What you need to know about Saratoga State Park and SPAC (with maps!)
A lot of chatter in the past few days and weeks about the situation at SPAC regarding the increased police presence and no-alcohol policy (with ticket enforcement and arrest potential) has led to alot of people wondering ‘So what do we do?’
Well, the great minds at PhanArt sat down to think about this one. We got distracted by an adorable kitten, but then we pulled it together and came up with some things fans need to keep in mind.
Follow PhanArt on Twitter and helpful hints will abound throughout the weekend.
Things to keep in mind as you venture to SPAC on the 19th and 20th:
DMB played a few weeks ago. The cops were in full force to scare people and limit teen-drunk driving, and drunk driving in general. Therefore, Phish at SPAC will be a hardcore money maker for cash-strapped Saratoga County and they wont hesitate to ticket you. The parks are on the brink of bankruptcy and the fines levied will keep it open. And the cops get paid.
The cops will be looking for drugs more than booze with the older crowd. They see you drinking, dip in a stick detector for alcohol, and then they can search you. Arcane? Yes. Illegal? Possibly. Outlandish and Insane? Yup.
Hotels have been given a contact number to call if they suspect drug use. So be careful when you are pre-gaming at the hotel or getting back and trying to enjoy the post-show scene or get some sleep.
Post show, there will be checkpoints for drunk driving and K-9 units for the obvious.
Overall, this is a perfect shit storm and leads to more money to keep the park open, as well as fund law enforcement. Weak economy + ineffective NYS Government = lets hit up the Phish fans for cash!
Prediction for SPAC – Makisupa Policeman opener. Heard it here first!
And hey, if you are around on Sunday and are milling around, wondering what to do, check out the 42′ and PhanArt Poster Show at 42 Degrees Art Gallery in Glens Falls, just 15 minutes north of the venue. More details and solid directions can be found here.
With all this being said, some maps and directions are in order.
Saratoga State Park and SPAC can be confusing as hell to find your way around, whether is 2pm or 2am. Wind up on the wrong path and its another hour of walking. Try to meet with friends and it’s a non-starter.
Fortunately Saratoga State Park has a solid map finally that fans can use to navigate around. Share them with friends and phamily. If you want to meet up, this is the best tool you can use
DL link: spac map
Hi-
Went to the 6/4 DMB show. Troopers are uniformed (no hats)- but watch for additional plained clothed cops who will enter in-between parked cars. They can be spotted wearing black polos and Khakis .
A park pickup drives down the isle that serves as recepticle for cooler contents. The truck is flanked by minimum 2 cops. Tickets issued on site to minors.
Premier parking was not harrassed the way the typical lot on the other side of Rt 50 was.
Boycott alcohol sales inside the venue.
Saturday will be my 1st concert at SPAC. I heard about the crackdown from a Saratoga resident. Called SPAC yesterday – they say a lot of phans hang out in Spa Park before the show – is this true? I’ll take the family there, see what’s what. Kids are 20 and 17. This will be their 1st Phish show. They’re even more psyched than we are!
Similar situation at MPP last year. opener: crowd control
Easy Solution, Go to the Show Sober and enjoy the MUSIC! You will have No Worries and will be able to find your car. You can always party when you get home.