

For a lot of people, the Vans Warped Tour is a mixed bag. Though the idea of putting on an all-day rock music event at Cricket Wireless Pavilion sounds like a good time, there are a lot of different things that can put a damper on people's good times. The most obvious of which is the heat. But there are also the high prices for food and beverages, long lines for bathrooms, and, of course, douchebags.

But that doesn't mean there aren't steps you can take to ensure that you have a good time at Warped Tour. After all, we don't get too many of this type of event in Phoenix, so we have to make the best of it when we do. Here are a few tips to help you beat the heat and avoid other Warped Tour related annoyances.

Stay hydrated: The thing to remember about the Warped Tour is that it's not so much an all-day music event as it is an endurance test. But one of the keys to passing this particular endurance test is making sure you stay hydrated. Keep in mind that staying hydrated doesn't just mean drinking Red Bulls and Monsters or whatever gross energy drinks kids are drinking these days. Drink lots of water and drink it often. And if you're of drinking age, make sure you throw in an occasional bottle of water between beers. Speaking of beer, that leads us to our next tip.

Pace yourself: Hey, we're all here to have a good time with some friends and listen to some good music, right? What better way to have a good time than watching your favorite band and kicking back a few cold ones. While that all sounds good in theory, just make sure that you are pacing yourself when it comes to the alcohol and you don't go overboard. You don't want to be that guy or girl who gets so shitfaced two hours into the show that you become such a drunken, puking mess that your friends have to drag you home before they get to see their favorite band. Your friends will thank you for this, fellow concert goers will thank you for this, and it'll save you a hangover in the morning.

Dress lightly: It's summer, it's Arizona, and it's going to be hot. The easiest way to beat the heat is wear light clothing. Though some people, usually young women, don't seem to have a problem showing up in as little clothing as is legally allowed, there is always somebody whom you see wandering around that makes you shake your head in disbelief. Sure, everyone applauds you for being "hardcore" and showing up in black pants, black shirt, black boots, and a black trench coat, but there is nothing hardcore about being carried away by EMTs because you passed out from heat exhaustion.

Be prepared: If you've already got tickets to Warped Tour, chances are you have an idea of a band or bands you want to see. Still, if you haven't, it may be worth checking out the Warped Tour's website for a full list of bands, just in case there is anyone there you weren't already aware of. Also, being that the set times for bands change on a regular basis, it's always a good idea to get to the venue early and check set times.

Stay in good spirits: Everybody is at the Warped Tour for the same reason: to have a good time. Still, that doesn't mean that things can't get frustrating -- and the heat doesn't really help the situation. But as long as you stay patient and keep a positive attitude, it will go a long way to making sure you and everyone around you has a good time.

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