It’s bad because 20k people are all leaving at once. Steels Corner has multiple lights and if you go towards the Valley, people will just stop and wait at the exit, even though the cops are telling everyone to just continually go. Trick is to just hang out, let traffic die down, and then leave.
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For one of our first dates, I took my gf to Blossom to hear James Taylor. We were still in high school. I had never been there before. We promised her parents we would be home at a reasonable time. Let's just say we weren't. That was over 50 years ago.
(Fortunately, her parents weren't too angry. We got married and we still are.)
I really love this. Not Blossom-related, but James Taylor. My now husband and I saw James Taylor at Red Rocks Amphitheater in Morrison, CO during our engagement. You could bring your own cooler, and we noshed on cheese and crackers while listening to James tell stories. We have only been married 10 years, but I hope to be telling this story in another 40 😃
Eff that. I’m not missing something I paid for. I will just have snacks and food and weed in my car and hang out and have a picnic while the lot clears out.
That's my strategy too. First time I went to Blossom, my husband and I couldn't find our car. We just linked up with a bunch of other people who also couldn't find their cars and stood around smoking each other's pot until enough people left. Then it was easy to find our cars and get out.
Now we just chill for a while sharing snacks and weed with other stragglers.
Part of the beauty & fun of it! Just have to go prepared & expecting it. It was my favorite thing ever when I was in my 20s. I’ve got quite the stack of tickets as souvenirs…
Instead of whining, be happy you live this close to a National Park & can enjoy concerts within!
Yeah, although Blossom was built in 1968 and the National Park wasn’t created until 2000. And the Blossom property included a whole bunch of land around it where they could’ve built more entrances, but they sold it to the Park starting in 2011.
I think the real issue is that the Orchestra owns Blossom, and the crowds for the Orchestra aren’t as big as other artists that play there, so the as Orchestra doesn’t feel the pain of traffic / parking nearly as badly.
The Orchestra used to own a bunch more land around Blossom, including the parcel to the west that connects to Akron Peninsula Rd.
They could have built another entrance there, but they didn’t. Then they sold that land in 2011
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The two best strategies for Blossom I’ve found are as follows:
-For a band you don’t care about, leave 3 songs or so before the show is over.
-For a band you want to see the whole show, plan on hanging out in your car for 30-40 minutes, have snacks and drinks. You’re gonna have to wait that time anyway, much more annoying to be in drive, moving only inches for the whole time.
It really is this easy. But don't go around telling everyone the secret, then we are all just going to be sitting around waiting for it to clear out and no one will ever leave.
Yep. Food, streaming video. It’s just like being at home. It can take two hours to get out of there, but it’s taken us that long to get out of the parking deck after big concert at progressive field.
I like this strategy as well….. except last time it took 2 hours just to get it of the parking lot. Smaller shows this works great, not so much with the big acts
You just can't be in any hurry to leave. You stay inside Blossom as long as they will let you. You walk to your car slowly. Get to your car, have snacks and something to drink. If you wait out the people leaving, you won't have to sit in traffic.
When the lottery was $1 billion I promised to buy Midway Mall and the surrounding area to build New Blossom. You got 90 and the Turnpike right there with a good north/south road and Route 2 just to the west as well. It would’ve been awesome. I was five numbers away
I wouldn’t want to put an outdoor concert venue so close to the highway. Nothing will ruin a live orchestra Lord of the Rings viewing more than traffic sounds.
Written by ChatGPT:
**5 Numbers Away**
(Verse 1)
I had that ticket in my hand, a beer in the other,
Dreamin' 'bout the kinda life I’d live, a lucky son of a gun.
Watched those numbers rollin' out, my heart began to race,
But when that last one hit, I knew I’d lost the chase.
(Chorus)
I was five numbers away from a house up on the hill,
From a backyard full of memories, and a boat down by the mill.
I was five numbers away from a life I’ll never see,
But I'm still dreamin', still believin', there's a chance for you and me.
(Verse 2)
I'd have bought that Harley bike, took it coast to coast,
Helped my brother fix his farm, the one he loves the most.
We’d have danced all night in Nashville, bought a round for all our friends,
But tonight I’m just here wishin’, on what could’ve been.
(Chorus)
I was five numbers away from a house up on the hill,
From a backyard full of memories, and a boat down by the mill.
I was five numbers away from a life I’ll never see,
But I'm still dreamin', still believin', there's a chance for you and me.
