ProgPower USA Frequently Asked Questions
Q: You’ve sold out almost every year. Why not move it to a bigger location?
A: The focus of ProgPower USA will always be quality over quantity. It is very difficult to find a larger venue that accommodates the type of atmosphere that I create at an affordable price. As I have always said, I would rather have a sold-out show in a smaller, first class venue than a half-empty show in an arena. The intimacy of the show on a first class level is what makes it one of the most unique festivals in the world.
Q: You have the most expensive ticket on the festival circuit. How do you justify that?
A: If you want the best, then you have to pay for the best. This is not a cheap show to produce, especially when you consider the quality of the bands to pay for with the small number of tickets sold.
Q: Why Atlanta? That’s not a metal city?
A: It’s the perfect centralized location for domestic and international travel. It also helps that I live near there.
Q: Why September/October? Wouldn’t it be easier to do it in the summer?
A: 1. Airfares are cheaper in the fall. 2. It is impossible to compete with the European festival circuit in the summer.
Q: Are all bands really going to be there? I don’t see the date listed on their website.
A: It is the policy of ProgPower USA to not announce the roster until after a written contract is in place. Feel free to check with each band or their management for verification of the confirmation. I do not book via record labels, so there is no point in contacting someone like Century Media as they tend to find things out the same day you do. As for website verification, you have to realize that it does take time for the bands to update their site, some longer than others.
Q: Will there be individual day ticket sales offered?
A: Individual tickets are only offered one month prior to the event (if the event has not already sold out).
Q: What is a Gold Badge and how can I get a Gold Badge?
A: Gold Badges are very advanced ticket sales with several “special perks” not available to the regular ticket holder. At the present time, no badges are available to the public. If some do become available, I will post an update to the ticket information section. You can email me at anytime to be placed on the waiting list.
Q: How difficult is travel in Atlanta? Do I need to rent a car?
A: No. You can catch the Marta (public transit) directly from the airport to a station that is less than a block from the venue. The cost per person is $1.75 each way.
Q: How about hotels?
A: There are numerous hotels within walking distance of the venue. You can walk everywhere. Check out the hotel section of the website for more details.
Q: What time are the doors open?
A: Please check the general information page for complete door times and schedules as they are made available/updated.
Q: What are the show times?
A: Please check the general information page for complete door times and schedules as they are made available/updated. Please be warned that the Marta System stops running prior to the end of the show. You will need to make arrangements for a car or cab if you are not walking.
Q: How long are the sets?
A: Sets range from 45 minutes for the opener to 90 minutes (sometimes longer) for the headliner.
Q: Can we go in/out?
A: Yes. Both the venue and I reserve the right to stop this in the event of any trouble. Please be courteous to the security at the front door if you wish to keep these privileges.
Q: What is the venue smoking policy?
A: Georgia state law requires you to smoke outside since this is an all-ages shows.
Q: Will there be vendors again? Do they accept credit cards?
A: Yes. Credit Cards are an individual vendor decision. You should be prepared to bring cash if possible or to visit an ATM (one is located on premises).
Q: Will the bands be doing any official signings?
A: The bands have the option of doing so. A lot of bands will remain available to you throughout the event for pictures, autographs, etc. Signings are located in the lobby area, as designated in the event program you will receive at the festival.
Q: What about photography?
A: Digital cameras are once again allowed at our show.
Digital cameras are now allowed for everyone. Tri-pods and large camera bags are still prohibited. Furthermore, I will be a much bigger asshole to those that I catch recording. You will be tossed out without mercy.
I’d like to personally thank the sponsors for giving their blessing to this. They truly understand that anything we can to do to generate a positive vibe about the festival is a good thing in the long run.
Details of the “fan” photography contest will be posted in August.
Q: How do I get a photo pass to take pictures in front of the stage barrier?
A: You do not. These are only given to press or personnel that I hire. All others that are in the front of the barrier at anytime are VIPs.
Q: What about food/drinks?
A: Center Stage has several bars and beer gardens to take care of your thirst. Their in-house restaurant is also available. No food or drink may be brought into the venue or taken out. You can also check out our dining section for restaurants in the venue vicinity that attendees have recommended over the years.
Q: Parking?
A: There are two parking garages at the venue. They are not operated by the venue. There is also a lot across the street (across 17th street) that offers parking.
Q: Can I bring in my cd/promo material to distribute?
A: Yes, but please wait until after all goodies bags have been handed out Friday night. However, you are not allowed to sell any material for any reason. You may also want to consider getting maximum exposure by booking a track/ad on our CD sampler and/or event program offerings, details here.
Q: How can I get on the ProgPower USA band roster?
A: It is by invitation only at the present. However, I am always willing to listen to new things. Please email Deron for further details.
Q: Is there a festival t-shirt?
A: Yes. However, please keep in mind that production is limited as I don’t want to get stuck with extra inventory after the show. Tip: Don’t wait to get your shirt, they go fast. If we ever have extras or make another press run, you can find information for this on our merchandise page.
Q: Is there an age requirement?
A: No. This is an all-ages event.
Q: Why do you announce things so early?
A: Many bands have their schedules set up to a year in advance. Thus, I have to get started early. Furthermore, I would rather you hear the news come directly from me instead of a rumor spread by someone at one of the record labels or management firms.
