So, I’m in Chicago. NXT Takeover and Backlash are coming. We had a little extra cash left over this month (not a lot, but…), and figured, hey, we’ve only ever been to a WWE show once, and that was for a Raw taping back in 2013 or so, back when CM Punk was feuding with Ryback and RVD was on the roster for a bit.
Originally, we were thinking we’d go for NXT tickets, because they’re cheaper… but then we thought about it. The NXT card is good, but not OMG great. Backlash, on the other hand, is going to have KO vs. AJ Styles… and more importantly, it’ll have SHINSUKE FREAKING NAKAMURA in his debut main roster match. Worth the extra money, even for what are still nosebleed seats. We’ve never been to a PPV, so we figure this is going to be a different vibe from Raw.
So here’s my questions for you, who are all more familiar with going to PPV events than myself.
1) If the show is scheduled to start at 6:30, what time should we really get there by?
2) If I wanted to try and get autographs from wrestlers before or after the show, is that even possible, and if so, how would I go about it?
3) Any general tips for seeing a PPV from nosebleed seats? Things we should bring or avoid?
4) Any suggestions on what sign I should make, if any? 🙂
Also… anyone else from Chicago going? Nathan Paoletta, how about you?
I’m not from Chicago, I’m from Wisconsin, but I am coming in for the NXT show. Had to choose one or the other, and the coin flip wound up on NXT.
Hold up a big sign so if you wind up on TV I can be all I KNOW THAT DUDE
Jeff Johnston My only worry is that since I’m up in the high nosebleed seats, that it’s likely the sign wouldn’t ever be seen on TV. I’m open to sign suggestions, though!
Isaac Sher It’s at Allstate, right? I’ve been to one WWE show there, the cheap seats are actually pretty good, it’s not a huge arena. If you can get seats directly facing the titantron that’s probably ideal, you’ll be looking at that a lot (you can watch the guys in the ring but they are pretty far away/small). I don’t recall if they do the screens over the ring facing the other sides of the arena or not there (so this might be moot) but I would take seats facing the ramp over seats that are a few rows closer but are on the sides where you’d be craning your neck to see the tron.
Show up about half an hour early for parking and finding your seats, earlier if you want to get food there or make sure to see the dark match(s), I guess? It’s a well-oiled machine over there.
From the balcony, there’s almost no chance that your sign will be on TV. Sorry!
I have no idea about autographs, I don’t think they do anything organized. You might be able to get autographed merch, there’s a bunch of merch stands.
I won’t be going (I can’t give money to the WWE these days) but the big PPV live experience is pretty dang fun and I’m sure Nakamura will blow the roof off the place!