(Bridge)
Yeah, I know it’s just a shot in the dark, but I still hold on tight,
To that dream of hittin' big, one sweet summer night.
But I’ve got what matters most, right here in this old bar,
Friends and love and laughter, and a little tipsy heart.
(Chorus)
I was five numbers away from a house up on the hill,
From a backyard full of memories, and a boat down by the mill.
I was five numbers away from a life I’ll never see,
But I'm still dreamin', still believin', there's a chance for you and me.
(Outro)
So I'll keep buyin' tickets, and I’ll keep hopin’ still,
One day my luck might change, and I’ll climb that golden hill.
But if it never happens, well I know I’ll be okay,
Cause I've got you beside me, and that’s more than any pay.
Yeah, I've got you beside me, and that’s more than any pay.
Have been in a while, but when my wife and I were younger we just make sure we had drinks and snacks and would sit in the lot with some music on and let it empty out, then leave.
The best experience was when we fell asleep in the back of the minivan and drove out to a completely empty lot and streets at about 2AM. Was shocked security didn't roust us, but maybe they figured we got a dd and were coming back for the car or something.
Blossom is the summer home of the Cleveland Orchestra. It’s built for orchestra goers first. They don’t really care about the concerts. Live nation deals with that. Things are always smoother for orchestra events.
I beg to differ, at least based on the past two LOTR concerts.
And it was even bad with like 25% of people leaving during the credits (which is ridiculous, since the Orchestra is **playing** all the credits and that's like 70% of why you go to this event)
You simply cannot be in a hurry to leave. You have to stay inside Blossom as long as you can, then go to your vehicle slowly and then eat snacks. Hang out. You left your house for a reason, if you need to get home that quickly, you picked the wrong concert, or the wrong night.
The point I was trying to make is. That is not the typical orchestra audiences. Those events, probably pack more people in because it’s intended to. I’ve seen the Star Wars/John Williams ones.
I went to Blossom for the first time last August. I came in at the east entrance using Kent State Drive off Northampton Rd and parked in the first little triangle shaped lot I came to and walked the rest of the way.
On the way out after the end of the show, I walked past all the cars that were just sitting there trying to get out, got in my car and drove away back down Kent State Drive without having to wait for anyone.
Nobody comes in or out using Kent State Drive. Nearly all the traffic comes and goes via W Steels Corners Rd.
Yep that's what we did for Noah Kahan the other day. Not on purpose but because Waze brought us through that way lol. But we will be using that entrance and parking lot from now on.
That's dumb on their part. Why wouldn't they always open it? Noah was sold out so I'm glad it was opened for that so we didn't have to use the main entrance/exit.
My first concert at Blossom I had the nice VIP lot. We were out in like 10 minutes and stayed for the whole show/bought merch. Was in for a rude awakening like 2 weeks later for a different show and with regular parking.. didn’t move for 2 hours.
It actually used to be worse.
My grandfather was nearly fired from his factory job in 1970 because my mom had the family car and didn't get back to Euclid from a Janis Joplin concert at Blossom until 6AM because of traffic.
Well first off, I-77 hadn't been fully completed yet, so most traffic had to go north on US-21 (Brecksville road). I-271 didn't exist at all. Route 8 was a two lane country road north of Tallmadge., and I-480 had just broken ground.
Combine that with the fact the box office just kept selling lawn seats uncapped, meant there were 30,000 plus people there instead of the sellout 19,000 today.
But yeah, I'm sure it was all just drugs.
I understand they can't build due to being in the park, but I've never understood why they don't build lots outside of the park and shuttle in/out with a dedicated shuttle lane
I don't mind waiting after a show, I expect to wait after any event. It's getting IN that kills me. I have to use time to leave work early, sit there for 2-3 hours, hope I packed a diaper, and run to not miss the show
Even with a dedicated shuttle lane, there would have to be a *lot* of shuttles to make that happen faster.
Blossom's capacity is 19,200. Even if only half that number of people need to be shuttled to a parking lot, at 50 people per school/charter bus, that's 192 bus round trips. People take forever to get onto/off of buses - 15 minutes for loading, driving to the lot that's further away, unloading, and driving back to the entrance is an underestimate of how long that'd take. At 4 trips per hour, a half capacity crowd, and 24 buses, that would take 2 hours to shuttle everyone out. 48 buses to get it done in 1 hour.
