Getting around U2's '360' tour

Spartan Stadium will fill up with over 65,000 fans who will witness the record-breaking U2 “360" tour — which has filled stadiums across the planet since it commenced in June 2009. The excess of visuals has helped it become the most successful tour of all time. East Lansing is in for a night of rock history, all while hearing tunes from classic albums like “The Joshua Tree,” “Rattle and Hum,” “War,” “The Unforgettable Fire” and “Achtung Baby,” along with cuts from the band’s latest, “No Line on the Horizon.” 

The towering stage is in the middle of the stadium, so it will be completely surrounded by fans. Hovering above the stage is “The Claw” — a gigantic four-legged steel structure that looks like a mixture between a robotic spider and a space ship, supporting a mass of speakers and video screens. The structure is 164 feet tall, double the size of the stadium set for The Rolling Stones “A Bigger Bang” tour, which was previously the highest. It requires a fleet of 120 trucks to transport it from city to city. The stage itself is surrounded by a circular ramp, connecting to the stage with revolving bridges. The rig is so large only a stadium can hold it. 

The show was originally to be held on June 30, 2010, but had to be postponed after Bono underwent emergency back surgery. One year later, the wait is over. 

It’s been almost 30 years since U2 was last in East Lansing. Not since the band played Dooley’s (now Harper’s) in December 1981 has the band been anywhere near Lansing. Obviously, after winning 22 Grammys, U2 has come a long way since its bar-band days.

Lansing is catching “360" in the nick of time. Now in its seventh leg, the tour is in its final days: Only 11 shows remain after the Spartan Stadium performance, with the tour officially ending July 30 in Moncton, Canada. 

Before you get on your boots and head out for the show, here are some fun facts and tips about this monumental rock tour and the Spartan Stadium performance.

Who is U2?

Bono (vocals), The Edge (guitar), Adam Clayton (bass), Larry Mullen, Jr. (drums). U2 has retained all of the same band members since it formed in 1976 in Dublin, Ireland. Together, they’ve sold over 150 million records worldwide.

Is it really the most successful tour ever?
Yup. With an average attendance of over 65,000 fans per show, it was only a matter of time before it became the highest grossing tour of all time. In April 2011 Billboard Magazine announced “360” had became the highest-grossing concert tour to date, with ticket sales totaling over $700 million. The previous top tour was the Rolling Stones “A Bigger Bang” (2005-2007), which grossed $558,255,524. It’s projected that by the end of the tour, U2 “360” will also hold the record for highest-attended tour of all time with over 7 million tickets sold, again beating The Rolling Stones previous record of 6.3 million tickets sold during its “Voodoo Lounge” tour.

What happened to Bonos back?
In May 2010 Bono sustained an injury to his back during preparation for the North American third leg of the tour. The damage included a ligament tear, herniated disc, sciatica & partial paralysis of his lower leg. The injuries resulted in an emergency spine surgery in Munich. The band has been back on the road since May 11. 

Spartan Stadium Tips & Tricks

Tickets for Spartan Stadium: General admission (standing room on the field) is sold out. However, there are seats in many other locations. Check Ticketmaster for the best seats available in your price range. Ticket prices vary from $38.85 to $273.45. 

Who is opening the East Lansing show?: Florence & the Machine, a soulful indie rock band from London. They are on Island Records, U2’s label.

Is beer allowed at Spartan Stadium?: Nope. Due to a Michigan State University ordinance, no open alcohol is allowed on campus. There is a separate ordinance that makes an exception on football Saturdays, but that doesn’t apply to this. Perhaps people can congregate at the East Lansing bars before and after the show.

Can I bring a bag or purse?: There is a strict “no bag policy.” Bags such as purses, diaper bags, camera and binocular cases and other similar bags are prohibited. The only exception will be for patrons with a medical or family need. They will be allowed to bring in items in a clear, one-gallon Ziploc bag.

How many songs?:  Each concert of the U2 “360” tour contains between 22 and 24 songs. The band will play many of its hit singles, including “With or Without You,” “Where the Streets Have No Name” and “One,” but will also treat fans to a few new songs and rarities. 

GETTING THERE

When to show up:

Traffic access to the university and campus parking areas will open at 3 p.m.  Guests holding field tickets can only enter/exit through the north tunnel and can line up outside the stadium entrance after 7 a.m. the day of the concert. Access to the stadium will begin at 5:30 p.m. The concert begins at 7 p.m.

Parking before the concert:

Expect downtown East Lansing’s parking ramps and lots to be busy. However, the city expects to have sufficient space for all U2 fans. Parking downtown will only be $1.50 an hour and will cap out at $15 per day.

Special Event Parking:

The City of East Lansing Parks, Recreation and Arts Department will sell special event parking for U2 fans at the following locations: Bailey Community Center ($10), and Valley Court Community Center ($10). Other parking options can be found here: www.cityofeastlansing.com/u2.

Harrison Ave. Closed

It is important for concert goers to note that Harrison Avenue will be closed to traffic from Trowbridge Road to Shaw Lane for a reconstruction project. Traffic detours will be in place; however, drivers are encouraged to seek other routes.

U2 360 Tour
7 p.m. Sunday, June 26
Spartan Stadium, Michigan State University
$38.85 to $273.45
(800) 745-3000
www.ticketmaster.com