The line for the bathroom near my section went down like 4 or 5 sections during halftime. Maybe it was because they are not used to that sort of crowd at the stadium, but come on. That was extremely frustrating since we were there for the sold out USA vs Mex HEX game and there were people walking around everywhere lost. There are no signs whatsoever to help guide you where to go. Upon entering, we had no idea where our seats were located. There is a huge parking lot surrounding the stadium. We walked there and so did not pay for parking. Left our seats - exited the venue and had to find our way back to our hotel. We are from Cincinnati and Riverbend is a great outdoor venue. NEVER, NEVER, NEVER pay money for a concert at this stadium. And Kenny performed non stop for over two hours. We could hear Old Dominion playing when we got there, but because of the time we had to wait in line to get in - we missed them. To travel to a show this was a MAJOR disappointment. Only a few sections had actual seats - most had the stadium aluminum bench seat. That was it - so the $5.50 water for us it was. And if you even want an alcoholic beverage - 4 choices and $11.00 Budweiser or Bud Light, a $14.00 Jack Daniels something in a can and they had a ShockTop can (not sure of the cost). The event starts at 5:00 with Kenny performing Thirsty people - heck yes - and no one can bring in an unopened bottle of water - but hey, they will charge you $5.50 for a bottle of water. So you park and the line to get in is a cluster mess. Not a single person to direct you ANYWHERE. You then you drive past a second booth that has a sign PARKING $15.00 (that must be used for a different event). You are funneled in and then asked for $25, cash by a lady with a smile. Let's start with parking - $25.00 and there are no real other options because of the location of this stadium. OMG - I am a concert goer and understand that venues need to also make money but SERIOUSLY. Be aware that the crowd can get very loud and very profane, so join in or keep it to yourself, this is not the Polo Club. Yes, the cost of beer ($9) and food ($4 plain hotdogs) at the stadium is high and no glass bottles are allowed, but whatever soft items you bring in your over-sized coat make no one the wiser. If you live in or near Columbus, the membership with season tickets is worth it as you can get better seats and major discounts to the other events at the stadium. My son even played youth championship soccer games in the Mapfre Statium (its new name). Since then, my son and I enjoyed many MLS games, American football games, concerts, and rugby. Yes, my son has those original tickets framed and are one of his prized possessions. Those tickets were impossibly expensive, but at the time my son played for The Blast - the Columbus Crew's youth team, so we were almost required to go. My first visit to this stadium was with my son opening day on when the Columbus Crew played the New England Revolution and WON 2-0. The stadium is also a regular site for outdoor concerts due to the permanent stage in the north end zone. As I said it is more than just soccer because in addition to MLS games, additional events include amateur soccer, American football, lacrosse, and rugby. If you feel nervous about using the Indianola Shopping Center parking, just go into one of the shops and buy something - less than $15, keep the receipt and your ahead. Once at your car, again take 4th Street North (only direction you can go) for 12 blocks to East Hudson Street, make a right (go East) over the dual Railroad tracks and your back at Interstate 71 a lot faster than half of the people who used the Stadium parking. After the game as you walk back to your car, you will walk pass many cars in the traffic jam, so the walk is worth the effort. Then walk back the way you came, about 15 minutes to the Stadium. You would do much better to take East 17th Avenue exit from Interstate 71 (South of the Stadium) and head West (you will pass signs pointing to parking for the stadium) past the dual North-South Railroad tracks to 4th Street (one-way North) and take 4th Street North 1&half blocks (between 18th and 19th Avenues) to the Indianola Shopping Center and park there. I would not recommend parking at the Stadium itself for two reasons - 1) it costs $15 and 2) the traffic jam means a slow exit. Accessible and visible from Interstate 71, you take the East Hudson Street exit, go West of the Interstate, and take Silver Drive South which parallels the Interstate (follow the signs - there are enough not to get lost). This is the first soccer specific stadium built in the USA by Larmar Hunt and his Hunt Sports group and has a capacity of 19,968 for a Major League Soccer Game.
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