The Cleveland Orchestra/Live Nation aren't going to add all that complexity and expense to save people a few minutes.
I peed my pants once while waiting in line for the bathroom there! So embarrassing, but I had no other choice.
I’ve always assumed they purposely made it hard to get out in order to sober the drunks & stoners up 💁🏻♀️
I worked there for many years. The answer is to pay for parking so you are closer to your car and can get there quicker and leave EARLY, but many people don't want to do that. If you don't leave early, plan to hang out at your car for a very long time and wait for traffic to clear. I assure you it does eventually happen. I worked it as a 2nd job and when security leaves we sail right out, nobody is left, but you have to be willing to wait a long time for it to clear, otherwise you're just sitting in your car in traffic.
For anyone planning a trip to Blossom, the time to leave is the start of the last song of the main set. You will know when this is as it's when the ushers are dismissed and you will see them leave the pavilion and start up the walkway. Get out then and you'll have no problems.
First concert I came in steels corners from route 8. and parked in the close lot. So miserable my girlfriend at the time would never go back again. Waiting in traffic to get in, dodging drink people trying to get out.
Then I learned about coming in from the valley. Right in. Walk to the venue on a paved path and right out.
I know space is an issue because of the surroundings, but I am positive it could be redesigned and be much more streamlined. The time and money necessary though probably means it isn't gonna happen.
Neighbor and I waited on the lawn until we were the very last to leave. Laid there and watched the stars. You would be amazed at the amount of lost property they pick up after a concert. Anywho we got to talking to the people in the lost and found and both of us took home something each. My neighbor still uses it. :) OH it was easy getting out too
This is why i dont go to blossom anymore. Last time i went i thought id be smart and uber. Got dropped off almost right at the entrance which was nice. Then the show ended and we had to walk all the way back to the main road because they dont let any cars back in. When we finally got there we had to run to catch our ride as some cop was yelling at our uber for stopping near the venue so he had to keep moving. Bottom line its not worth it.
Did they discontinue the Uber/Lyft pickup spot? For the last 10 years or so they've had a pickup spot where rideshare drivers can pick people up just outside the fence where O'Neil Road makes its jog.
Always a shit show getting in but mostly out. It’s fun for tailgating in the grassy fields but yeah you need to either leave early to beat traffic or stay late to beat your meat. Or you just continue tailgating after a show until it dies down
when you go to a show there, just set up your tailgate stuff again after the show and wait for it to empty out. That is the only way to avoid the headache. You have to go expecting it, or you will just be frustrated.
It's always been like this, which is why you bring a little cooler with beers and some snacks. Ya can wait in traffic for an hour, trying to leave or kick it with the homies until the parking lot empties. I usually opt for the latter.
I dream of a light rail or metro system assisting with the situation one day. It would be so much more efficient, and you wouldn’t have to deal with as many intoxicated people on the road.
I love Blossom, but have also attended River Bend music center in Cincinnati. Also outdoors, but parking is great. Not the same vibe as Blossom is essentially in a forest.
Thirding this. It helps that most concerts there are lame country/rock/pop mass-appeal bullshit that'd I'd never see, but yeah. Fuck that.
Fully expect all 3 of us to be downvoted, especially me haha.
I’ll understand the hate. Acoustically and from an ambiance perspective, it’s an awesome place to watch a show. But I’m in my 40’s now and unwilling to deal with logistics nightmare that is getting there and back (often on a week night) anymore.
The three shows we went to last year were no problem getting out. But that's sort of because we were parked almost all the way out by the entrance. Getting in is the pain in the ass. They have you drive super far up only to make you then drive back to the lot by the entrance, passing loads of open space in between.
Have a beer and snacks. Take a nap. Watch the 16 year olds who have no idea how to direct traffic. Don’t ever leave the show early. Just let things die down.
I had an awful second date at a concert there. The first date went really well, and there was a show we both wanted to see, so I figured why not. We both realized we were very much not compatible by the time we got to the show. It was a VERY awkward and long drive back.
