Welcome to the official first episode of the F10$$ series. You got a taste of it in the Coachella series, more specifically in the F10$$ article. But this one is even more special since this is us attending an event Irl for the first time! I will walk you through from the announcement to walking in the stadium and the exit. This is perfect timing as the tickets go on sale tomorrow for the 2025 ‘IN YOUR FANTASY’ tour. I am so excited, but let’s get you ready as well. You know I had to come on the 8th to upload this! IYKYK!

Disclaimer:

This review in the F10$$ series is written in an informal tone meant to sound conversational. It includes a DIML (“Day in My Life”) style with opinion. This review is not sponsored! Okay let’s get into the review and my experience with this ticketing!

I’ll take you to the day the tour was announced. It was right after Coachella. I was already waiting for the dates to drop because I just felt it in my gut that they would tour. I sent out a bunch of emails prior to and waited. Eventually it was announced. I knew after that-it was game plan time.

You know, obviously Ateez is a popular group and with the Coachella performances having such a positive response, it only brought more eyes towards them. Which meant-

SECURING TICKETS

So, there will be tickets going up for the 8th and 9th of August this year (2025). You’re going to want to get the tickets.

Isn’t going to be easy. Trying to secure tickets is a battle I wouldn’t wish on anyone. Especially when the performer you’re trying to secure has that “it factor” that makes their performances so memorable.

When I tell you I researched all over the internet to make sure I would be successful…I mean it.

How to be successful ticketing…

🔍How to be successful ticketing Ticketmaster

🔍Should I use more than one device Ticketmaster

🔍Que Ticketmaster

🔍Kpop ticketing advice

🔍Ateez concert ticket tips

…

Literally everything. So, you don’t have to I’ll answer briefly. Allegedly right now:

You should not refresh you page you will be stuck back in line. You should be patient. You shouldn’t try to use more than one advice per account as it will kick you out of one. Stick to a computer if you can. Specifically, a desktop. Once at the part to pick your tickets, do act fast. And DO NOT REFRESH!

WHERE I RAN INTO ISSUES

Both days of ticketing got on my nerves for many reasons.

The presale codes. Oh, those presale codes. Aesthetically sure, they had these cute codes that fit the groups aesthetic (A&Z), but they really didn’t matter. Some people somehow surpassed the code and got right in with us.

It was said that the tickets were only available if you get the ATINY membership. Which was pretty cool because you support the artist and get perks from doing so. On top of that it was very inexpensive. Only 8 bucks. That’s not bad compared to the tickets you’re fighting for. However, then I found out Ticketmaster members were shopping with us and others who got through. I will be talking about this in a Uncomfy cushion, because this is just not right.

As an ATINY that was very frustrating as many of the tickets as usual went to scalpers. And as I saw the seats start disappearing so did my hope.

I waited and waited hours prior even calling the BMO stadium to see if they sell tickets without Ticketmaster. Don’t laugh at me. I thought that it was similar to how you can usually purchase tickets for other events at a box office. Unfortunately, they didn’t. I have to note though, their customer service is something to talk about (which we will talk A LOT on). BMO stadium employees really try to do their best for the customer’s experience. It’s what you really expect customer service to be (though we know most cases it’s not a normality anymore).

This, however, will be a common theme throughout the journey. Ticketmaster on the other hand, wasn’t readily available to help at all. To this day I did not get responses from anyone I contacted about that. To be clear, I don’t necessarily have direct beef with the company, but they have to start listening to their real audience/consumers. Resell tickets are the reason no one wants to even try. It’s like…what’s the point if you can’t have real fans at the events? It’s pretty much a sacrifice for the future events of the talent.

However, I have to tell you that they did some up with a solution for this year’s tour (2025). Atiny- we’ll keep this secret between us. But yeah, it totally surprised me and now up close is only for Atiny! I’m happy for them. I learned an hour late, so I don’t know much about it. But I am proud of whoever did that because we want fans to enjoy not scalpers.

So, at the end of both days, I failed ticketing. I won’t lie; I was certainly discouraged at this point. But a new flame lit inside of me, and I did some research and got some contacts to talk to about this situation. I’ve been sending emails all this time, might as well.

THE LIGHT

Here came the solution. I sent out the emails not expecting to hear anything back and well…I didn’t. Not from AEG presents, and certainly not from Ticketmaster. But I did hear from a representative at the BMO Stadium.

Look. Here’s the thing. Please do not go spamming people with emails over any minor inconvenience. Everyone has a lot to do, and the world cannot and will not revolve around you. This is the reason why a lot of the emails I tried was full. Because of the necessary spams. If you’re one of those people, don’t do it. People go through enough already.

Again, I wasn’t expecting a response right away, they are busy. It’s drop day (for the concert tickets), and they are human. Be patient and keep the bar low (not for a company, but the employees). But also know you are the customer and if you are really interested, then inquire. That’s what I did.

So, when I got a response about the other seating options, I was very excited. Let’s talk about the Director’s Box at the BMO stadium really quick.

BMO STADIUM

Next to one of the entrances of the stadium

I will be discussing more about the stadium soon, but I just wanted to say there was so many lines, I got confused on where to go. But literally the lines went so fast I was shocked. Get parking passes early if you can. And if you’re not going to drive there’s many ways to transport there. LA in general is pretty good at that. I just recommend learning the streets a bit before going. BMO is located in a great place in terms of places around it. I mean the freeway isn’t far from there (there site says 1 block!) so it’s easy to get where you’re going!

I personally really wanted to go to the science center, the other museums, and the rose garden since it’s very close to there. I wanted pictures, but didn’t have a lot of time. So make time for what you want to do and know your streets around there.

