Lunch of Champions

Public Service Announcement: Getting Through the Crowds

Perhaps you’re a rocker feeling his age and forgot how to move through concert crowds, or maybe you just spent most of the night chatting someone up at the bar and decided at the last minute that you wanted to stand right in front of the stage.  Well, on behalf of concert goers already there packed in like anchovies, I beg you, please take a deep breath and look around before diving in. Although the crowd may be a little younger and a little softer these days, don’t expect everyone to be a push-toy that gives way to your jabbing shoulders and elbows.

Here’s are some excerpts from a wiki post on how to navigate without being the jerk:

“Take a second to observe the situation, keeping in mind that the same tactics for navigating subway crowds may not work for concert crowds or market crowds. Also, this might reveal a path you would not have seen before.”

“For fixed crowds like concerts or markets, you may need to be flexible; a little patient persistence is key, and people who can feel a constant (but gentle) pressure will often step aside.”

“…beat the crowd by being at that place earlier or using alternative routes.”

“Scan the floor space directly ahead of you, and anticipate your route around slower walkers and obstacles.”

“If you must get through a dense standing crowd, …clearly indicate the direction in which you wish to move, and say authoritatively, “Excuse me.”

“Don’t step on people. If you do, apologize and be on your way. If people bump into you, don’t get annoyed. Just move on.”

So basic, but so many so often seem to forget this.  See you on the floor, folks!