Always always LOVE blossom. Hands down my favorite venue I've been to... And I've been to alot.
Ive sat a couple rows back from the stage and in section 25 right behind box seats but I atually prefer sitting on the lawn. It's more comfortable, you can move around and dance if that's your thing and its just more inviting.
Some points of reference:
I Suggest bringing water and your own snacks (you can bring 1 gal Ziploc bag of snacks and 1 unopened 20oz bottle of water with you) or be prepared to spend $5.50 on a 20oz bottle of water.
Food & drinks: Water $5.50 Pop/soda. $6 Pretzels. $6 Beer $14 Jello shots $7 or 2 for $11 Chicken strips (4) & fries $10
That's all our group bought so I'm not sure of other prices but at least that gives you an idea. Also... Don't buy the pretzels... Ick (lol)
Merch is always up at the entrance, busiest times are right before shows start and after it ends so if you think you'll grab something on the way out prepare to wait a while in lines.
For people with disabilities or have health issues..
Parking: I'd suggest VIP parking OR handicap. Depending on what time you arrive you may have to park up to a mile away... Literally it's a full mile (we mapped it on Google maps), they do have golf carts they drive around in for helping people but they are sparse... It's rare to actually see one and they do not go that far into the parking lots so be prepared for a hearty walk.
The Venue: Let's just say from the top of the venue to the bottom at the pavilion is a hell of a hike... So once your at the pavilion you'll probably want to stay there... There are vendors and restrooms down by the pavilion so unless you want merch you should be pretty set for the time your there. After the show stay toward the right hand side of the hill that way if you want to rest going up the hill you can go into the grass... Otherwise you may get trampled... Lol
Traffic: Depending on the concert and popularity of the artist you can be in traffic for 15 min or a couple hours.
Ex: Rascal Flatts Arrival traffic: 30-40 minutes Departure traffic: 1-2 hours... Usually closer to 2 hours.
Tim McGraw - Arrival traffic: 20min Departure traffic: 1hr
Thirty Seconds to Mars - Arrival traffic: I can't comment on as I arrived 3hrs early for M&G. Departure traffic: actually very quick, around 15min to get to main road.
Hotels: There are a few hotels right down the road from blossom (Steels Corners exit). They are all great and relatively new or brand new... We stayed at Home2 Suites by Hilton and it was wonderful. But they are all nice. However... Stay clear of Economy Inn (Graham Road exit) & Norwood Inn Hudson/Akron. And ALWAYS check the hotel reviews for Bed Bugs... You don't wanna take those things home with you.. ick.
Grub: There's plenty of places around to grab a bite at. Whether it's a quick bite or sit down meal you'll find something. But most places do close down relatively early (10 or 11).
Well... That's my review. Hope it helps someone out and enjoy the shows at blossom!!
(Pics are from section 25,...
Read moreIncredible music venue!
I've been to quite a few places too see concerts, and I'd say Blossom is at the top of the list.
Music quality and sound is amplified, sounds Incredible bouncing off the backdrops of the Pavillion and surrounding hills, located essentially within the bounds of The National Park, it provides great scenery, too.
Tucked away you're essentially in your own world, wide open spaces to walk and socialize, plentiful seating on the lawn and within the Pavillion. There's ample amount of places to get food, and drinks, lines are quick, if there are any at all. Tons of options. Easy to navigate, lots of restrooms.
Staff here is incredibly efficient and welcoming. I'd say, the most polite and involved staff I've ever encountered which makes a person truly want to return. They genuinely want you to have a great time, and it shows.
Prices for drinks are astronomical. I think we spent well over a hundred dollars for four drinks, which is pretty silly, but it's a concert and it is what it is... food prices, were reasonable.
Not a bad seat in the house, wouldn't question my view anywhere I was seated within the Pavillion. The view from the lawn, isn't all that great, but I'd likely opt to just walk around, drink, eat, and listen to the music in that case. It's somewhat obstructed by the hill and the way the Pavillion sinks inside, which, seems as if they're wildly far away - and pending where you're at, they might be.
Parking is my only true complaint. There's no paved paths, you're parked in fields surrounded by cars, and there's just not enough Staff or police present to properly direct traffic. Getting in was OK, getting out is basically a free for all dash to the car and first to pull out, than you're at the mercy of each other's common courtesy. The walk to the venue, which you'll end up going through two different gates, is extremely far, poorly marked, and full of a ton of uneven terrain. When it comes to parking, walking, and getting out, it's one of the worst I've ever dealt with. Merchandise, also isn't sold within the gates, but within a tent outside the main gate and if you miss it on the way in, they'll be gone by the time you get back out... It's worth noting there's a $40/option for primary parking, that may make things better, but I wasn't about to pay that versus free parking if all it meant is distance.
All in all, Blossom is a wonderful place to catch a concert, with mostly reasonable prices and great views. Sit within the Pavillion for best seating options, buy Merchandise before hand, and be prepared by offering plentiful time for parking and walking. If you're equipped with this knowledge, you'll have an absolute blast and I'd highly recommend that any true concert goers,...
Read moreI’ve been to countless venues and outdoor amphitheaters, i feel like Blossom could be one of the best. It does soo much right! First off, the grade/slope for lawn is perfect. Besides sitting in line with the posts you have a great sight, the sound was LOUD for goo goo dolls and perfect! Which is great! (Too many venues being subjected to noise ordinances and in residential areas anymore blah blah). They have AMPLE beer selections, like more than Walmart! (Typical highway robbery tho at $23 a beer that’s $3.50 at gas station) quick lines, didn’t have a problem getting to restroom quick. I appreciated the ample portapotties walking TO venue and in parking lot! That is primo customer service. Cause it is a walk to the gates but it’s all downhill. lol coming back is the fun part. 4 stars because how do you not have a water station anywhere nearby!? I had to ask several employees, most were puzzled like I was the first to ask them such a question. YES! A water station! It should be illegal not to have access to ample water that’s QUALITY. The manager pointed me down the path to the only one, like a 40 yard walk by the restaurant. Absurd. The guy agreed and said they used to have one right nearby, pointed to a spot on the cement but they removed it. That’s insane. Darien center has a super nice water station with filtered water directly outside bathrooms. People are paying outrageous amounts for beer, insane ticket fees, driving several hours like I did, the least you can do is provide access to free water. Especially since they posted about heat advisory and stay hydrated! So please invest in that courtesy ASAP! I work in event planning and coordination and I’ve worked for the IATSE stagehand union setting up shows. These are musts. There’s no way ppl should be forced to buy overpriced Liquid Death canned water which has overtaken the live event market. It’s a weird company and I don’t like it. Aside from that amazing venue, the scenery is unmatched. I haven’t been here in 15+ years. Can’t believe the bands I’ve been missing! Bringing in Neil young? Doobies? Goo goo, then a whole bunch I missed like country stars, amazing. Will be back to numerous more shows. Hope they get some reggae rock like Rebelution/iration/soja etc, maybe some greats like Jackson Browne, mellencamp, fogerty. Thx for the excellent time! Yes btw getting out is chaotic. Ppl are sprinting for cars. I wasn’t in a hurry as much. But thankfully got out with decent time cause I got lucky Also glad they don’t allow chairs and only blankets. Helps with space. They shouldn’t even rent chairs tho. That’s not fair but hey. Ppl are...
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