It’s our fourth year of the Live at The Gardens Summer Concert Series at The Gardens on Spring Creek, and The Lincoln Center Box Office team wants to make sure your fun in the sun at the Gardens is the most enjoyable it can be! In a brief interview, the Box Office reveals all their best tips and tricks for all things Live at The Gardens.
Getting Tickets
“Before summer starts, the first question we are always asked about the Summer Concert Series is ‘How do I get tickets?’” says the Box Office. “Every year, tickets are selling faster and faster. The shows are incredible and the venue is beautiful so we totally get the hype!” In fact, the shows are so popular that the Box Office has full phone lines within the first five minutes for both the presale and the general on-sale. “There’s even a line at the door before we open!”
With such high demand, you might wonder how you can increase your chances of snagging tickets.
“There is no way to guarantee getting tickets, but there are ways to make sure you have a very good chance. Our best advice is to become a Lincoln Center package holder or a Gardens on Spring Creek Member. These patrons receive early access to ticketing.” To become a package holder, you must buy a Pick-5 package or a series package, like Dance, Laugh Riot, Showstoppers, etc. from The Lincoln Center or, you can become a Gardens member by clicking here.
But there’s no need to worry if neither one of those options interest you. “We set aside a block of tickets for the general public so all community members have the opportunity to buy tickets to the shows as well. With this option, your best bet for getting tickets is to purchase as soon as possible after they go on sale.”
Parking
“Don’t expect to park in The Gardens’ primary parking lot; parking there is limited,” says the Box Office. The Gardens main lot is largely reserved for accessible parking, however, parking is available in nearby lots (which will be indicated with signage) and along Botanical Lane south of The Gardens. “For patrons with mobility issues, accessible parking is available in the lot closest to The Gardens and patrons can also use the easy in-and-out drop-off lane at the main entrance. Additionally, if you can bike in, there is ample space to lock up your bike at the bike entrance along the Spring Creek Trail,” says the Box Office.
Getting In
If you have a ticket (either mobile or print@home), it’s best to use any entrance that isn’t the main entrance. “The line at the main entrance is the longest, and there’s no reason for you to wait longer than necessary,” says the Box Office. “Unless, of course, you have tickets to pick up at Will Call. Then you have to come through the main doors. We recommend you enter through the entrance located on Spring Creek Trail or the Rock Garden entrance which is adjacent to the primary parking lot and just north of the main entrance.”
Security checks will be at each entrance to ensure everyone’s safety. Here are some tips to get you through the line quicker:
1. Make sure your bags are clear and don’t exceed 12 x 6 x 12 inches.
2. The Gardens is a smoke-free environment. Leave your cigarettes, vapes, or any other related tobacco products at home.
3. Leave your pets, glass containers, tents/canopies, umbrellas, noisemakers and laser pointers at home.
4. Fires of any kind are prohibited so don’t bring any grills, fireworks, or candles.
Be Prepared!
The Box Office’s top tip is to use sunscreen and lots of it! “There isn’t a lot of shade on the lawn, so it’s best to come prepared. Sunglasses and hats are a must! But please don’t bring an umbrella. Not only do they obstruct the view of others but they can also be really dangerous when the wind picks up.”
“People often ask us if the shows can be pushed back to later in the day when it tends to be cooler,” says the Box Office. “We know our Colorado summers can get hot, hot, hot, but due to local noise ordinances, Live at The Gardens concerts are required to be completed by 8 p.m.” Don’t despair, though. The hottest part of the day is the hour before the show starts. “Once you hear that first chord, the sun is starting to set and you’re in for a wonderful evening.”
“We also suggest looking at the weather report on the day of the show. Our shows will take place rain or shine, so be sure to wear or bring whatever gear you need to be fully prepared! Colorado weather can be temperamental, so an emergency poncho is always a good idea to bring along.”
Food and Drinks
“So many things to talk about with food and drinks!” exclaims our Box Office. “If you don’t purchase a charcuterie box when you buy your ticket, or you know that you won’t arrive before the food truck’s top-selling items sell out, you can absolutely bring food in! Just make sure it’s inside a clear or openable container for viewing at the security check.”
Drinks, however, are a different story. “You can bring in any factory-sealed non-alcoholic drink but you cannot bring in reusable water bottles with liquid already in them,” our Box Office explains. Feel free to drink out of your reusable water bottle while waiting in line, but you’ll need to dump the liquid out at the security check. You can then refill them at the speedy bottle filler station once you enter the facility. “The Gardens ask that you not dump your water bottles into the landscaping as it’s not healthy for the plants. Instead, use the buckets provided at the security check to keep those beautiful plants from being water-logged.”
Seating
“Since the shows are general admission, we are often asked where the best seats are,” our Box Office says. “The short answer is, it’s a matter of personal preference. That being said, if you’re on the shorter side, we recommend that you don’t sit too close to the front of the stage. The flowers can grow quite tall and obstruct your view. Our preferences are the back left and right of the lawn. From there, you can see the whole stage and have better access to amenities like the bar or the bathrooms.”
Blankets and chairs, however, are a must. “We no longer offer lawn chairs for rent, so make sure you bring your own! In addition, it’s best to take your chair out of its bag so you don’t get held up at security. Also, don’t expect to lay out blankets to reserve a spacious place for yourself. The volunteers and staff will ask you to consolidate to a 9 square-foot area per person.”
Regarding accessibility at each show, the Box Office says, “While there is ample space for those who need accessible seating, it is available on a first-come first-served basis, so arriving early will ensure the best selection. Once the show begins, our accessible seating area opens for general use. If you have any questions about accessibility or would like to request an accommodation, please contact us prior to the show to ensure we can offer you the best experience. ”
Children
Children are welcome, but every person—regardless of age—must have a full-price ticket for entry. “Please don’t bring children if you have not purchased a ticket for them in advance,” says the Box Office. “Because these shows tend to sell out, we most likely won’t have any tickets available for purchase the day of the event.”
“Additionally, the shows can be crowded and noisy. Children, particularly infants, should be fitted with proper ear protection,” continues the Box Office. “For very young children, we generally recommend hiring a babysitter and leaving the kiddos at home if possible.”
Closing Thoughts
“We love our days at The Gardens! Not only is the music wonderful but the venue is gorgeous!” says the Box Office. “We can’t wait for you to experience them with us this summer!”
If you have other questions, The Lincoln Center Box Office staff is always happy to answer them. Don’t hesitate to give them a call at 970-221-6730, Tues–Sat. 1–6 p.m.