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First Entry Instructions

Dave Matthews Band Concert First Entry® Implementation Guide for Venues

This guide outlines the official implementation process for First Entry at Dave Matthews Band concerts. It is written for venue managers and staff to ensure a smooth, fair, and secure early entry experience for selected participants.

✅ Why Dave Matthews Band Implements First Entry

  • Reduces early arrival congestion and eliminates unofficial or unsanctioned fan lines forming outside the venue before doors open.
  • Ensures fairness by using a verified, randomized selection system tied to identity-verified registration, preventing line-cutting and favoritism.
  • Improves security and operational control by integrating directly with existing ticketing systems and enforcing structured access protocols.
  • Creates a respectful, organized, and equitable entry process, ensuring all selected participants enjoy a calm, fan-first experience.

📝 Step 1: Registration Process

  • A public registration link is distributed by the Dave Matthews Band team.
  • Each participant is allowed to submit only one registration entry. Duplicate entries are automatically detected and removed by the First Entry system to ensure fairness.
  • Participants must enter their full legal name exactly as it appears on their government-issued photo ID. All names will be identity-verified at check-in—no nicknames or abbreviations are accepted.
  • Only General Admission (GA) floor ticket holders are eligible to register for First Entry. Registrants without a valid GA floor ticket will not be considered.
  • Venue staff are not involved in or responsible for the registration process. All registration logistics and verifications are managed by the First Entry system and the tour team.

📩 Step 2: Winner Selection and Notification

  • The First Entry system handles winner selection internally using a secure randomized system or another approved method set by the artist team.
  • Each winner receives:
    • Email confirmation verifying their selection
    • Encrypted QR code linked to their First Entry profile
    • Queuing number used for holding area and floor entry sequencing
    • Assigned check-in time and location with arrival instructions
  • Non-winners are notified with a thank-you message confirming they were not selected.

🔍 Step 3: Venue Check-In Setup & Identity Verification

Venue Responsibilities:

  • Provide 1 table and 2 chairs in an area near the proposed gate to be used, and that is accessible and out of direct foot traffic.
  • The GA pit Wristbands to be used for the ENTIRE pit and First Entry are supplied by the Tour (same wristband). These wristbands are numbered sequentially and will match the queuing position for the First Entry Winners (while all of the pit wristbands are numbered, this is for the specific allotment number and not for any other positioning in the pit).
  • The Tour also carries pennant signage so participants can easily locate the area upon arrival. Have your operations team meet with Dun Hutnick for placement and retrieval.
  • Designate the holding and staging areas as close as possible to the actual GA Pit entrance gate to reduce unnecessary movement and ensure an efficient, controlled transfer of First Entry winners to the venue Pit.

Required Staff (2 Total):

  • Staff Member 1 – ID Verification:
    • Responsible for verifying the identities of both the participant and their guest (if applicable).
    • Cross-checks the provided government-issued photo ID with the name listed in the registration confirmation email.
    • ⚠️ All personal details, including full name and facial features, must match the presented ID before proceeding. No nicknames, shortened names, or altered spellings are permitted.
    • Participants with unmatched IDs will be referred to the event supervisor for final determination and may be denied access.
  • Staff Member 2 – Wristbands:
    • Retrieves the confirmed queuing number from the participant’s registration data.
    • Each person/participant and guest receives an individual wristband with their respective queuing number. Each wristband must be securely applied to the participant and guest (if applicable), ensuring it cannot be easily removed or transferred.

🚧 Step 4: Holding Area Management

  • After completing check-in, participants are directed to a supervised primary holding area. It is acceptable during check in to advised the winner to return ar 5:30 PM to begin queuing (based on 6:00 opening). They go not need to immediately go to holding area.
  • Structured Lane System:
    • Organize participants into Two clearly designated lanes (or adjust based on space availability). One is for the winners, the second is for all other Fan Club members.
    • Staff should be stationed at each lane to guide participants and ensure proper placement.
  • Escorted Entry:
    • Participants are escorted into the venue in strict queuing number order.

🔐 Step 5: Security Check and Ticketmaster Ticket Scanning

  • Begin venue security screening approximately 15 minutes prior to door opening time. Participants should be processed in the order they are assigned, following staff direction.
  • Venue Security Protocol:
    • All participants must comply with venue security regulations, including:
      • Bag inspections
      • Metal detectors or handheld wanding
      • Prohibited item checks
  • Ticket Scanning:
    • After passing security screening, participants must scan their General Admission (GA) ticket using the venue’s official Ticketmaster scanners.
    • The ticket scan confirms their eligibility to enter the venue and activates their access for First Entry privileges.
  • Access Requirements:
    • ✅ First Entry access is only granted if the participant:
      • Successfully passes all security screening
      • Scans a valid GA ticket at the designated scanner
    • ❌ Failure to complete either of these steps results in immediate disqualification from First Entry access, regardless of prior confirmation.
  • Staff and security must work together to ensure this phase is executed with strict rule enforcement and clear participant guidance.

🚧 Step 6: Secondary Holding Area

  • After clearing security and scanning tickets, participants enter the secondary holding area.
  • This is the final staging area before floor entry.
  • Enforce strict queue order. No reshuffling or jumping permitted.
  • Important: Participants must remain in assigned order. No exceptions.
  • Use staff to prevent unauthorized repositioning.
  • No Re-Entry: Leaving forfeits First Entry access.

🚶 Step 7: Controlled Entry to the Venue Floor

  • When floor access begins, participants are escorted to the venue floor in strict queuing number order. This process ensures fairness and preserves the integrity of the First Entry system.
  • Flow Management:
    • Use rope lines, cones, stanchions, or direct staff guidance to lead participants from the holding area to the venue floor.
    • Clearly mark entry paths and keep them unobstructed to maintain a smooth flow.
    • Only verified and wristbanded participants may proceed—no re-entry or substitutions are allowed.
  • Behavior Expectations:
    • Running, cutting, pushing, or aggressive behavior is strictly prohibited.
    • Participants must walk calmly, stay in order, and follow staff instructions at all times.
    • Staff and security should issue verbal reminders to reinforce respectful conduct throughout the process.
  • Security Oversight:
    • Dedicated security personnel must be stationed along the entry path and at transition points.
    • Security is responsible for enforcing rules, addressing disruptions, and ensuring a calm and controlled environment.
    • Any disorderly conduct should result in immediate intervention and, if necessary, removal from the First Entry process.
  • The goal is to provide a safe, respectful, and efficient transition onto the venue floor, honoring queuing order and participant experience.

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