Drive-In EDM Shows Come to ATL
BY JACI SOUKHATHIVONG
For the past 6 months concertgoers have been cooped up in their homes wishing and wondering when live music will ever return. In early October, Atlanta hosted its very first drive-in show featuring Wooli and Adventure Club at the Atlanta Motor Speedway followed by two more drive-in shows featuring Gramatik, CloZee, Grabbitz and Rez.
Approximately 45 minutes outside of the heart of Atlanta, ravers made their way to Hampton, GA for a very exciting evening. Brought to you by the founders of Collectiv Presents, Beware Presents, and Liquified, this show is one of many that will be happening this fall. For those on the fence for upcoming shows, we’ve created a guide on what you can expect and how to best prepare for the experience.
Image by Beware Presents
How does the ticket situation work?
For upcoming shows, you purchase a car pass that holds 2 or 4 people. If you have a larger car with 6 seatbelts, you may have 2 additional passengers, but extra passengers must purchase a patron ticket add-on.
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How do the sections work?
When buying your car pass, you will choose a section on the venue and then it is FIRST COME FIRST SERVE in that section to determine what row you will park in. So we suggest getting there early if you want to be closer to the front of your section. Staff will park cars starting from the middle and work their way outwards.
Image by Lucas Alexis Parker
What is the actual spot like?
You will park your vehicle in your designated spot and there is a plot of land next to your vehicle which is your party’s designated dancing pod. (Big enough for 6 people)
How was the production?
Management did not disappoint to develop a full-scale stage production with two huge LED screens on both sides that can be seen from any angle.
How was the sound?
The sound was clear and could be heard in sections further back without distortion. There is an extra section of speakers halfway through the crowd to ensure that everyone can hear the show equally. Music does not play through the radio.
What is the process like getting into the drive-in?
First off, we recommend using Waze when traveling to the speedway to direct you to entrances with the shortest traffic build-up. Staffing for this event was super friendly and highly organized. Before getting your car checked, staff will instruct passengers that they must be wearing a mask when pulling up to the checkpoint. At the checkpoint, they will scan your barcodes and only check your trunks or truck beds for glass.
What about exiting?
We had no issues exiting the event swiftly and safely. The process took even less time than it did to arrive.
Image by Hunter Pruett
What can’t I bring into the show?
No firearms, fireworks, or firewood. Also, NO GLASS. Your coolers will be searched upon entry for glass.
How do I get to my spot after being searched?
Staff members scan your tickets and place a paper on your car with your designated section. There is staff all along the trails directing your car on where to go so that you’ll never be lost.
Did they enforce social distancing?
The event was heavily staffed with volunteer workers that greet you once you’ve parked your car. They instructed that everyone should be wearing a mask AT ALL TIMES and to respect the 6 person per plot rule. Staff circled the lots regularly to enforce COVID regulations.
Image by Hunter Pruett
Are there concessions or merch for sale?
There are no concessions but this is a tailgate friendly event. Feel free to bring as much food or beverages as you’d like as long as it doesn’t require fire or contain glass. Merchandise sales is dependent on the artist. Stay tuned with the Atlanta EDM social media channels for live updates on drive-in events.
Are there bathrooms?
At the end of each row, there is designated port-a-potty. They were well kept with hand sanitizer and hand washing stations outside.
Pro-tips?
Wear a mask!
Get there early!
Raised cars give you an optimal view (i.e. trucks)
Bring blankets, coolers, drinks, snacks, and lawn chairs
Flow toys encouraged. (It was awesome to see people flowing on top of their cars)
Bring a TRASH BAG TO PICK UP YOUR TRASH!
Have fun!