We were excited to attend the first NYE at the arena, but apparently so were the other thousands of people who attended. Doors opened at 7, we arrived to find a long line of people waiting to get in. We found our table, and then waited on line for appetizers, and by the time we returned to our table, out table mates had left because the buffet line was opened, so we left our appetizers, and went to stand on line for the buffet. It looked like a short line until you rounded the corner to see a long hallway. Once inside, there were 6 buffet lines set up so it went smoothly, but by the time we returned to our table, our food was cold. One table mates prime rib was too rare to eat, anothers too done. It was just too dark in the line to see what you were getting. There was a mashed potato bar on the line so another table mate thought they were putting gravy on potatoes, only to discover it was chili. Then we waited on line for the photo booth, which was a great touch, but a waste of time standing there. Also, having only one bathroom open for this number of people was not a good idea! Therefore, all in all, not worth the ticket price. We recommend they open the doors at 6, serve appetizers in multiple locations around the arena, plate dinner to keep it hot, have two locations for photo booth, and not make everything so rushed and hurry up to wait!
THE HIGHLIGHT? Great bands and great music. We loved both bands and would follow them to wherever they play NYE!