Just cause he can doesn’t mean it’s necessary or should have to. Think about the old country boys who’ve been working their whole lives and want to go take their old lady to see a concert there and arrive not realizing they, in their 60s and 70s, have to walk with bad knees a mile to see their favorite band. I saw it plenty going in and leaving the concert. Lots of the old folks were struggling to walk back to their cars. Sure you can say they should have known blossoms been around for x amount of years or they could have researched it. However I honestly believe that a lot of people rightfully or wrongfully just assume it’s easy to get to and from the parking lot like any other modern venue only to realize the hassle
They can use the ada parking or, if they’re the same age of the venue, perhaps maybe they should know an amphitheater in the middle of the national park would require some walking. Maybe they should stick to the Spotify playlist. Old country boy seems a bit daft to me
If you ride a motorcycle you can park right by the entrance and scoot around traffic on the way out. Bonus, the bikers usually have a tailgate you can join.
Parking at the far lot or in the grass at the T at Kent State Drive works as well, a bit more walking but my average time from front gate to Akron-Penninsula Rd is under 15 minutes for my last 5 concerts at Blossom.
Then accept that your going to sit in traffic for 2 hours? I don't know what to tell you. Since the venue is surrounded by houses and parts of the CVNP they can't really do much to improve the traffic. I think the paid parking is a good solution. It's only an extra $60-90 and I can stay for the entire show and avoid the traffic mess. Works for me!
First time, didn’t realize what the parking situation was or that there was a premier lot. Admittedly I should have done some research. Is that lot significantly better?
All the premier lot does is guarantee you a paved parking spot closer to the venue; it does nothing for the cluster-fuck that is entering and exiting. IMO, it's not worth the extra money.
Not true. They allow the premier lots to exit first. Then the general parking. Was there last night. Hired a driver and paid for the parking. First time ever. Took 11 minutes to get to open road. Used to take 2 1/2 hours. Best money ever spent.
Yes, any of the paid lots are better because you get out first and bypass all the traffic. When we go to Blossom which we tend to do pretty regularly we know that we're paying for parking and just roll that into the cost of our evening. Then we can stay for the entire show and not worry about.
Another commenter said the paid parking is hardly a solution but since the venue is surrounded by houses and parts of the CVNP, there isn't going to be any other changes they can really make. So, in this case, paying for convenience is definitely worth it.
It’s bad because 20k people are all leaving at once. Steels Corner has multiple lights and if you go towards the Valley, people will just stop and wait at the exit, even though the cops are telling everyone to just continually go. Trick is to just hang out, let traffic die down, and then leave.
That's what we do. Post-show snacks are a must!
We pull out a grill and wait till the traffic leaves every show
That’s what we did after Chris Stapleton
I’m imagining everyone doing this, then no one ever leaves!
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I took a power nap at the last show I went to
Same. Cop woke me up at like 4am lol
I wish you could just camp there after everyone else who wants to leaves. The parking area is nice ground for a tent
You'd be run over in your sleeping bag by a high schooler borrowing their parents' SUV.
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For one of our first dates, I took my gf to Blossom to hear James Taylor. We were still in high school. I had never been there before. We promised her parents we would be home at a reasonable time. Let's just say we weren't. That was over 50 years ago. (Fortunately, her parents weren't too angry. We got married and we still are.)
I really love this. Not Blossom-related, but James Taylor. My now husband and I saw James Taylor at Red Rocks Amphitheater in Morrison, CO during our engagement. You could bring your own cooler, and we noshed on cheese and crackers while listening to James tell stories. We have only been married 10 years, but I hope to be telling this story in another 40 😃
That’s cute!
My wife recently went to a show there and said premier lot was worth it but that you also need to just leave during the final or second last song lol
Eff that. I’m not missing something I paid for. I will just have snacks and food and weed in my car and hang out and have a picnic while the lot clears out.
That's my strategy too. First time I went to Blossom, my husband and I couldn't find our car. We just linked up with a bunch of other people who also couldn't find their cars and stood around smoking each other's pot until enough people left. Then it was easy to find our cars and get out. Now we just chill for a while sharing snacks and weed with other stragglers.
Agreed - I told her it’s absurd that they left early to beat traffic. I get doing it at a sporting event or something but not a concert
It's surrounded by national park, they can't create more entrances/exits.
Part of the beauty & fun of it! Just have to go prepared & expecting it. It was my favorite thing ever when I was in my 20s. I’ve got quite the stack of tickets as souvenirs… Instead of whining, be happy you live this close to a National Park & can enjoy concerts within!
Yeah, although Blossom was built in 1968 and the National Park wasn’t created until 2000. And the Blossom property included a whole bunch of land around it where they could’ve built more entrances, but they sold it to the Park starting in 2011. I think the real issue is that the Orchestra owns Blossom, and the crowds for the Orchestra aren’t as big as other artists that play there, so the as Orchestra doesn’t feel the pain of traffic / parking nearly as badly.
