Concert Freebies And Fan Events Newarks Seventeen Concert Experience

The Newark stop of Seventeen's North American concert tour offered attendees more than just musical performances. Fans experienced a vibrant ecosystem of freebies, promotional items, and fan-organized events that enhanced the concert experience. From VIP packages to local fan initiatives, the concert became a hub of free merchandise and special offerings that delighted attendees and created memorable moments beyond the main event.

VIP Freebies and Exclusive Merchandise

Concert attendees who purchased VIP packages received a collection of exclusive items that elevated their experience. These premium freebies included a VIP lanyard, guitar picks from artist GD (with each city having its own color), Polaroids that came with merchandise purchases, and two exclusive photo cards included specifically with the VIP package. These items represented tangible mementos of the concert experience and served as status symbols among fans.

The value of these VIP freebies extended beyond their physical presence. For many fans, these items became collectibles that held sentimental value. The guitar picks, in particular, were noted as city-specific, making them special keepsakes for attendees who might have traveled to multiple concert locations. The exclusive photo cards and Polaroids provided opportunities for personal interaction and autograph sessions, further enhancing their appeal as freebies.

The distribution of these VIP items occurred before the main concert event, allowing recipients to display them during the show. This visibility often prompted inquiries from other attendees, creating organic moments of connection and shared excitement among fans who had invested in the VIP experience.

Fan-Initiated Freebies Distribution

Beyond the official merchandise, fans took it upon themselves to create and distribute their own freebies, fostering a sense of community and generosity among concert attendees. One fan reported making over 100 pins to distribute during the event, with the intention of creating connections with fellow attendees. The act of passing out these freebies, however, came with its own challenges and rewards.

The fan described experiencing a rapid drain of their "social battery" during the distribution process, noting the emotional toll of engaging with large numbers of people in a short time. Despite this fatigue, they found the experience rewarding, particularly when recipients expressed genuine appreciation for the items. The contrast in reactions was striking: some people became "really happy about freebies," while others reacted with borderline rudeness, occasionally refusing the offered items.

The distribution strategy required careful planning, with fans arriving early to ensure adequate time to hand out their freebies before the main event. In one instance, a fan arrived at the arena around 3 PM to distribute pins, with the VIP lineup scheduled to begin at 4:30 PM. This early arrival was intentional, as the fan expressed not wanting to "risk anything" in terms of missing the opportunity to connect with fellow attendees.

The freebies distributed by fans varied in form and purpose. Some were simple items like pins or stickers, while others included more elaborate merchandise. Regardless of their physical form, these fan-created items served as mementos of shared experience and helped build connections among concertgoers who might otherwise have remained strangers.

Local Event Promotions: The BE THE SUN Newark Cupsleeve Event

Complementing the official concert experience, a local fan initiative organized the "BE THE SUN Newark Cupsleeve Event" at Mocha Town (159 University Ave. Newark, NJ). This event took place on September 5-6, from 12 PM to 4 PM, conveniently located just a 17-minute walk from the Prudential Center where Seventeen's concert was held.

The event featured several elements designed to enhance the fan experience: - Custom cupsleeve designs created by @joshuahong - Freebies sticker designs by @amemericans - Fanmade merchandise by @cafewoozi - Drinks and food renamed after the band's songs - Opportunities for fans to connect with fellow attendees

Organizers noted that the event was a collaborative effort involving "a handful of us Tumblr Carats," indicating a fan-organized initiative rather than an official band or venue promotion. The location choice appeared deliberate, providing a convenient meeting point for fans before or after the concert.

For those unable to attend in person, a pre-order form was made available (http://tinyurl.com/svtcupsleeve), with shipping options for those who wished to receive the cupsleeves and other merchandise remotely. This accommodation demonstrated consideration for fans who might have wanted the items but couldn't attend the event in person.

The event exemplified how fans can create value-added experiences around official concerts, offering opportunities for social connection and the acquisition of unique freebies that wouldn't be available through standard concert channels.

Food Sampling Opportunities

The concert experience extended beyond merchandise to include food sampling opportunities. Attendees noted the presence of food trucks near the venue, with one specifically mentioned as "Hangry Joe's" which was parked alongside the arena. This food truck went beyond typical concessions by offering samples to concert attendees.

In one account, an employee from the food truck was observed "walking around the crowd with a tray of chicken samples." These samples were substantial, described as "BIG CHICKEN STRIPS" that were given away freely to concert attendees. The sampling appeared to be an informal promotion, with no specific mention of requirements or limitations on how many samples could be obtained.

The presence of food sampling added an unexpected element to the concert experience, providing a tangible perk that enhanced the overall value of attending the event. For fans who arrived early, these samples offered a convenient and complimentary snack option while waiting for the main event to begin.

This food sampling opportunity exemplifies how unofficial vendors and promotional activities can complement official concert experiences, offering additional free benefits to attendees who arrive early or explore the area surrounding the venue.

Fan Project Merchandise and Banners

Local fan projects contributed significantly to the freebie ecosystem surrounding the concert. One notable example was the distribution of banners created by local fans. These banners became sought-after items for many concert attendees, who collected them as mementos of their experience.

The sheer volume of these fan-created banners was substantial enough that some fans actively tried to avoid collecting them, as they had accumulated "so many of them over two days." This abundance highlighted the dedication of local fan groups in creating and distributing merchandise that enhanced the concert atmosphere.

The banners, along with other fan-created items, served multiple purposes: - They enhanced the visual environment of the concert venue - They provided fans with physical mementos of their experience - They represented the collective effort of fan communities - They created opportunities for social interaction among attendees

The distribution of these fan projects appeared to be organized and systematic, with specific teams or individuals responsible for handing them out to concert attendees. The process was described as happening before the main event, suggesting that fan groups coordinated their activities to maximize visibility and impact.

Conclusion

The Newark stop of Seventeen's concert demonstrated how freebies and promotional activities can significantly enhance the concert experience. From official VIP packages to fan-organized initiatives, the event created a multifaceted ecosystem of free offerings that delighted attendees and added value beyond the musical performance.

The freebies distributed during the concert experience served multiple purposes: they functioned as collectibles, status symbols, conversation starters, and community-building tools. The variety of items—from official merchandise to fan-created pins and banners—ensured that different types of fans could find something that resonated with their interests and level of investment in the concert experience.

The presence of food sampling and local events like the BE THE SUN Newark Cupsleeve Event further enriched the concert experience, offering additional benefits that extended beyond the main performance. These elements demonstrated how unofficial vendors and fan initiatives can complement official events, creating a more comprehensive and enjoyable experience for attendees.

For future concert attendees, the Newark experience offers valuable insights into the potential benefits of arriving early, engaging with fan communities, and exploring the area surrounding the venue for additional freebies and promotional opportunities.

Sources

1. Oh Honestly Erin - Freebies from FAM and VIPs
2. Vern Shu - BE THE SUN Newark Cupsleeve Event
3. Oh Honestly Erin - Freebies at Prudential Center