U2 Show

The U2 concert was great but the traffic situation was inexcuseable. We were lucky because we made it in just in time to see U2 and our car wasn't towed. After traveling only the distance of the exit ramp to Wade Avenue in an hour and 15 minutes and facing the realization that we could possibly sit within almost a stone's throw of the stadium and lose the $200+ we'd spent on tickets as well as the opportunity to see a long-awaited U2 show, we decided to take our chances and park since we did not see any signs specifically prohibiting it and reasoning that they couldn't tow us all. According to your article, the state police "warned motorists of significant traffic congestion" implying that they were aware a few thousand people would be arriving to see a show that began at 7 PM. I would say that not knowing that "too many people [would be] trying to go to the venue at one time" is itself a complete lack of planning on their part. Have none of troopers in command ever been to a concert? Exactly when did they think everyone would arrive? As we walked towards the stadium we didn't pass a single patrol car nor was anyone providing any information about what was going on to those of us who finally elected to park our vehicles and walk. I read a comment posted on U2.com that said, after sitting in traffic for 3 hours, "lo and behold, the idiots running the parking lots decided to open up the lot closest to the stadium and we parked 20 yards from our gate". Sadly, they missed the first 6 songs U2 performed and for which they paid. I understand some missed even more. The DJ on 96.1 indicated that some callers said a large part of the problem was caused by motorists being allowed to turn into full lots then having to be reintroduced into the traffic flow. The traffic picture attached is of the traffic behind us at 8:20 PM. I also posted a comment on U2.com, reminding them that we didn't handle things so inefficiently down in Gamecock Country when they played at Williams Brice, nor were there any parking issues when they played at Clemson. I have an idea that we won't have to drive as far for the next U2 concert we see in the Carolinas.