For the longest time I only averaged one show a year and having them come to Dicks makes it possible for us to do more. Dicks was a quiet underdog. I was skeptical and wishing they did a long run at Red Rocks instead - if they can do at MSG, why not RR? The post is so right in so many ways....the first 2, maybe even 3 (?) years, you could walk up to the ticket window the day of the show no problem. The venue sold me that first year with great sound, easy in / out parking and for us.....it's about a 30 min. drive. Also, we struggled to get in Friday night this year (that was a bit of a cluster) and sat in the corner stands for the first time. But we were not disappointed because there's not a bad spot in the place. For me, it's also that magical end of summer time of year, too, that adds something special. End of summer, beginning of fall, is my fav time of year. IMDANO mentioned that it's getting dark by the time they hit the stage. The beautiful CO weather, welcoming cool breezes flowing as they come out....it's something to look forward to every year. And, yes, the Shakedown scene is one of the best around. Not the same this year, but there was a decent after-show one last night. The security / police and Dicks staff get it. They let us Phans be us. I spoke with one of the staff at a Rapids game about a month ago and she said she loves working the Phish run. We're good, fun people who don't (for the most part!) cause trouble. It's not unusual to see the bar staff on the floor getting down Oh, and a shout out to, local, Brothers of Brass band who have been rocking the lot each night the last couple years!