Can you feel it? We are 1. Day. Away. Tomorrow morning, we will be running around the LaGuardia Plaza Hotel in an effort to score autographs and photo ops from our favorite professional wrestlers of the past, present, and future.
The Big Event is truly just that – a big event. It’s something that’s both crazy and fun. It’s exhausting and thrilling. It’s expensive and rewarding. It’s absolutely awesome.
Some of you are attending your very first Big Event but fear not! I’m going to share some useful tips that will give you a better feel of what to expect tomorrow morning.
Breathe
Big Event can be overwhelming. There’s A LOT of people – and that’s okay. They’re fellow fans, people who share the same interests as you do. Don’t let the crowded space get to you. Just be sure to be aware of your surroundings.
Arrive Early For Premium Parking Space and For Peace of Mind
So here’s the deal with the venue…parking is VERY limited. The LaGuardia Plaza Hotel shares a parking lot and a small garage with its neighboring hotel, The Hampton Inn, and those spots are filled insanely fast.
You can park on the street but be prepared to park several blocks away.
If you want to avoid the headache of parking, arrive as early as you can or take public transportation to the hotel if you can.
Also…if you’re early, you’re usually at the front of the line. This is crucial if you want to meet a lot of wrestlers.
Layout of the Event
I’ll do my best to give you a layout of the event:
The lobby is where you’ll pick up or purchase your General Admission tickets. There will likely be a few vendors stationed throughout the length of the lobby, usually the smaller name guests. Sometimes, they’ll put a bigger name toward the end of the lobby.
There’s also a back room right near the bar area that I believe Bret Hart will be signing in. Just find the bar and you’ll likely see a line of people waiting to enter a small back room.
You’ll see an opening in the lobby on the left-hand side. This is the ballroom where Mike Tyson is supposed to be signing.
Immediately following the lobby is a narrow corridor that will be JAM PACKED. A handful of wrestlers will be stationed here. This is easily the most congested part of the hotel as people are moving in and out.
If you continue forward, you’ll be in the main vendor room. This is where the majority of the talent will be.
If you chose to make a right, you’ll leave the corridor and will be right outside huge double doors that lead to a staircase. This staircase leads to the auditorium where Sting will likely be signing. There’s probably going to be a long line of people waiting in front of those double doors.
Have Your Receipts Handy
If you’re #TeamPreOrder like me, you’ll definitely need to printout your PayPal receipts. You must present these receipts to each vendor before you meet their talent. If you cannot print them out, access them from your phone’s Email app.
Some vendors like TMART require you to turn in your Paypal receipts for physical tickets (Big Event does this too).
Also, if you’re given tickets, make sure you have everything that you paid for. Look our your receipts and make sure everything is in order. If you’re missing something, talk to the appropriate vendor and they’ll take care of you as long as you show proof.
Take Out Cash Before Coming to the Event
There are a few ATMs throughout the hotel; however, they quickly run out of cash or breakdown altogether, so it’s highly advised that you take out some dough before coming to the Event.
Most Guests Leave Around 2:00 PM
You’ll start seeing guests depart the convention ~2:00 PM, so keep that in mind – ESPECIALLY if you plan on getting most of the headliner guests plus a bunch of vendor guests.
Be Prepared to Have Your Items/Camera Out
This is probably my biggest pet peeve. I absolutely hate when someone is next inline to get an autograph and they don’t have their item(s) out ahead of time. This is especially true for my fellow Encyclopedia people. Have everything out! If you’re taking a photo, make sure your camera is on and ready to go. Please be mindful that time is of the essence not only for you but for the wrestlers and fellow fans.
Thank the Wrestlers and the Vendors
Just as the title says. You should take the time to thank the wrestlers for coming down. And, while you’re at it, it’s always great if you thank the vendors for bringing in their talent.
Squared Circle Conventions 