2008 - 04/20 - New Orleans, LA - New Orleans Arena

[skyswing]

QUOTE (friendlyvoice @ Mar 14 2008, 05:07 PM)

The tix are magnetted on the fridge...lodging is being arranged...getting ready for show #7! The wife & I will be in sec. 112. We were fairly regular visitors to N.O. before Katrina...this will be our first trip back since our remarriage and 1st since Katrina. I was pleased (but not terribly surprised) to see that hotel prices were a good bit lower than what they used to be for primo hotels. That old supply/demand sort of thing... maybe Rush can play a small part in N.O.'s comeback Anyway, since we're actually staying for the weekend, maybe we'll have time for the TRF 'meet & greet'...as soon as one is arranged, that is. Hope to see you there!

I should have replied sooner to your post, FV. I hope we get to meet you and your bride (congrats!) in New Orleans, either at a TRF meetup beforehand or at the show. Until then, take care!

To all New Orleans-bound peeps, any more solid ideas on a meetup?

 

[Sign Of Eth]

Still nothing nailed down for pre-show festivities? If I knew anything at all about N.O., I'd make a suggestion, but I haven't been there in years.

 

Floor A, row 9 for us.

[skyswing]

I've done a little research this morning and I have a suggestion (the link goes to Mother's Restaurant). Maybe some of the locals can help us out but this looks like a great local place to eat that shouldn't be horribly expensive and definitely not stuffy. I have no idea if they serve alcohol. Maybe someone can check to see or some of our New Orleans locals can weigh in on the alcohol question and whether this would be a good option. It looks like it from the Web site and it isn't terribly far from the venue.

 

EDIT: I called them. They do serve beer but they are not too extensive into mixed drinks. The lady I talked to mentioned Bloody Marys. They don't have much call in the mixed drink department, she said. The price range for entrees is about $9 to $21. Also, they do have room for 10-15 people (the lady said), though they do not take reservations (according to their Web site).

 

I think we need to make a decision about whether we'll meet up, when and where by this Saturday, making the information available two weeks ahead of time.

[pblaster]

Mother's would not be a bad choice. Casual and good food. You can hurt yourself in there if you're not careful. I've eaten there before - for my brother's pre-wedding lunch. Roast beef with "debris" - good eatin'. About 9-10 blocks walking distance to the Arena.

[skyswing]

The reviews I read on Mother's on Google ran the extremes, from "great dining experience" to a person saying he or she saw mice running about the place. See what y'all think. It's just an idea but it was good for pblaster to give a local thumbs up. The food sounds great and hopefully they have attentive enough staff that one mouse sighting would be the last. The four- and five-star reviews appear to outweigh the zero- or one-star reviews.

This place sounds worth trying to me. Hopefully we can get some consensus whether to meet up and if so, where, by this Saturday.

[pblaster]

Keep in mind that was 10-12 years ago when I last ate there. Not sure if it's changed any.

[skyswing]

I've talked to some people here who say that pre-Katrina people would stand in line down the block to get in to eat and that they would yell your order number so you'd have to go get it.

Otherwise, I heard good things about it.

Let's keep the discussion going!

 

 

[Saint NIck]

Hi Everybody!

Though I live in suburbia New Orleans, I have quite a few deliveries downtown in the cbd; and that's where Mothers is located...at the 400 block of Poydras Street.

With that in mind, Mothers is within walking distance of our infamous Bourbon Street in the French Quarter, and you can see the Superdome from Mothers as well; the New Orleans Arena will be to the left of the Dome.

As Pblaster said, the Arena is walking distance from Mothers; but the sidewalks are not the smoothest. Yet, I think the most direct walking way would be Poydras up to LaSalle Street at the Dome, go left, over to Girod Street, look to your right and there's the Superdome's Baby.

For those driving, there are parking garages nearby on Girod including right next door at the New Orleans Centre, and perhaps the Superdome...though I'm not sure about that.

What I am sure about is that I'm looking forward to meeting some special people; that would be all of you in this forum coming to New Orleans.

Take care my Friends.

[skyswing]

[Sign Of Eth]

I'm fine with anywhere close to the arena. We're staying at Le Pavilion.

[skyswing]

Since we are just about two weeks from show time in New Orleans and we've only seen limited interest in a meet-up, we need to decide whether there is sufficient interest to set up one.

By Sunday night, RockTheCradle and I will decide whether to continue with the effort to organize the meet-up. If we decide to move forward, we will inform you on this thread about the location we've selected. If we decide not to organize a meet-up, we will let you know this as well on this thread.

