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Buffett at Alpine Valley: 5 things to know before you go

Photo

Photo by Terry Mayer

Jimmy Buffett performs with the Coral Reefer Band Aug. 29, 2009 at Alpine Valley Music Theatre.

LAFAYETTE TOWNSHIP — Jimmy Buffett and the Coral Reefer Band will open the summer concert season at Alpine Valley Music Theatre Saturday, June 25, 2011 with their "Welcome to Fin Land Tour 2011."

The band is expected to perform music from their newest release, "Encores," a live acoustic double CD.

Buffett has been a regular at Alpine Valley for more than a decade, drawing fans from throughout the Midwest. ( Read review and see photos from 2009 show at www.concertlivewire.com.)

Although camping on the grounds was approved earlier this year, the sites won't be available for the Buffett show, according to David Shaw, Alpine Valley general manager for Live Nation.

However, camping will be available in Elkhorn at the Two Season's Bowl as part of Buffett Bash 2011, a fundraiser for the Walworth County Alliance for Children. The event has raised more than $10,000 over the past few years.

Members of the Coral Reefer Band are expected to perform at Two Season Bowl at 8 p.m. Friday.

To avoid being wasted away again in traffic congestion, motorists should avoid Interstate 43 Saturday between Waukesha County and Elkhorn Saturday, a Walworth County Sheriff's Office spokesman said.

Attendance for the show is estimated at 30,000, the spokesman said. The freeway leading to and from the concert in LaFayette Township will be down to one lane in several locations. The Highway D overpass is being replaced.

Concert attendees should expect significant traffic delays. The Highway D overpass in LaFayette Township west of the theater will be completely closed to traffic this weekend, the spokesman said. Deputies and the Wisconsin State Patrol will monitor traffic and enforce road construction laws.

5 things you need to know before the show

1. Venue: Alpine Valley Music Theatre, near East Troy, Wis.

2. Map: From I 43 south of East Troy, exit Wisconsin Highway 120, south or Bowers Road to County Highway D.

3. FAQ: Traffic, parking and updates.

4. Twitter: Follow the band here.

5. Facebook Alpine Valley Music Theatre's site.

Alpine Valley Music Theatre FAQs

Q: What are the times I need to know for the upcoming Jimmy Buffett show?

A: Parking lots will open no earlier than 3:00pm. Do not arrive to the theatre or surrounding roadways prior to this time. Gates to the theatre open at 7:00pm, and the show begins at 8:00pm.

Q: Can I get into the parking lots earlier than 3pm?

A: You can purchase early entry privileges which permit you to enter at 1pm. The cost is $20 for cars and $50 for oversize vehicles. This is in addition to any other parking fees (such as VIP parking, oversize vehicle fees, etc.).

Q: Are tickets still available?

A: Yes, some tickets still remain, but check livenation.com for current availability.

Q: What can I bring into the theatre for the Jimmy Buffett show?

A: You may bring the following into the theatre for the show: extra clothes, small blankets or tarps, small backpacks or bags, purses, and inflatable sharks and beach balls.

Q: What are things I cannot bring in to the Jimmy Buffett show?

A: The following is a list of common items that are not permitted for the Buffett show: All audio and video recording devices; all types of cameras; cans or bottles of any kind; large blankets and tarps; Camelbaks; high lawn chairs; umbrellas; strollers; sharp, studded or pointed jewelry or clothing; weapons of any kind including pocket knives, pepper spray or wallet chains; laser pointers or glow sticks; banners, flags, or signs; fireworks of any kind; and any other items deemed to be unsafe by theatre management. This list is subject to change at any time per tour requests. Our information line at 262.642.4400 is updated with this information as soon as we receive it from the tour.

For other shows, www.livenation.com provides GENERAL guidelines for what is permitted into the theatre on the day of the show. These general guidelines are subject to change based upon the tour requests. Specific tour requirements may prohibit generally permitted items such as cameras, factory-sealed or empty water bottles, blankets, and lawn chairs.

Q: I am bringing a bus, RV, camper, or other oversize vehicle to the show; do I need to do anything special?

A: Yes, you should enter only at the main theatre entrance and you will be directed to the proper parking area. Also, oversize vehicles are subject to a $100 parking fee (cash only) upon entry. Limos are subject to a $75 fee. In addition, oversize vehicles are not permitted to park in the VIP and Premium Parking areas.

Q: I need disabled accessible parking. What do I do?

A: Enter at the Alpine Valley RESORT entrance which is mile east of the theatre entrance and you will be directed to the proper parking area. Shuttle service is provided from the disabled accessible lot to the theatre (but not to/from the other parking lots).

Q: I heard there is road construction around the theatre. Tell me more!

A: Road construction is underway on I-43 (Rock Freeway) and CTH D near the Alpine Valley Music Theater. This construction will impact those traveling to and from the Jimmy Buffett Concert on June 25th. Some portions of I-43 are down to one lane and the speed limit is reduced to 55mph in those areas. Speed limits are strictly enforced by law enforcement.

CTH D is closed if you are coming from the WEST. This will not affect those attendees who are using Hwy D from the EAST. Delays are expected with this show due to the construction delays and the amount of persons attending the concert (estimate of 30 thousand patrons).

Recommended alternate routes include Hwy 120 and Hwy 11.

Please allow yourself extra time to get to the performance, and be patient with other drivers around you after the show ends. Law enforcement will guide you in both ingress/egress from the venue. Please follow their instructions and routes.

Q: Can I park overnight at Alpine Valley? Can I camp at Alpine Valley?

A: Unfortunately, county ordinances prohibit us from allowing overnight parking and we are not offering camping for any shows this season.

Q: Where are nearby campgrounds or lodging?

A: Visit www.reserveamerica.com for local campgrounds. Search popular travel sites for hotels in East Troy, Elkhorn, Mukwonago, Delavan, Lake Geneva, and surrounding areas for lodging options.

Q: I lost something at an Alpine Valley show, what do I do?

A: Send an e-mail with a description of what you lost with as many details as possible along with your contact information to lost@alpinestaff.com.

Q: I just got my tickets and my lawn seats have rows and seat numbers on them, what does this mean?

A: All lawn seating at Alpine Valley is general admission. The row and seat numbers on lawn tickets are for recordkeeping purposes only.

Q: I just got my tickets and my seat numbers are not sequential, what s does this mean?

A: Reserved seats are numbered as follows: Sections 101 & 201- Odd numbers (1,3,5...) with lower numbers beginning at the center aisle. Sections 103 & 203- Even numbers (2,4,6 ) with lower numbers beginning at the center aisle. Sections 102 & 202- Sequential numbers (100,101,102 ) beginning with 100, moving from stage left to stage right.

Q: What shows are coming to Alpine Valley this year?

A: The most recent lineup is always available at www.livenation.com and by calling our information line at 262.642.4400. If the show you are inquiring about is not listed, it means that it has not been officially announced as of yet.

Q: How do I buy tickets for Alpine Valley shows?

A: Tickets for all Alpine Valley shows are available at livenation.com, ticketmaster.com, or charge by phone at 800.745.3000.

Q: How do I get to the theatre, I cannot find anything online?

A: Visit www.livenation.com, search for Alpine Valley, then click Driving Directions.