What to expect at drive-in concerts in Phoenix

Drive-in concerts are drawing crowds to the parking lot of the Arizona State Fairgrounds in Phoenix.

As the Concerts in Your Car series has gotten underway, readers may be wondering what to expect, considering the current circumstances due to the COVID-19 pandemic, from a safety standpoint.

We were there for the opening night with Third Eye Blind on Saturday, Oct. 17, and as someone who’s been social distancing to the extreme for seven months, I was impressed with the precautions the concert’s promoters, a California company called CBF Productions, had taken to ensure our safety with regard to current health-related concerns.

What the view is like from your car

Performances are in the round on an extra high stage with video screens to guarantee that you can see what’s going on no matter where you’re parked.

Which is a good thing because vehicles are parked with social distancing in mind. There’s ample space on either side and enough of a buffer between that elevated stage and the first row of cars. Parking in the third row meant I

definitely benefited from those big screens.

What the concerts sound like

In the event that you’re not comfortable winding down your window to capture a truer live music experience, the concerts will be broadcast on a special FM station, although CBF warns “If your sounds system is not sufficient, we recommend bringing an FM radio.”

Third Eye Blind sounded great on the speakers that came with my Hyundai Elantra once I cranked it.

Of course, they sounded better when I stood outside. A lot of people watched the show outside their vehicles.

What to know about restrooms and concessions

For those who wished to leave the area around their vehicle — to make use of the portable restrooms or concession stands, for instance — only two people per vehicle were permitted to leave at a time and they were required to wear masks and follow social distancing guidelines.

Arizona State Fair food and beverages will be available at the concession stands or from the concession carts you’ll see driving around throughout the concert.

CBF says, “We are working closely with The Maricopa County Department of Public Health to ensure this event meets or exceeds all recommended standards.”

Those who fail to follow safe social distancing guidelines or requests of staff members will be subject to ejection.

Event staff wore personal protective equipment as required by CDC guidelines.

Ticket prices are per vehicle. The number of passengers must not exceed the number of safety belts or seats in your vehicle.