If we decide not to move forward, we still would love to meet and talk with people informally at the show.

Think about it and provide any input you have at this thread or feel free to PM me before Sunday evening. Thanks!

 

LATE EDIT: Let me clarify that we're not trying to be meetup tyrants! We just want to know if there's enough interest to go to the effort to set up something and make plans accordingly and do so with enough time before April 19 to make sure everybody knows what's up in plenty of time ahead. I think we need to decide by tomorrow night to allow for that time cushion. If there's not enough interest, then we can just try to find each other at the show. No biggie!

[tupelobarchetta]

I'm staying at the Chateau Sonestra on Iberville, a block off Bourbon. I would have no problem meeting up somewhere close to the arena.

 

I haven't said much recently about a meetup. At one point my trip to New Orleans was in jeopardy. Things have been worked out, and I'll be there. Wifey is coming along, but not for the show.

[tupelobarchetta]

QUOTE (Sign Of Eth @ Apr 4 2008, 12:20 PM)

I'm fine with anywhere close to the arena. We're staying at Le Pavilion.

I've stayed in the Le Pavillon before. It's pricey, but very nice.

 

If you have the munchies after the concert, the Le Pavillon serves peanut butter and jelly sandwiches to its guests starting at 10 p.m.

[skyswing]

RockTheCradle (my wife) and I are in favor of proceeding with the meet-up. We had been thinking about doing the mall food court idea at Clearview Mall in Metairie, but I did a search on the mall's safety and found that two teens were arrested back in February related to alleged threats to shoot up the place.

Here's the news story on the arrest and a related video on YouTube.

I think we want to steer clear of this situation.

Anyone with suggestions on a place easily accessible to and from the arena where waits and transportation won't be an issue, please step forward with some thoughts. We don't want to be finishing our meals and trying to get to the arena 30 minutes before show time. I don't think any of us want to be in that boat.

We're OK with driving into the suburbs for the convenience of being able to get in and out without heavy reliance on public transportation, but we understand and would prefer to accommodate those who would rather stay downtown.

Please drop some suggestions soon! Somehow, some way, we'll get the meet-up together - hopefully!

[Saint NIck]

Hello Everybody!

Hopefully this may help for our 'family' coming in from out of town; by way of their Red Barchetta.

Coming in on I 10 from the west, nearby the Williams Blvd exit is The Esplanade mall with a food court. Yet, a longer drive to the Arena.

Closer in at the Clearview Pkwy exit, going north, is the Clearview Mall with a food court. As Skyswing mentioned, there was some public safety issue a couple months ago; but all has been quiet since.

The next exit on I 10 is Causeway, again go northbound, and Lakeside Mall will be on your left. You will immediately notice construction projects of a new Macy's & a huge parking garage taking shape. Even with that, parking shouldn't be too much of a problem. Inside the mall is a food court; friends at work tell me they have Chick Filet, Canes, Subway, among others inside there.

From suburbia, Lakeside is probably your best bet.

For those who are already downtown, we have the Riverwalk shopping center, located on the east bank of the Mississippi River; this is located very near Harrah's Casino & the Riverfront Hilton and the convention center. They too have restaurants, including our infamous Cafe du Monde. I'm not too sure about the parking over there; and/but it would a serious long walk to the arena.

There's an O'Henry's in the cbd at the corner of Gravier & Barrone...but I'm not sure of their Saturday hours; I think they mostly tend to the business weekday hours.

 

Ok, also for those driving in from the west, after eating in suburbia, we have other option routes to get you downtown.

Veterans Blvd can take you from the Esplanade Mall in Kenner all the way into New Orleans to West End; go right and you're back onto I 10 east heading arena bound.

Also, yet kinda out of the way is Airline Hwy; which can take you the same route.

There is construction going on right now on I 10 both east & west bound right now between Causeway & the Parish line; thus, sometimes accidents happen...and when they do, you're kinda stuck.

I know this was a lot to take in on a Sunday afternoon, but being that the big show is a week from this upcoming Saturday, the Countdown is really on.

I hope this was a help...and not too confusing.

If I can think of anything more to help out, I'll let y'all know.

Take care my Friends.