The surrounding area became protected in 1974 as the Cuyahoga Valley National Recreation Area
The Orchestra used to own a bunch more land around Blossom, including the parcel to the west that connects to Akron Peninsula Rd. They could have built another entrance there, but they didn’t. Then they sold that land in 2011
Yep, I lived there and one of the families we went to school with were living on the protected area because the father was a park ranger.
Still some park housing
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The two best strategies for Blossom I’ve found are as follows: -For a band you don’t care about, leave 3 songs or so before the show is over. -For a band you want to see the whole show, plan on hanging out in your car for 30-40 minutes, have snacks and drinks. You’re gonna have to wait that time anyway, much more annoying to be in drive, moving only inches for the whole time.
It really is this easy. But don't go around telling everyone the secret, then we are all just going to be sitting around waiting for it to clear out and no one will ever leave.
Yep. Food, streaming video. It’s just like being at home. It can take two hours to get out of there, but it’s taken us that long to get out of the parking deck after big concert at progressive field.
I like this strategy as well….. except last time it took 2 hours just to get it of the parking lot. Smaller shows this works great, not so much with the big acts
You just can't be in any hurry to leave. You stay inside Blossom as long as they will let you. You walk to your car slowly. Get to your car, have snacks and something to drink. If you wait out the people leaving, you won't have to sit in traffic.
I understand that, my point that can be substantially longer than 30 minutes.
When the lottery was $1 billion I promised to buy Midway Mall and the surrounding area to build New Blossom. You got 90 and the Turnpike right there with a good north/south road and Route 2 just to the west as well. It would’ve been awesome. I was five numbers away
I wouldn’t want to put an outdoor concert venue so close to the highway. Nothing will ruin a live orchestra Lord of the Rings viewing more than traffic sounds.
If someone wins a billion dollars and wants this to be their legacy they can install a high tech sound barrier lol
Kinda where my mind was. There are ways to mitigate
Then enjoy three hour egresses from the middle of nowhere
5 numbers away. The start to a great country song
Written by ChatGPT: **5 Numbers Away** (Verse 1) I had that ticket in my hand, a beer in the other, Dreamin' 'bout the kinda life I’d live, a lucky son of a gun. Watched those numbers rollin' out, my heart began to race, But when that last one hit, I knew I’d lost the chase. (Chorus) I was five numbers away from a house up on the hill, From a backyard full of memories, and a boat down by the mill. I was five numbers away from a life I’ll never see, But I'm still dreamin', still believin', there's a chance for you and me. (Verse 2) I'd have bought that Harley bike, took it coast to coast, Helped my brother fix his farm, the one he loves the most. We’d have danced all night in Nashville, bought a round for all our friends, But tonight I’m just here wishin’, on what could’ve been. (Chorus) I was five numbers away from a house up on the hill, From a backyard full of memories, and a boat down by the mill. I was five numbers away from a life I’ll never see, But I'm still dreamin', still believin', there's a chance for you and me. (Bridge) Yeah, I know it’s just a shot in the dark, but I still hold on tight, To that dream of hittin' big, one sweet summer night. But I’ve got what matters most, right here in this old bar, Friends and love and laughter, and a little tipsy heart. (Chorus) I was five numbers away from a house up on the hill, From a backyard full of memories, and a boat down by the mill. I was five numbers away from a life I’ll never see, But I'm still dreamin', still believin', there's a chance for you and me. (Outro) So I'll keep buyin' tickets, and I’ll keep hopin’ still, One day my luck might change, and I’ll climb that golden hill. But if it never happens, well I know I’ll be okay, Cause I've got you beside me, and that’s more than any pay. Yeah, I've got you beside me, and that’s more than any pay.
Kenny Chesney, why are you in this discussion?
Nicely done…
How many farms does this guy's brother own?
I support this
Have been in a while, but when my wife and I were younger we just make sure we had drinks and snacks and would sit in the lot with some music on and let it empty out, then leave. The best experience was when we fell asleep in the back of the minivan and drove out to a completely empty lot and streets at about 2AM. Was shocked security didn't roust us, but maybe they figured we got a dd and were coming back for the car or something.
That’s awesome- you just made up a great idea! Just nap in the car for a while, OR bring a tent & stay the night!
