Arrive at the field access line at 3 PM today to find a totally different set up than yesterday: should be completely shaded until the scan and band station, kind of like yesterday. I'd guess we're about 10 people back from security check right now, but that's bound to change as friends of friends arrive and pack in closer.
3:20 PM Head of security announces that we should be going in on time today at 5 PM
4 PM things still pretty casual, though the line has grown longer… Several hundred people now waiting farther back behind us… And maybe 50% more in front?
4:20 PM first big scrunch, even though we ain't gonna go anywhere for another 30 min. Oh well. Patience!
5:05 PM inside and located in pretty much the same spot as last night, crowded as heck at first, but then getting loose as folks realize how hot it is. I feel like I'm melting right now, ugh.
5:40 PM back on the broiler grill after a quick trip to shade and fresh air. Now that I'm getting baked I wonder if coming back was the right decision… Having Mark hand me a cold stovepipe of Dale's pale ale makes me think I came back at exactly the right time!
6:02 PM Still sunny, but the intensity has decreased enough so that it's a pleasant warmth instead of a heat stroke inducing fury. Time to take off the pant legs and increase the evaporative cooling action.
6:28 PM rumbling noise from a guitar tech and the crowd goes wild. Guess folks are a little antsy! Shouldn't be long now!
6:43 PM camera guys onstage