SEATING: DIRECTOR’S BOX

Initially, I had a few doubts about purchasing them. I won’t lie. I think it was mainly because for a first concert I just wanted it to be perfect. I didn’t know what this responsibility would be. I didn’t know how the view looked. I researched it, but didn’t see as many photos as I would have wanted. And let’s be real here, anything on photos doesn’t have to give the vibes you want irl. Most things look great with a bit of experience and an expensive camera. So, I was worried. However, I can safely say I was proven wrong, and they exceeded this! And now are the expectation I have for premium seating.

The Director’s box is pretty much 2 rows of 4 seats (8 seats in each section) shaped like a box. They have photos of this on their website, but I also took photos, I’ll share when we talk about the view.

This is the perfect option if you’re not into crowds very much. For me, this is my first event “after” the pandemic, so it was just the right amount of distance for me to start going out again. Or if you just want a place where you can feel more comfortable, this is it. Or maybe you really want to enjoy from a distance and still feel refreshed with refreshments while you watch. You might be worried about the vibe, right? Since you’re not right by the pit of the stage. We will get into that later.

$$$$: The price was pretty good for 4 seats. Included was also food and beverages. Who can say no to that? As a college student, it was a little expensive for me, but it was a sacrifice I wanted to take.

Fortunately, I was able to. If you don’t have the money, save it please. But if you do, get in contact by going on their website. Literally they were so helpful and made me feel like I was making the right decision. And they kept me up to date on what I will expect on show day. So, was it worth it? You will see very soon, but spoiler, it was!

Going more in depth with the price, for this show it set each person back about $256. Again, not bad at all! Especially if everyone is paying their share. I would definitely make this purchase again. Also, there are other seating options as well which next time we will explore.

Scenery & Staff

Going there and seeing the screen before going hyped me up even more. “This is really happening”. The exterior reminded me of space.

The stadium interior is so beautiful, when I walked in, I was excited. Very consistent in color palette. It gave luxurious as well. It’s also pretty big as well. Going into the area where our seats were where they gave our wrist bands was so cool. The doors opening to that remarkable view was the dramatic moment I needed in my life. I couldn’t stay still. They gave introductions probably a minute after they showed our seats. We met everyone and they showed us where the food and beverages, restrooms, and where they will be if we needed to find them. Super helpful-again consistent with the image I had of the BMO (stadium) staff.

The BMO stadium offers a lot for your whole experience. There was a lot we didn’t explore since we did arrive just in time to just get the light stick (Lightiny). However, the BMO Stadium has a lot of things in it. Like different dining options and for entertainment they had just announced their Level Up arcade prior to this concert. I was sad I didn’t have time to check it out, but it’s definitely on my bucket list for next time.

Again, most of the staff that officially works there was amazing. I found though some of the other contracted staff (Security) was okay. Okay as in just doing their job. Let me clarify, most of them were sweet especially the ones closer to the front. Some security was even conversing with ATINY. However, others didn’t seem too inviting and also didn’t really know what was going on? I had some redirect me places that other’s told me to go to. I really didn’t understand, but eventually we found our way. By the time we got to the director’s box door, the staff there was extra sweet!

Also, I have to drive the point home with a mix of both. The Guest Experience Center! What a name right? I suggest checking it out if you need anything and also make sure to check out the Guest Services to leave some good comments as well or express anything you wish if needed. Check out the LAFC website for more things offered at the BMO stadium!

My pros:

Super inviting staff, Multiple different seating options, lots of options to build the perfect experience! Amazing communication from inquiry to show day.

MY cons:

I didn’t have many, but there were a few things that still bothers me.

Things that they can’t control is traffic. It was a lot going out of there. There are people who live around here as well as other’s who don’t want to wait while driving. So yeah, when crossing the street, look both ways and hesitate a bit. Be cautious. As well as how sketchy the other streets are surrounding the stadium. I can stay this as I am a LA resident who knows these areas…at night they aren’t that fun to be around. The concert was so dreamy and to just go back to reality, it’s a harsh difference. Just be visual.

I had my Lightiny to light the way and flag down my ride, so they knew where I was. That was nice. This is not commentary on the economic effects of the area or anything you might take as political. It’s also not looking down on others. I’m just saying with less lighting and not the cleanest streets, it really is a difference when you have to travel back home. Again, LA residents can confirm this. Just be visual, okay?

The last thing I can really think of is something I wish BMO Stadium would change.

They do not have ATMS. This might seem like a minor inconvenience since you already paid for the show, what else would you really need cash for right? That’s until you take into account you’re using services.

For example, we had someone that assisted us the whole concert. Before it started and even after it ended. Offering us food and beverages the whole time. And had a very inviting personality that made us feel right at home. It was a remarkable time on top of an amazing concert. So, this is a huge problem if you’re not carrying cash.

Lucky enough some people in our party (one including me) had physical cash with them or else we wouldn’t be able to tip well. And tbh, if you can tip, you should. They’re working hard to make sure you have the best time. The least you can do is thank them graciously and if you can tip.

I hope they will implement a way to tip with a card reader if they continue to be cashless. Or have an area that has cash or something for the employees. Because seriously, I tip always, but this was the one time I feel like it was completely worth tipping. Overall, everyone who we interacted with for more than a minute was so chill that it makes you feel like returning.

Okay that was my review on the stadium. So, how was the show? We saw our Pov from the show, right? Now we have to get into the show the stadium is holding. Well now we need to go enjoy it. I won’t let you wait long; it will be out in a day. Stay tuned and grab a seat for part 2!

Written by: A.P.