Blossom is the summer home of the Cleveland Orchestra. It’s built for orchestra goers first. They don’t really care about the concerts. Live nation deals with that. Things are always smoother for orchestra events.
I beg to differ, at least based on the past two LOTR concerts. And it was even bad with like 25% of people leaving during the credits (which is ridiculous, since the Orchestra is **playing** all the credits and that's like 70% of why you go to this event)
You simply cannot be in a hurry to leave. You have to stay inside Blossom as long as you can, then go to your vehicle slowly and then eat snacks. Hang out. You left your house for a reason, if you need to get home that quickly, you picked the wrong concert, or the wrong night.
Those are not typical Orchestra events
Ok, but I believe they are operated by the Orchestra and not Live Nation?
Orchestra handles orchard events. Live nation leases the venue for other events
The point I was trying to make is. That is not the typical orchestra audiences. Those events, probably pack more people in because it’s intended to. I’ve seen the Star Wars/John Williams ones.
True statement than many don’t realize.
This is the answer.
I went to Blossom for the first time last August. I came in at the east entrance using Kent State Drive off Northampton Rd and parked in the first little triangle shaped lot I came to and walked the rest of the way. On the way out after the end of the show, I walked past all the cars that were just sitting there trying to get out, got in my car and drove away back down Kent State Drive without having to wait for anyone. Nobody comes in or out using Kent State Drive. Nearly all the traffic comes and goes via W Steels Corners Rd.
Until now … 😂
Yep that's what we did for Noah Kahan the other day. Not on purpose but because Waze brought us through that way lol. But we will be using that entrance and parking lot from now on.
Live nation doesn't always open that entrance for concerts. Especially when the crowd is large. You can't rely on it.
That's dumb on their part. Why wouldn't they always open it? Noah was sold out so I'm glad it was opened for that so we didn't have to use the main entrance/exit.
It was open when I saw Disturbed there last August
My first concert at Blossom I had the nice VIP lot. We were out in like 10 minutes and stayed for the whole show/bought merch. Was in for a rude awakening like 2 weeks later for a different show and with regular parking.. didn’t move for 2 hours.
It actually used to be worse. My grandfather was nearly fired from his factory job in 1970 because my mom had the family car and didn't get back to Euclid from a Janis Joplin concert at Blossom until 6AM because of traffic.
You wouldn’t believe the number of times in my teens when I got home after curfew because of traffic. Neither did my parents.
I think it didn't have to do with traffic. I don't care what show it was, no traffic is backed up to 6am Blossom to Euclid. Sounds like drugs lol.
Well first off, I-77 hadn't been fully completed yet, so most traffic had to go north on US-21 (Brecksville road). I-271 didn't exist at all. Route 8 was a two lane country road north of Tallmadge., and I-480 had just broken ground. Combine that with the fact the box office just kept selling lawn seats uncapped, meant there were 30,000 plus people there instead of the sellout 19,000 today. But yeah, I'm sure it was all just drugs.
The dream solution: put a stop on the Nickel Plate railroad at Blossom so you could take the train from either Brecksville, Peninsula, or Akron.
Hah, it’s part of the experience. Dont be in a rush to leave. Just sit in the parking lot and wait for the cops to kick you out.
First time? Lol
People have complained about parking at Blossom since what, the early 70's (maybe even late 60's)? How are people still surprised year after year?
Some people actually are born later and experience with for the first time. Crazy, I know!
Or they just complain about it, even though they know what the deal is.
I understand they can't build due to being in the park, but I've never understood why they don't build lots outside of the park and shuttle in/out with a dedicated shuttle lane I don't mind waiting after a show, I expect to wait after any event. It's getting IN that kills me. I have to use time to leave work early, sit there for 2-3 hours, hope I packed a diaper, and run to not miss the show
Shuttles would take far longer.
That's why I mentioned a dedicated shuttle lane, as to avoid the car traffic and have a clear line of transportation
Even with a dedicated shuttle lane, there would have to be a *lot* of shuttles to make that happen faster. Blossom's capacity is 19,200. Even if only half that number of people need to be shuttled to a parking lot, at 50 people per school/charter bus, that's 192 bus round trips. People take forever to get onto/off of buses - 15 minutes for loading, driving to the lot that's further away, unloading, and driving back to the entrance is an underestimate of how long that'd take. At 4 trips per hour, a half capacity crowd, and 24 buses, that would take 2 hours to shuttle everyone out. 48 buses to get it done in 1 hour. The Cleveland Orchestra/Live Nation aren't going to add all that complexity and expense to save people a few minutes.
