If you decide that the Dead and Company Residency is something that you just have to experience (and if you consider yourself a Deadhead, you really should experience it) here are some helpful tips so that you don't have to spend your kids college funds or mortgage your house or max your credit cards to make it all happen. We all LOVE this band, we all have already spent a fortune following them around, we all have the t-shirt. If you want to go and be a high roller Vegas style, go for it. I'm not going to tell you how to spend your money. However, if you're wondering how to make this happen AND still be responsible and do all the other things in your life this is the list for you.
Look at all the remaining shows they're playing and choose a weekend that works for you. I will share that Las Vegas only gets HOTTER as the summer wears on and so the cost for hotel accommodations tend to drop. However, I'd absolutely skip JULY 4th weekend (lots of people have that as a built in HOLIDAY) and I might not go for the shows on August 1 simply because that is Jerry's BIRTHDAY and, well, Jerry's Birthday.
If you're flying, try to fly in the day before your FIRST show. Whatever day you're thinking that will be. Not everyone wants or needs to go to all three shows in a weekend run, but I will admit that it is absolutely exhilarating after experiencing the FIRST one to know that you've got at least one more. The reason I'm telling you to come the day BEFORE is because so many people have already missed their shows COMPLETELY because their flights were changed/rescheduled/cancelled. You do not want this to be you.
There are thousands of options for places to actually stay in Vegas, but I am going to recommend that you choose one of the many that are walking distance to the SPHERE and I'm also going to recommend that you take advantage of the ones that have a kitchen. Highly recommend Holiday Inn Club Vacations at Desert Club Resort. You get everything you need including a view of the SPHERE. There's no gambling, quiet, a kitchen, coffee makers (these are NOT available at the VENETIAN) and swimming pools!
Ask your LYFT or UBER driver to take you from the airport to the grocery store of your choice before going to your hotel, especially if you're staying at one with a kitchen. STOCK UP on lots of water and electrolytes, but also foods that will make you happy during your stay. Things you usually eat. Not too much, but enough. This way you don't have to eat out for every meal. I never ate out for a single meal the entire time I was in Vegas, but that's just me. You're going to want to be sure that you're always drinking WATER, as well as ELECTROLYTES. You get dehydrated in Vegas very quickly. They allow you to bring a CLEAR empty water bottle into the show, so I actually did this along with an electrolyte packet. Emptied it into my water bottle. Had electrolyte water to drink for each show. I can't stress this enough. You're going to be walking a lot. You're going to be DANCING a lot. You need to pace yourself, but just make sure you HYDRATE.
Do not buy your tickets in advance. You're a deadhead, tried and true. You do not need to do this. Cash or Trade and TickPick are your very best friends. Ask me how I know? If there are a whole slew of you coming, well, you may want to be more assured that you have your tickets. Even so, I highly recommend you watch the forums and these sights and even put out a request for the tickets that you need. You will absolutely find what you want. Anything in sections 104/105 or 204/205 or if you really love GA then GA will make your whole experience. The 400 level is just VERTIGO inducing, but I am an OLD LADY and YMMV. Also, just talk to people. I found a ticket just by mentioning to someone randomly while helping him with his poster at the Merch Booth. I will also share this observation: I was out in the hallways on the 100 level for a bit and I had the WHOLE PLACE to myself and thought..."Wow, in the before times this would have been FILLED with spinners." The sound was better out there than any arena anywhere I've ever been. Back to TICKETS: Watch Cash or Trade and TickPick. Make an ISO on Cash or Trade for your tickets specifically. As with everything, the closer you get to the actual SHOW, the lower the ticket price goes AND you can negotiate. MIRACLES do happen. Do not panic. We never panic. The ticket will always show up and it will be exactly the one that you're supposed to have.
Take a walk through SHAKEDOWN STREET and the GRATEFUL DEAD EXPERIENCE at the Venetian. Let people know that you're looking for tickets (I had a sign!). But also just soak in the glory of being there with your extended FAMILY of 18,000 other fans who love this band as much as you do. Buy a t-shirt (because you know that you want to) or a sticker. Support these artists...they're our family! SHAKEDOWN STREET is located in the TUSCANY RESORTS. SHAKEDOWN SHUTTLE SERVICES provides a donation based shuttle between Shakedown and various resorts. Also other spots. Definitely worth supporting them!
Eat before you go to the show. Of course they sell food and drinks inside the SPHERE. You're far better off eating before you get there. Again, I'm not going to tell you what to eat, but I am going to tell you to HYDRATE. I'll mention here, that you also want to wear really comfortable shoes. The entire place is CONCRETE. Also, it's COLD. Or it was for me. The second night I was freezing in my 204 seat. The ushers/security could not be kinder or more helpful. I am going to share here that if you happen to have NARCAN and you know how to administer it, I'd suggest bringing it with you. You may save a life.
So, to repeat:
Eat. Hydrate. Comfortable Shoes. Water Bottle. Electrolytes. TICKET!!! (because by now I'm sure you've found one).
Let's go see this incredible show!!!!
Wake up to find out...Rinse. Repeat. As I've mentioned, you need to pace yourself. If you have a pool at your spot, take advantage of it. SOAK. But do not overdo it in the SUN. Naps are a good idea. Rest. Vegas is high over stimulation. You get PLENTY OF THAT at the show. Again, I'm not going to tell you how to live your life. You do you, boo. I will just share that dropping over and passing out inside the SPHERE is not the way you want to remember this experience.
There's nothing left to do but smile, smile, smile. Enjoy. I really believe that all of us who have ever stood there at any time in our lives and born witness to the glory that is this band should share in this experience. It is just that great. xo
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