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Now, if you read the description, yes, I seriously got Floor Seats for $40. No joke. The explanation how will be included in the story, as well, as it plays a key part in my whole experience.
Day 1:
I had never seen so many SONE's in my life. When I got into the room, I set out to look for my fellow crew...only to realize I had no idea what they looked like. Finally, I saw a group of guys standing around with video cameras, and learned that they were Triangle and the gang. After rounding up everybody, we signed the poster Triangle mentioned in his recap, and I made sure to tell JeTi how I felt. We also went to the K-boo meetup, which was packed. After a few more events, including the dance battle, fanchants, and meeting & interviewing Soy and the DJ's, I headed first to the Sheraton to grab my bags, and then to the JW Marriott, where everybody dumped their footage onto my camera for safe-keeping. At the time, I bought a better ticket off of JimmyDean, who was looking to recoup some of his losses. I went from PR12 to 119. Not a bad jump at all. With the clock hitting 6:30, I went to my room at the Marriott, packed up, and headed to the venue.
The mob of people that greeted me was astounding. Never had I seen such a turn-out...well, for a concert. Fans of all shapes, sizes, and races were mingling with another, just waiting for the doors to open. I waited patiently, as I had some extra tickets in the PR's that I promised my friends coming in from 'SD that they would have. I had no worry when it came to coming in on-time, as my seat was secured.
Then, something strange happened.
While waiting around, a pretty girl came up, and asked if I wanted to buy Floor seats. Obviously, I was aware of scalpers, but I decided to ask her how much she wanted. She told me to make her an offer. Being strapped for cash, the best I could do was $40. She was obviously a little disappointed, but told me "Give me your number, just in case." We exchange numbers, and I continued to wait for my friends, being joined soon by Noodleboie, who I had talked to frequently on the forum, but never in-person. We were waiting for the line to disperse, when suddenly, it happened.
She called me back.
"Still want the ticket?", she asked kindly.
"Yes...yes, I would."
Meeting at the same spot as last time, she produced a genuine ticket, and with Noodle's help, I paid her for the $40 for Floor 3, Section 16, Seat 15(sic). We exchange good-bye's and thank you's, though, if I had known what was in store, I would have embraced her right then and there.
I met with the SONE's still waiting, and when I told them the news and seat number, DJ CESCA informed me that some of the floor seats got moved around, and I should check the box office to make sure mine was valid. I went to the box office, but I deep down, I knew the girl who sold me the ticket was trustworthy. I presented the ticket to the attendant, and she said "Hold on a second", as she went to the back. She came back with a different colored ticket, and told me "There was some problems with the seats, so people got moved around. This is your new ticket. Please enjoy the concert." I looked at, and my jaw dropped:
FLOOR 4, ROW B, SEAT 12
I finally had it. After being denied floor seats on the day they went on sale(See here:http://soshified.com/forums/index.php/topic/48472-staples-center-horror/page__p__2713802__hl__Staples%20Center__fromsearch__1&#entry2713802), I finally had gotten in my grasp, and at the fraction of the cost.
Once I had that ticket in hand, I rushed over to give my friends their tickets. When I sent them on there way, Noodle and I entered the venue. I sold him my Section 119 for $40 after briefly checking that my Floor seat was valid at the entrance, and we parted ways. Within 3 minutes, I was in my seat, which turned out to the be the second, and since I was taller than the girls in-front of me, I had an ideal view. I learned that the person next to me was fellow Dave and SSF member Rev // Dave and his friend. Obviously they were shocked when I told them of luck when it came to acquiring the ticket. I then sat down, and started enjoying the concert, tears held back from joy.
I am not going to go into huge detail about all the songs/artists, as I'll leave a link to my Tumblr for that. This is mostly about SNSD, so I'll try to keep it mostly to that. Still, here are a few pictures to illustrate my luck:
The girls were gorgeous up close, as to be expected. During their aisle walking while performing Sunny came by mine. I fanboyed out, and started moving towards the stage, and while I had my hand out...I felt it. It was like a little kid's hand. Sunny touched mine! I was ecstatic, and spazzed out. Not long after, Seohyun came around...and it happened again. It was harder to reach her, but at the last second, I felt some fingers brush my hand from the front...which meant she got mine, too! 2 girls in 1 song, who would have thought!?!? Yoona came by for "Way to Go", I believe, and I briefly got to do the same with her.
When all was said and done, I couldn't believe it had all happened. From camping out for nothing, to getting Floor Seats at 1/4th the cost, to touching the hands of the artists I so loved, it was amazing. As I left the venue, I raised my arms in triumph, which probably looked strange to some people, but I didn't care. I had won my battle with fate.
After exiting the venue, I passed by the Conga Room, where I was lucky enough to get a peek at Jessica when she came by the window. Proceeding, I made it to the Sheraton, where my other forum was having an after-party. As this is an "all-ages" forum, I will spare you the details of that, and just cut to me stumbling back to the Marriott at 3 AM, and after finally meeting fellow photographer RagingXL, I headed back up to the room with my roommate itgscv.
The next day was fun, but it would not match what had happened before. I will say that it was enjoyable, and shopping for CD's has never been more fun.
Ending it all, I would easily say that even though the concert was minutes from my house, the girls took my heart back to Korea when they left. I am very glad to have met all the SONE's, and if I didn't, I know we'll meet one day. To the film crew, you were awesome, and we have some great footage. To Soy and the meet-up team, you guys put on something that every fandom should strive for when it comes to a meet-up. And to those who couldn't make it, don't worry. I have a feeling they will be back next year.
Lastly, though, I want to thank the girl who sold me the Floor Seat for $40. Thank you for doing so. I am sorry you were unable to fully recoup your loses, but at least I managed to relieve some of the burden regarding finances. The seat was amazing for that price, and I really don't think I would have had the same experience from my original seat. I touched the hands of SNSD,SHINee, and Super Junior, and that alone was worth it. You probably won't ever get the chance to read this, but if you do, I'd like to take out as a token of my appreciation. Thank you for making my night, and God Bless.
Well, that's my bloated fan account. Sorry if my structure was off, but it's pretty late out here. I'll probably update it once I remember more of what happens, but until then, I'm SNSDave, and this is my story.
Thank you for reading, and God Bless you all.
PS:
Not sure where to put this, but during the second time Jessica was around(which I failed to mention and missed), the founder of JPHIP managed to present her with this award to give to Yuri:
I'll let you all take a close look at what it read, and try to argue with that.
Edited by SNSDave, 28 February 2012 - 10:56 PM.