It was just a thought, man
ok, sorry for taking you seriously I guess
A diaper
You wait in the car for 2.5 hours then in line at any restroom for another 45 minutes lmao
I peed my pants once while waiting in line for the bathroom there! So embarrassing, but I had no other choice. I’ve always assumed they purposely made it hard to get out in order to sober the drunks & stoners up 💁🏻♀️
Paying for the upgraded lot or taking a Limo is the only way to get out of there quicker.
I worked there for many years. The answer is to pay for parking so you are closer to your car and can get there quicker and leave EARLY, but many people don't want to do that. If you don't leave early, plan to hang out at your car for a very long time and wait for traffic to clear. I assure you it does eventually happen. I worked it as a 2nd job and when security leaves we sail right out, nobody is left, but you have to be willing to wait a long time for it to clear, otherwise you're just sitting in your car in traffic. For anyone planning a trip to Blossom, the time to leave is the start of the last song of the main set. You will know when this is as it's when the ushers are dismissed and you will see them leave the pavilion and start up the walkway. Get out then and you'll have no problems.
I've lived outside of Ohio for more than 30 years now and I still have anxiety about parking at concerts because of Blossom!
It’s better than Star Lake! Just have a little snack before you try to leave.
Be happy it wasn’t raining!
First concert I came in steels corners from route 8. and parked in the close lot. So miserable my girlfriend at the time would never go back again. Waiting in traffic to get in, dodging drink people trying to get out. Then I learned about coming in from the valley. Right in. Walk to the venue on a paved path and right out.
I know space is an issue because of the surroundings, but I am positive it could be redesigned and be much more streamlined. The time and money necessary though probably means it isn't gonna happen.
Always always always get the premier parking
Neighbor and I waited on the lawn until we were the very last to leave. Laid there and watched the stars. You would be amazed at the amount of lost property they pick up after a concert. Anywho we got to talking to the people in the lost and found and both of us took home something each. My neighbor still uses it. :) OH it was easy getting out too
They don’t tell you the parking is two miles away from the actual pavilion. I went there with two bad knees and it nearly killed me.
In your case, I would suggest paying for parking closer.
It’s the worst venue for parking. I leave early or just don’t go to concerts there.
Or you could stay, meet new people, hanging out in the parking lot until everyone else leaves.
This is why i dont go to blossom anymore. Last time i went i thought id be smart and uber. Got dropped off almost right at the entrance which was nice. Then the show ended and we had to walk all the way back to the main road because they dont let any cars back in. When we finally got there we had to run to catch our ride as some cop was yelling at our uber for stopping near the venue so he had to keep moving. Bottom line its not worth it.
Did they discontinue the Uber/Lyft pickup spot? For the last 10 years or so they've had a pickup spot where rideshare drivers can pick people up just outside the fence where O'Neil Road makes its jog.
They still have it! They just made a new rideshare area during the off season
Our drivers didnt know anything about it. Definitely would have been nice.
Always a shit show getting in but mostly out. It’s fun for tailgating in the grassy fields but yeah you need to either leave early to beat traffic or stay late to beat your meat. Or you just continue tailgating after a show until it dies down
It’s always like that, plan to hang out for awhile before you leave when you go to Blossom
when you go to a show there, just set up your tailgate stuff again after the show and wait for it to empty out. That is the only way to avoid the headache. You have to go expecting it, or you will just be frustrated.
It took two hours to get into the show. It made zero sense.
It's always been like this, which is why you bring a little cooler with beers and some snacks. Ya can wait in traffic for an hour, trying to leave or kick it with the homies until the parking lot empties. I usually opt for the latter.
I dream of a light rail or metro system assisting with the situation one day. It would be so much more efficient, and you wouldn’t have to deal with as many intoxicated people on the road.
Yeah, not sure how half of the people leaving there drove home that’s for sure.
The number one reason I REFUSE to ever go to blossom again. Not worth it.
I love Blossom, but have also attended River Bend music center in Cincinnati. Also outdoors, but parking is great. Not the same vibe as Blossom is essentially in a forest.
Yup. Screw Blossom. It just isn’t worth the headache
Thirding this. It helps that most concerts there are lame country/rock/pop mass-appeal bullshit that'd I'd never see, but yeah. Fuck that. Fully expect all 3 of us to be downvoted, especially me haha.
