Dark Lord Day 2016

Yeah I also plan to get there around 9:30.

 

I just hope I don't have to poop while I'm there this year.

 

Good beer...bad hat. Considering my Spartan gear and your gear, we should be easy to recognize!

 

I always try to eat bananas and cheese before going. I'd rather be constipated all weekend than have to take a shit there.

 

Get some Immodium....that'll take care of that concern.

 

Thanks for the PSA. Just bought a pair!

 

Last year the center area to the south of the guest taps was not paved, and it is this year, so that area may get wet, but won't get muddy.

Now, getting to the main stage and the Big Freedia stage last year was an adventure - having to walk a thin plank of wet boards over a swimming pool of mud just to see a metal band that I've never heard of. And I made camp last year for a half hour outside of the second stage and just watched people face plant and/or lose their Converse shoes in the muck.

 

Joining this discussion party way late, but after moving to NYC from Indy 3+ years ago, I'm getting back in on the DLD fun. I'll be going solo in Group A and bringing a bunch of Other Half treats with me. I'm also new to the two gate set up. It was all one last time I went. I plan on getting there early, like 630. That a wise time to arrive compared to recent years? Also, I assume there will still be bottle shares in both lines?

 

That's good to know....yeah I remember the puddles of muck were in a gravel area last year. Glad that got paved. I'm bringing the boots again this year just in case they become necessary. Better to be prepared than to lose my Asics in the muck.

 

You'll be fine getting there at 6:30. Bottle shares in every line.....line to get in, line for your group, guest tap line, bathroom line, merch line, DM line......basically at any point during the day that you are in line for anything....bring a bottle...share.

 

I was at the brewery yesterday and could see the area where the main stage is. Looks like they have already spread out a bunch of rock and it looks nice and smooth. No other preparations setup yet.

 

Haha great. Glad that part hasn't changed. I wish I was in a line right now : /

 

As a fellow Spartan, most of my gear is for warmer weather (most of my hats are long long since retired). I'll be sporting a nice orange backpack.

 

This is, hands down, the best post in this thread for this year.

 

Going to DLD for the first time this year! Looking for tips on what to expect. I'd appreciate any input and suggestions.

The main thing I'm concerned about is that I will be driving since I live just miles away from the Indiana border and it wouldn't make sense for me to drive downtown just to take a shuttle. How limited IS the on-site parking? If there's no chance of me getting a spot, what are my options for parking in the area? I could take an Uber or my wife offered to drive me, but I'd much rather just drive there myself.

Also, it sounds like the good beers are gone quick, so what ARE the go-to beers to get to first? I'll be there first thing and want to get a game plan going!

I keep reading about bringing a backpack, is that advised? Do I really need to bring a backpack, what's the purpose of bringing one? I'm assuming just to carry the beer we get from our tickets?

Lastly, and not to gloat, but I am pretty darn excited about this, I'm on the VIP list! Anyone else have experience with this and know what I should expect?

Thanks in advance, I can't wait for this!!!

 

It sure doesn't stink

 

I would definitely take your wife up on her offer to drive you to DLD (or take an Uber). Why risk getting too drunk to drive? You will be able to have so much more fun at the event if you don't have to worry about driving (and getting pulled over).

Backpacks are recommended for bringing in beer that you wish to share with others. Plus you can keep water, sunscreen, dry clothes, rain gear, etc. in your backpack. The weather is always unpredictable.

 

Parking within the office park fills up quickly, but across the street in the park there are plenty of spots available. You really shouldn't have that much of an issue so long as you're there in the morning.

The last time a taplist was released prior to DLD was (I believe) 2011 or 2012. You just show up now and get whatever is on tap when you are at the front of the line - taps cycle through very quickly, and you're pretty much guaranteed to see a lot of walezbro throughout the day. This is something you shouldn't have to be concerned with in the slightest based on the quality of taps that have historically been available.

Small backpack cooler or small cooler helps in bottle sharing with others as well as carry your bottles after you get them. To many, DLD is more about bottle sharing than anything else.

In the past, VIP allowed access to the taproom and free pours and food throughout the day. If you're driving, be responsible, of course, as those high ABV beers at no cost can get you wrecked pretty quickly.

 

Does this mean you'll have distributor guest credentials? I'm going as a distributors guest and looks like we get the shaft on vouchers and variants. I do have the opportunity to purchase Dark Lord for $20 a pop though and we have our own tent. No food though.

 

Are you the guy I met who called it Dark Horse Day?