Phish Establish New First Entry Rules Ahead of Summer Tour
Phish, photo by Danny Clinch
Tonight, Phish will return to the spotlight to kick off their highly anticipated Summer Tour. With the first of three performances at Manchester, N.H.’s SNHU Arena–their second staging to date at the venue–the legendary jam quartet will start up a 23-show sprint across the country that will keep them on the road through July 27. Yesterday, just before the run, the band sent out a message to its fans establishing some new ground rules for the floor in an effort to provide a fair experience for attendees.
In an email sent to all fans who registered for First Entry in the past, Phish’s team wrote, “When we first introduced First Entry for GA floor shows, our goal was to create a system rooted in fairness, safety and ease. Thanks to the vast majority of you who approach it in the right spirit. Over recent tours, however, we have observed some fans take advantage of the system, whether by entering multiple times, using mismatched IDs, or holding space for others who weren’t selected. While these may seem like small things, they disrupt the experience for everyone and undermine what we’re trying to build together.
“Going forward, we are going to have tighter rules around this process and will be enforcing them strictly,” the statement continues. “We want to be clear: violations may result in being removed from the process, denied entry, or in some cases, ejected from the show – with or without warning or refund.” Phish HQ continued by listing the active rules for early entry to venues and the stakes for violations.
- Only one entry per person. Multiple submissions may be removed from selection and/or rejected in person at entry.
- All names must match what is on you and your guest’s photo IDs. Mismatched names or fake or borrowed IDs will result in rejection at entry.
- Be on time. Late arrivals will be directed to enter through the regular doors.
- Guests must check in together.
- No tarps, towels, trash bags or any other item that could be used to save space once inside the venue. If these items are found during the security search you can either throw them away or take them back to your car and forfeit your spot in First Entry.
- No saving space once inside. You may be asked to remain standing briefly after entering the venue. Please dress comfortably and plan accordingly.
“We know most of you already follow these guidelines, and we appreciate that,” the message reads in closing. “Thank you for helping us keep things safe, respectful and fun for everyone.”
With these new and updated rules in effect, fans will have the opportunity to encounter Phish at some exceptional venues this summer, including standout stagings like two nights at Austin, Texas’ Moody Center on June 27 and 28, two nights at Queens, N.Y.’s beloved Forest Hills Stadium on July 22 and 23, a series-closing three-night return to Saratoga Springs’ Broadview Stage at SPAC from July 25-27 and a three-show Independence Day series at Boulder, Colo.’s Folsom Field from July 3-5, which will replace their traditional Labor Day weekend run at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park in Commerce City, Colo. Following their summer tour, the band will embark on a seven-stop fall series from Sept. 13-21.
Find tickets and more information here.