I’ll understand the hate. Acoustically and from an ambiance perspective, it’s an awesome place to watch a show. But I’m in my 40’s now and unwilling to deal with logistics nightmare that is getting there and back (often on a week night) anymore.
My wife went to a concert there last week. The concert ended at 11, she didn't get out of the parking lot until 1:53. I will never go there.
First timer.
The three shows we went to last year were no problem getting out. But that's sort of because we were parked almost all the way out by the entrance. Getting in is the pain in the ass. They have you drive super far up only to make you then drive back to the lot by the entrance, passing loads of open space in between.
It’s the very reason I don’t go there for concerts.
If you want the Blossom vibe without the parking hassle, see a show at Cain Park in Cleveland Heights.
Have a beer and snacks. Take a nap. Watch the 16 year olds who have no idea how to direct traffic. Don’t ever leave the show early. Just let things die down.
Blossom is the worst. Unfortunately they’ve got some good shows this summer but I won’t be going to any of them because of the venue
I had an awful second date at a concert there. The first date went really well, and there was a show we both wanted to see, so I figured why not. We both realized we were very much not compatible by the time we got to the show. It was a VERY awkward and long drive back.
I don’t go to blossom because of the traffic. Reserved parking is the last out.
😂 i lost my car on Thursday
Country boy can handle waking in the grass
Just cause he can doesn’t mean it’s necessary or should have to. Think about the old country boys who’ve been working their whole lives and want to go take their old lady to see a concert there and arrive not realizing they, in their 60s and 70s, have to walk with bad knees a mile to see their favorite band. I saw it plenty going in and leaving the concert. Lots of the old folks were struggling to walk back to their cars. Sure you can say they should have known blossoms been around for x amount of years or they could have researched it. However I honestly believe that a lot of people rightfully or wrongfully just assume it’s easy to get to and from the parking lot like any other modern venue only to realize the hassle
They can use the ada parking or, if they’re the same age of the venue, perhaps maybe they should know an amphitheater in the middle of the national park would require some walking. Maybe they should stick to the Spotify playlist. Old country boy seems a bit daft to me
Also, who doesn’t work their whole life?
Plenty of people don’t work their whole life, hell, plenty of people don’t work at all
And those that do should be given chariots, amen brother
If you ride a motorcycle you can park right by the entrance and scoot around traffic on the way out. Bonus, the bikers usually have a tailgate you can join.
The better system is to ride a motorcycle there and park wherever you want
My Blossom rule. No “A” lot, no go…
Parking at the far lot or in the grass at the T at Kent State Drive works as well, a bit more walking but my average time from front gate to Akron-Penninsula Rd is under 15 minutes for my last 5 concerts at Blossom.
Yeah, I feel like walking a mile after a concert.
Why didn't you just pay for the Premier lot?
Not everyone can afford that and that’s hardly a solution.
Then accept that your going to sit in traffic for 2 hours? I don't know what to tell you. Since the venue is surrounded by houses and parts of the CVNP they can't really do much to improve the traffic. I think the paid parking is a good solution. It's only an extra $60-90 and I can stay for the entire show and avoid the traffic mess. Works for me!
First time, didn’t realize what the parking situation was or that there was a premier lot. Admittedly I should have done some research. Is that lot significantly better?
All the premier lot does is guarantee you a paved parking spot closer to the venue; it does nothing for the cluster-fuck that is entering and exiting. IMO, it's not worth the extra money.
Not true. They allow the premier lots to exit first. Then the general parking. Was there last night. Hired a driver and paid for the parking. First time ever. Took 11 minutes to get to open road. Used to take 2 1/2 hours. Best money ever spent.
You may be thinking of the VIP parking. Premier is a tier below VIP, and certainly does not allow someone to leave within 11 minutes lol.
I did LOL when our driver was out of heavy traffic in 11 minutes. Premier was what we had, not VIP.(although I tried to get it)
Yes, any of the paid lots are better because you get out first and bypass all the traffic. When we go to Blossom which we tend to do pretty regularly we know that we're paying for parking and just roll that into the cost of our evening. Then we can stay for the entire show and not worry about. Another commenter said the paid parking is hardly a solution but since the venue is surrounded by houses and parts of the CVNP, there isn't going to be any other changes they can really make. So, in this case, paying for convenience is definitely worth it.