[skyswing]

QUOTE (Saint NIck @ Apr 6 2008, 03:59 PM)

Hello Everybody! Hopefully this may help for our 'family' coming in from out of town; by way of their Red Barchetta. Coming in on I 10 from the west, nearby the Williams Blvd exit is The Esplanade mall with a food court. Yet, a longer drive to the Arena. Closer in at the Clearview Pkwy exit, going north, is the Clearview Mall with a food court. As Skyswing mentioned, there was some public safety issue a couple months ago; but all has been quiet since. The next exit on I 10 is Causeway, again go northbound, and Lakeside Mall will be on your left. You will immediately notice construction projects of a new Macy's & a huge parking garage taking shape. Even with that, parking shouldn't be too much of a problem. Inside the mall is a food court; friends at work tell me they have Chick Filet, Canes, Subway, among others inside there. From suburbia, Lakeside is probably your best bet. For those who are already downtown, we have the Riverwalk shopping center, located on the east bank of the Mississippi River; this is located very near Harrah's Casino & the Riverfront Hilton and the convention center. They too have restaurants, including our infamous Cafe du Monde. I'm not too sure about the parking over there; and/but it would a serious long walk to the arena. There's an O'Henry's in the cbd at the corner of Gravier & Barrone...but I'm not sure of their Saturday hours; I think they mostly tend to the business weekday hours. Ok, also for those driving in from the west, after eating in suburbia, we have other option routes to get you downtown. Veterans Blvd can take you from the Esplanade Mall in Kenner all the way into New Orleans to West End; go right and you're back onto I 10 east heading arena bound. Also, yet kinda out of the way is Airline Hwy; which can take you the same route. There is construction going on right now on I 10 both east & west bound right now between Causeway & the Parish line; thus, sometimes accidents happen...and when they do, you're kinda stuck. I know this was a lot to take in on a Sunday afternoon, but being that the big show is a week from this upcoming Saturday, the Countdown is really on. I hope this was a help...and not too confusing. If I can think of anything more to help out, I'll let y'all know. Take care my Friends.

Hey Saint NIck!

 

Thanks for the help. Figuring this thing out is about as easy as solving a Rubik's Cube blindfolded. There's probably a YouTube video of someone doing it, which means it can be done, but it is challenging.

Thanks to everyone for starting to provide some feedback and info.

I'm gathering some more information here, so please bear with me:

Can anyone enlighten me as to how challenging it is to park at the Arena/Superdome?

I've read at one Web site that the 'Dome itself has only 5,000 parking spots, but the facility Web sites (the Arena and 'Dome are managed by the same folks) say there is plenty of parking, even for sold-out events.

Does anyone know when the parking lots open in advance of events?

Should we just park there and meet up somewhere via public transportation?

Does anyone know what the facility managers' policy is about alcohol in the parking lots? I don't see anything clarifying it one way or another.

Last time I checked I don't think RockTheCradle favored the tailgating option, but she is out of meet-up headquarters for the next several hours and the grass needs cutting! So I'm off to take care of that and will confer with her tonight.

In the mean time, please keep the suggestions and information flowing!

 

 

EDIT:

For your information and enjoyment, here is said video of

[skyswing]

OK folks, here's where we stand on the New Orleans meet-up:

I've been talking to the staff at Crescent City Brewhouse in the French Quarter about a possible reservation there on the afternoon of the show.

I've been referred to the staff group coordinator to arrange the reservation and will call him after noon on Monday. In reviewing the group menus on the Web site, this may be way more in cost than what any of us would want. (EDIT: The group rates for dinner run like $42 - $45. The normal entrees run like $13 to $22.) I think we simply just want to secure a place to eat and talk!

I'll try to find out more about the group rate thing and if this is something we can work around - meaning just simply secure a reservation and be done, instead of arranging what sounds like a financing plan for a major purchase.

If this gets to be too much in terms of cost, etc., we may have to start over from scratch. I'm not sure what we'll do at that point - EDIT: RockTheCradle and I may just say "Hey, we'll be at this place at this time. If you want to see us, that's where we'll be!"

So that I can discuss this with the guy at Crescent City, at minimum, I need a head count. At this point, I count seven, including us, Sign of Eth and his wife, Tupelo and St. Nick. If I'm wrong on this, please let me know.

My tentative time frame for a reservation is 4 p.m. day of show and here's why - it's my understanding parking is a nightmare around the Arena and the safer options for parking are on the street or in the surrounding lots, not at the Superdome itself, so we may need to get there as much as two hours ahead for good parking.

Parking at the Brewhouse is no problem in the time that we would need it and parking there is $4 for 45 minutes in a large lot across the street, the staff member said.

Please let me know by noon Monday either in PM or here on the thread if you plan to attend the meet-up so I can give an accurate head count.

I'll post what I find out and any subsequent decisions which arise out of my discussion with the person at Crescent City.

Later!

[rushbass]

I am game to meet up wherever, Cowtothesky will also be coming along...

