage was worse than the gig exit! Sat in the car for like 20 minutes not moving. Ate my emergency granola bar. Finally hit the road. Got home late, totally wiped. Worth it? A thousand times. Ears still ringing Monday morning though!
My Takeaways? Buy tickets EARLY. Pre-book that parking online. Wear comfy shoes you don’t care about getting stomped. Drink water. Expect chaos leaving. And just soak up Allen live – that voice, that energy… unmatched.
