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As I entered the arena and started down the aisle to the floor and my seat, I was reminded of the last time I had seen a show at the Arco. It was a hot August night in 1997, and the star was none other than Garth Brooks. What memories I had of that night.
As I reached the floor, I realized just how small the arena really is. I gazed at the three large screens, one directly behind the stage, and two near the rafters on the back sides. I kept walking forward, watching the chalked letters on the arena floor for my row. When I finally reached it, I was amazed. I wasn't in the fifth row, but the second row. Apparently the seats started at row "D". I was slightly to the left of the stage, but still within 15 or so feet of where the stars would be singing.
Vendors walked up and down the rows of seats selling snacks and beverages, and I bought a water and waited for the show to begin.
At 7:30, the Warren Brothers strolled on stage armed only with a guitar each, and Brett had a harmonica, as well. I wasn't thinking about the set list while they played, but I did take pictures. After taking about 11 photos, one of the security people leaned over the row and told me that I'd have to stop taking pictures. The show was on at the time, and I tried explaining to him that I wasn't taking video, it was a digital camera. He then told me that they don't allow digital photos. In other words, if I had a normal camera, I would be able to take as many photos as I wanted from my oh-so-close position. But just because I had a digital camera, I couldn't. He claimed there were signs out front, and he hung them himself.
I didn't see any coming in, OR going out. This put a damper on the show for me in that I have only the few photos of the Warren Brothers, but none of Tim or the Chicks. Suffice it to say I won't be going to any more concerts at arenas. I'll be sticking to fairs when possible, so I don't have this problem. (Now if I could just remember my camera. :X See Diamond Rio review.)
What I do remember from the Warren Brothers set was they mentioned they would be having a song on the soundtrack of "For the Love of the Game," which is a Kevin Costner movie. (Garth is having one of his Chris Gaines songs on this soundtrack as well.) I can't remember the name of the song though. I think it might have been "King of Nothing" of "Top of the World." Also they mentioned they were lucky to be there as their busdriver was arrested for drunk driving on the way to the show. They said it's pretty bad when the bus driver is partying harder than the band.