Thunder Ridge Arena Question

Question

We have floor tickets to see Styx on June 7. Is paying extra for Arena Lounge access worth it? Curious about your experiences - whether you purchased it or not and how the food/drink/restroom lines were if you didnt.

Answer

Great question! Whether the Arena Lounge access at Thunder Ridge Arena for your Styx concert is worth the extra cost depends on a few factors, but here are some things to consider based on other attendees' experiences:

What the Arena Lounge Offers: The Arena Lounge typically provides access to a more comfortable, exclusive space with some added perks, like:

Premium Food and Drink: Lounge access often means access to better food and drinks than what’s available outside the lounge. There may be a wider variety of snacks and beverages, and the prices could be lower compared to regular arena concessions. Some venues even offer complimentary snacks and drinks, depending on the lounge package.
Shorter Lines: One of the main benefits reported by people who purchase Arena Lounge access is the reduced wait times for food, drinks, and restrooms. The lines outside of the lounge can get long, especially during intermissions or before the concert starts. With lounge access, you generally get quicker access to food and facilities, making for a much more relaxing experience.
Exclusive Restroom Access: Some lounges offer private restroom areas that are less crowded, making it easier to avoid the long lines in the general areas.
More Comfortable Seating: If you want a break from standing during the concert, the lounge often provides comfortable seating where you can relax for a bit.

Experiences from Attendees: Based on reviews from people who attended concerts at Thunder Ridge Arena and other venues with similar lounge access:

If you didn't purchase the Arena Lounge access: Some concertgoers mentioned that the food and drink lines can get long, especially during peak times like just before the concert or during intermissions. The general crowd can make it harder to get snacks or drinks quickly, and restroom lines can be quite lengthy as well. If you don’t mind standing in lines or if you're okay with basic concession options, you can still have a good time without the lounge access.
If you did purchase the Arena Lounge access: Many attendees who purchased lounge access reported that the overall experience was much more relaxed. They appreciated having quick access to food and drinks, and several said the exclusive restroom areas were a huge plus, especially during busy events. Some mentioned the lounge experience felt like a mini VIP area, with a quieter atmosphere away from the hustle and bustle of the main arena.

Is it worth the extra cost? If you don’t mind standing in the regular lines and want to keep the cost down, you can definitely enjoy the concert without the Arena Lounge access. However, if you want to enjoy a more comfortable experience with fewer crowds, quicker access to food/drinks/restrooms, and a more relaxed atmosphere, then the extra cost could be worthwhile. If you're looking for a more exclusive or pampered experience, especially for a special event like a birthday or celebration, the Arena Lounge might be worth the upgrade.

Ultimately, the decision depends on how much you value convenience and comfort versus saving a bit of money. If you’re going to be out for the entire event and don’t mind the standard experience, you can enjoy the concert just fine without the upgrade. If you prefer a smoother, more VIP-like experience, the Arena Lounge is a good option.