Raymond James Stadium — Attraction in Tampa

Attended the MCR show here in September of 2025.

The staff was as helpful as they could be, it was abundantly clear that management completely failed their teams. No one had information as to what was going on, knew where to line guests up, or how to manage the size of the crowd for early merch lines.

While it was well-intended, those of us in the merch lines were not notified that water was available until two guests had been evacuated by medics - water was not brought to anyone waiting, and was not free despite the mounting health hazard. Those waiting were quick to point out that they weren't going to get out and lose their spots.

There were no purchase limits on merch (btw a limit of even 2 would have been fine) and many waiting in line weren't able to secure the limited venue-specific merchandise. There was no shade, not even from trees, to offer any respite from the sun. You would think a venue built in Florida might consider this before having a queue outside for several hours.

It seemed clear to me, despite how kind staff tried to be, that none of them were happy and were not made aware of the scope of the event. Absolute failure of management to fail to provide your teams with the information that they need and simply throw them to the rabid dogs that are fans who've been waiting outside for merchandise for over 4 hours. Two security S.A.F.E guards are simply not enough for several hundred people. For the prices the venue charges for parking, food and beverage, and fees, it would nice to see staff numbers reflect that. Many staff members throughout the venue seemed swamped by the number of attendees in need of assistance.

They also did not announce the times for merch on their page until the day of - they answered people in comments almost exclusively, and it seems to me that whoever was in charge of their social media at the time was unable to coordinate with the people actually working outside. The initial time stated, in comments, was 12pm. When I arrived, I heard other people had been told 10am and been lined up since 8am. The lines themselves didn't open until 2pm, and the merchandise staff was clearly not ready. I don't know if it's true, but I overheard that some of their employees were sick and staff had to get shuffled around. An understandable issue but one that would have been better understood if it was disclosed to the ever-growing line.

The venue was relatively accessible. It had no problem getting my ADA accommodations - however, on the side of the stadium I was seated on, there was only one elevator for us to use. With an attendant, the elevator really only allowed for perhaps three wheelchairs provided that none of them were a powerchair. They also gave me a ticket to provide to security to prove I was in a seat I'd been provided, which was a neat souvenir.

But, being expected to pay an additional $40 on top of ticket costs to park, and then nearly $10 for a bottle of water is absolutely absurd. Guests already aren't permitted to bring in outside drinks, even emptied water bottles, which just feels egregious. Yes, I purchased a water - because I didn't want to become another fan who was rushed by paramedics in the Florida heat.

Not to mention the parking - getting dropped off for the event was relatively painless, although I found myself at a loss when having to leave. They had completely shut down the traffic on Himes - which happens to be where one of the ADA pick-up/drop-off points is. I ended up being able to to coordinate with my ride and needed to walk about a half mile to a nearby restaurant where numerous other guests had gone in an attempt to coordinate ride shares.

MCR was worth it - for me personally. The screen displays were very easy to see, even at a distance, and the sound was solid enough that it's legible in videos I took on my phone. The staff who spared me time were kind and helpful. But I'm not sure that I'd...

Worst experience getting into the stadium. I read the rules before coming to the stadium clutch bags no more than 3.5 x 5.5, specifically purchased a bag that size. My cell phone is 3.15x 5.8 so it stuck out the top or could stretch the zipper over the top. The bag held phone ( sticking out) car keys, a travel pack of tissues, id, and debit card. I might have been able to fit one tampon in the clutch but it would have been crushed. The security person said the bag and my phone were too big to bring in. Yes she told me the cell phone was too big. I showed her it was the same size as her card. She informed me if I did not leave I would be issued a life time trespass by the deputy. I asked to speak to her supervisor. She said she was the supervisor. I asked to speak to the deputy that was standing there. She again said no her word was final and I would be trespassed. I asked again for a supervisor and deputy to get another set of eyes on the measurement. The deputy came over and said he would get a supervisor that the person was a contractor I was dealing with and not Raymond James security. The supervisor came over she agreed that the bag was fine. Which set the original person in a tail spin yelling she out ranked all of them and I was not allowing her to open the security check point because the deputy and supervisor were having conversation. Her word was final and should be trespassed for questioning her decision. The deputy finally told her to walk away that the supervisor and he had it covered. I'm sure to appease the original person, the supervisor asked if I would kindly go to the ticket office and get a note from them the bag was OK she would let me in. The people at the ticket office were Raymond James people and the gate staff were contractors. So off to the ticket office I went to the ticket office the bag was measured it was within spec and a note was provided. The person at the ticket office complained that it was stupid they made me go there when the bag was clearly not to big when the cell phone was taller than the bag and the phone barley slipped into it. Went to a different gate and got right in no hassle from that person and did not need the note. The original employee I encountered didn't however stop the people that came in after or before me with fanny bags that are on the not allowed list. But was making people walk though the scanner three and four times because she did not see if the metal detector had gone off and turning a way every lady with small clutch bags. The interaction with the deputy, supervisor and the rest of the staff was great. Could I have let her make me take my things back to the car, sure. I have gone back and put a purse in the car when it was too big. But, I had made sure I was following the rules. I think I may get a pattern and sew a small clutch with a tape measure on it so if I get stopped again I can show the exact measurements. I have no doubt that the interaction with that employee will go the same way with all of her threats and...

Attending the Metallica concert was more than just going to a show — it was a full-blown experience that shook my soul, stirred up every ounce of adrenaline in my body, and left a permanent mark on my memory. From the opening note to the final encore, the energy was absolutely electric.

The moment the lights dimmed and that iconic intro echoed through the stadium, the crowd erupted. You could feel the anticipation buzzing in the air — thousands of fans, from teens to lifelong die-hards, unified by one thing: a love for real, unfiltered heavy metal. Metallica did not disappoint. They came out guns blazing and didn’t let up for one second.

James Hetfield’s vocals were gritty and powerful, showing no signs of age or fatigue — in fact, he sounded better than ever. Lars Ulrich pounded the drums like a beast, commanding the tempo with unmatched intensity. Kirk Hammett shredded the guitar like a man possessed, unleashing solo after solo that brought the crowd to their knees. And Robert Trujillo's bass lines gave the show its thunderous foundation — the man plays with such intensity it’s almost supernatural.

The setlist was a perfect blend of classics and newer tracks. From “Master of Puppets,” “One,” and “Seek & Destroy” to “Fuel,” “Nothing Else Matters,” and “Enter Sandman,” every song hit like a wave of pure nostalgia and explosive energy. The transitions between songs were seamless, with just enough banter and crowd interaction to keep us pumped but fully immersed in the music.

The visuals and stage production were next-level. The pyrotechnics, flames, and massive LED screens created a fully immersive environment. Each track had its own unique lighting mood — moody reds and shadows for the darker songs, explosive whites and strobes for the high-energy moments. And let’s talk about the sound quality: LOUD, yes — but crystal clear. You could feel the bass in your chest and still hear every guitar note, every snare hit, every scream from the crowd.

What made it truly special, though, was the connection Metallica has with their fans. They acknowledge their legacy without being stuck in it. James constantly showed love and gratitude, making us all feel like part of the Metallica family. Seeing generations of fans, all headbanging and screaming together — parents with kids on their shoulders, teens discovering their first metal concert, 60-year-olds reliving their youth — was powerful and emotional.

Metallica is more than a band. They’re a force of nature. A cultural juggernaut. A living legend. And this concert proved exactly why they’ve stood the...