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Here you'll find info about artists, rumors, camping tips, and the infamous Roo Clues. Have a look around then create an account and join in the fun. See you at Bonnaroo!!
Post by strokes1251 on Mar 27, 2011 14:39:35 GMT -5
Okay so, I'm new to the Bonnaroo experience this year. I live about 40 minutes from Manchester and don't want to camp at the festival. Therefore I would drive every morning and leave every night. I've heard about day parking and "day parkers" but does that mean I would only get to stay a certain length of the day (ex. 7am-10pm). Because I may want to see a late show, and I certainly don't want to miss The Strokes. Some explanation for the day parking/parkers would be helpful!! Thanks!
Never done it but from what I understand day parking doesn't start until Friday. Well, you can come in but they won't let you leave until Friday. I'm guessing that there's already info on this on bonnaroo.com under FAQ, though. You may want to check that out.
They must have recently updated that part of the FAQ because I looked at it last week and was a little bit confused on the situation with day parking, but I believe you can some and go from day parking as you please:
"Q: If I am staying off site, can I leave and come back?
A: The re-entry policy will not affect day parkers. You will be allowed to enter and leave through a separate toll booth on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. To get to the toll booth for day parkers use exit 111 from I-24 and follow the signs to the festival. If exit 111 is closed, follow police instructions and then follow the signs to day parking."
Post by dreamingtree on Mar 28, 2011 17:14:43 GMT -5
I did day parking for 2 years. Unless they have changed it, you cannot leave on Thursday night. Otherwise you can come and go as you please from the day parking lot, which is right next to the toll booths near the winery (there may be more than 1 dayparking lot though).
When you arrrive the first time let them know you are day parking and they will mark your windshield. As you go through let the parking people know you are doing day parking and they will direct you to the next field. The walk to Centeroo is about 10 minutes.
Each time you enter the grounds you will need to show your wristbands and are subject to be searched. It's really pretty easy and it's really a great thing if you live close.
Ive day parked every year since I stay in a local hotel. Thursday is the only difficult (time consuming) day since you will get checked and processed with all of the other campers. I usually arrive around 6:00 PM on Thursday afternoon. Ive never had an issue leaving Thursday night but its was actually Friday morning around 3:00 or 4:00 AM. ** also note you can leave your car in day parking as long as you want, they really don't care...so you can sleep in your car for several hours before heading home or you can leave it there if you choose to ride home with someone else *** to avoid the Thursday lines, I sometimes park in a neighborhood down the road off Bush Branch....POWERS RD. Its an extra hike but well worth it!
Post by strokes1251 on Mar 29, 2011 16:46:15 GMT -5
Thank you guys this info was so helpful. I plan on staying until like 3am or 4am anyways so I'm glad there shouldn't be an issue. I'm very excited now!
When you arrrive the first time let them know you are day parking and they will mark your windshield. As you go through let the parking people know you are doing day parking and they will direct you to the next field. The walk to Centeroo is about 10 minutes.
So I'm assuming it would be the same deal if you don't day park on the first day? We're camping Thursday and Friday and staying in a hotel Saturday and Sunday.
You need to make sure you can get out of the area you are camped in on Saturday. It might be tricky. Maybe tell the car parkers you are leaving early and they will put you next to the road.
since you are camping Thursday and Friday, make sure you have a path out or are right on a road. If cars aren't blocking your exit then chances are someones tent or camp set-up will be.
Ive day parked every year since I stay in a local hotel. Thursday is the only difficult (time consuming) day since you will get checked and processed with all of the other campers. I usually arrive around 6:00 PM on Thursday afternoon. Ive never had an issue leaving Thursday night but its was actually Friday morning around 3:00 or 4:00 AM. ** also note you can leave your car in day parking as long as you want, they really don't care...so you can sleep in your car for several hours before heading home or you can leave it there if you choose to ride home with someone else *** to avoid the Thursday lines, I sometimes park in a neighborhood down the road off Bush Branch....POWERS RD. Its an extra hike but well worth it!
Seconded what this guy said.
I camped for my first Roo, but since my cousin lives in Manchester, I just stay with her and I've day parked every year (last 3 years) since. The "No parking on Thursday" thing is false. There's always day parking on Thursday and it's never any trouble to leave. It can be a pain to get in on Thursday, since you're in the same line as everyone else who is camping, and I've also parked on Walnut Ln (just off of Powers Rd.) and walked in before. In fact, I think that was my fastest time to the Roo, since I didn't wait a second in line.
I usually get there a little after noon, so I have enough time to wait in line and still catch the first shows. In fact, I think I was the 1st person in day-parking last year. They had to take down a string "fence" to let me in the lot.
There's no cut-off for when you have to leave, I've headed out as late as 4:30am and there are still cars there. Likewise, I've gotten there before noon some days and seen random cars, that I have to assume were parked over-night. Since the incoming traffic will be two lanes to leave on Thursday/Early Friday, the cops will route you out via Powers Rd. So, you'll go through a little neighborhood before you get back into Manchester.
Also, enter from the Bushy Branch (west) gate, I don't think you can get to day parking from any of the others, so ignore signs trying to route you to the back gate. And make sure you tell them you're day parking where they mark your car. I've seen day parkers get lumped in with campers and vice-versa and that causes obvious issues. Day parking is just after the toll booths where they check your vehicle. So, if they send you very far from there, someone screwed up.
On another random note, day parking seems to confuse a lot of the Roo staff. They might look bewildered when you tell them you're day parking, especially on Thursday. Just ignore them and find someone who can point you to day parking. I've had self-important Roo staff riding on golf carts tell me things like "You can't go out that way." and "What are you trying to do?" when I'm trying to leave. I smile and nod and leave from the gate right next to day parking anyway (which day parkers are supposed to use). Like I said, I don't think they get briefed very well on day parking, so they're easily confused.
I know a lot of people say camping is integral to the Roo Experience, but it's hard to beat a real bed and a shower every night.
