How to Survive Events at JPJ

John Paul Jones (JPJ) has become very popular this year with some of the most popular performers putting on a show at JPJ. The John Paul Jones Arena in Charlottesville, Virginia is known to most as the home of the men’s, and women’s UVA basketball. JPJ doesn’t just hold basketball games; every year they hold multiple events, such as concerts, comedy shows, family shows, trade shows, community events, and events for UVA itself. JPJ has already held multiple events within the three months of the year. There are already 14 more events that many are looking forward to this year, with more on the way.

Concerts are the most sought-after events at JPJ. The concerts that take place at JPJ are mainly country artists from looking at the JPJ schedule. This arena seats 14,593 people, not including all the additional complex rooms, locker rooms, and training rooms that the concert crew, and performing artists use.

Carrie Underwood, Reba McEntire, and Billy Strings have already performed at JPJ this year and really set the tone on what to expect in terms of crowds. The Reba McEntire and Carrie Underwood concert took a majority of guests over two hours to even get into the building and find their seats. There is only a certain amount of parking passes that are sold online that make you eligible to park in the closest parking lot that is located right outside of the arena, so many lucked out and had to find parking garages that were not filled, and some even had to park as little as a mile away and walk to the stadium. Parking passes can be purchased for $20 from Ticketmaster, but could be resold for much more depending on how popular the event is. There’s several places you park such as: JPJ South lot, JPJ West lot, JPJ Garage, JPJ East lot, Emmet/Ivy Garage, and the Darden Garage.

Zach Bryan, who is a country artist will perform May 10, 2023, as part of his “Burn, Burn, Burn” tour, one of the most popular upcoming concerts to be held at JPJ. When the presale of Zach Bryan tickets were released they sold out in just 30 seconds, as did the parking passes. If you want a chance to get tickets, and parking passes, many people sign up for the artists presale which is usually posted on any of social media, and the consumers stay around their computer right till the point they’re released.

Many guests that had already experienced the concert, and the parking struggles have been giving advice on what to expect, and how to prepare.

According to sophomore Gina Madison, who has attended multiple events at JPJ including a Pink concert and basketball games, “It was definitely packed, every event.” “Everywhere you went inside, you kind of have to squeeze through everywhere. I’ve never ordered food there because the lines are so long and it’s really pricey,” she said. “Definitely use the bathroom and eat before you go, because while the bathrooms aren’t really crowded, there’s so many people going in and out of the bathrooms, it’s better to just go at home,” she added.

FCHS senior Clay Cannady, who has seen Christian artist Mercy Me at JPJ, had similar thoughts. “I would probably come way earlier to get in on time, and eat somewhere else. Two chicken tenders is about $12, and a drink, like a small Coke, is probably $5,” he added.

When it comes to places to sit it depends on the event you’re attending. Sports such as basketball tend to have people spread throughout the stadium on every section including the floor seats which are usually full and hard to get. The concerts that are held at JPJ are what get chaotic with seating. When the tickets are released most people get tickets to whichever seat they are able to get. The pit/floor section is the most crowded area with people shoulder to shoulder. If you are looking to just enjoy the concert/game it is recommended to get seats towards the middle/back rows of the stadium. On the other hand if you’re there for the artist or players and want to be as close as possible the pit or closest rows to the floor are the best.
It is suggested to buy a parking pass, because with that pass you are able to park in the lot that is located right outside of the JPJ building itself and is just a few feet away from the doors., but if they happen to be sold out, try and find a parking garage that requires a pass and purchase one from there.

If you’re unable to secure a parking pass It’s also recommended to secure your parking spot 2-3 hours before the concert if you need to park in a garage or another section of the UVA campus.. Make sure you have your tickets in hand when you are next in line so you can move quickly through check in and and quickly get to your seat.

Here is the list of upcoming concerts at JPJ, as well as their website:

– Thomas Rhett 9/21
– Chris Stapleton 10/5
– Luke Bryan 10/27

https://www.johnpauljonesarena.com/events