[skyswing]

QUOTE (rushbass @ Apr 6 2008, 10:17 PM)

I am game to meet up wherever, Cowtothesky will also be coming along...

OK, groovy! I'll count y'all as bringing us to nine.

[skyswing]

QUOTE (skyswing @ Apr 6 2008, 10:24 PM)

QUOTE (rushbass @ Apr 6 2008, 10:17 PM) I am game to meet up wherever, Cowtothesky will also be coming along... OK, groovy! I'll count y'all as bringing us to nine. I may call Mother's again (see earlier posts in this thread) and get a better idea of what their typical Saturday is like and what parking conditions are around there. The more we think about this group thing at the Brewhouse, the more we don't like it! EDIT: At this point, I still plan on calling the group guy at the Brewhouse, but I think it's way more than any of us want to bargain for. I'll let y'all know what I find out.

[friendlyvoice]

Didn't realize I'd been away so long...I've missed a good bit. The wife & I are definitely interested in joining a pre-show gathering. We're planning on trying to avoid driving as much as possible...staying at the Baronne, just off Canal, so I think that'll work as far as being able to get from there to the arena, the quarter, etc. (walking back to the hotel after the show...bad idea?? Anyone? Bueller?)

 

Anyway, put us on the list and I hope all the arrangements work out.

[skyswing]

QUOTE (friendlyvoice @ Apr 7 2008, 12:55 PM)

Didn't realize I'd been away so long...I've missed a good bit. The wife & I are definitely interested in joining a pre-show gathering. We're planning on trying to avoid driving as much as possible...staying at the Baronne, just off Canal, so I think that'll work as far as being able to get from there to the arena, the quarter, etc. (walking back to the hotel after the show...bad idea?? Anyone? Bueller?) Anyway, put us on the list and I hope all the arrangements work out.

Great to hear from you, FV! It'll be great to meet you!

I'll post what we've decided next.

[skyswing]

I've tried the Brewhouse twice over lunch. No answer to their group reservation guy's phone.

So, here's what RockTheCradle and I have decided:

Mother's looks like the best option, though parking will be $10, $5 with validation from the restaurant, if they have a staff person working the parking lot. If they do not, then parking is free.

The staff member I talked to there said that it is hard to predict what the crowd will be like.

RockTheCradle, our daughter and I will be attempting to get into the restaurant by 4 p.m. day of show and we'll try to save space for at least 12-14 folks.

We will have TRF nametags available.

Here's a

Google Map to Mother's and please see earlier posts about Mother's for more information. Hope to see all of y'all there!

[friendlyvoice]

QUOTE (skyswing @ Apr 7 2008, 01:08 PM)

I've tried the Brewhouse twice over lunch. No answer to their group reservation guy's phone. So, here's what RockTheCradle and I have decided: Mother's looks like the best option, though parking will be $10, $5 with validation from the restaurant, if they have a staff person working the parking lot. If they do not, then parking is free. The staff member I talked to there said that it is hard to predict what the crowd will be like. RockTheCradle, our daughter and I will be attempting to get into the restaurant by 4 p.m. day of show and we'll try to save space for at least 12-14 folks. We will have TRF nametags available. Here's a Google Map to Mother's and please see earlier posts about Mother's for more information. Hope to see all of y'all there!

That sounds good. Thanks for the map link. Looks like we chose the right place to stay...halfway between the arena and the restaurant.

[skyswing]

QUOTE (friendlyvoice @ Apr 7 2008, 03:35 PM)

QUOTE (skyswing @ Apr 7 2008, 01:08 PM) I've tried the Brewhouse twice over lunch. No answer to their group reservation guy's phone. So, here's what RockTheCradle and I have decided: Mother's looks like the best option, though parking will be $10, $5 with validation from the restaurant, if they have a staff person working the parking lot. If they do not, then parking is free. The staff member I talked to there said that it is hard to predict what the crowd will be like. RockTheCradle, our daughter and I will be attempting to get into the restaurant by 4 p.m. day of show and we'll try to save space for at least 12-14 folks. We will have TRF nametags available. Here's a Google Map to Mother's and please see earlier posts about Mother's for more information. Hope to see all of y'all there! That sounds good. Thanks for the map link. Looks like we chose the right place to stay...halfway between the arena and the restaurant. I'm glad y'all seem OK with the idea of winging it as Mother's does not take reservations and they sometimes have long lines to get in. I asked about whether they had space for 8-10 but not 12-14. Hopefully we can make something do - pull a few tables together or get adjacent booths or something! Here's hoping everything comes together and to see everyone 12 days from now!