By Athena Skapinakis
Advertising Manager
Hundreds of people flocked to the Stubhub Center in Carson, Calif. for the 102.7 KIIS FM Wango Tango Saturday, May 10, 2014. Any fan of good music and good vibes would be thrilled to attend. If interested in seeing big-name artists like Tiesto, Maroon 5 and Christina Aguilera, you’re getting a bargain. Tickets ranged from about $60 nosebleed seats to $89 not-so-bad seats to $142 floor seats. What you may normally pay to see one artist at the Staples Center–you’re seeing over 15 artists for the price.
Had the price been greater, I’ll be real with you: I’d gladly sell a kidney to see Shakira up close. Luckily, I didn’t have to do that. Shout out to having a job (and a friend who works the event).
This was my second time attending Wango Tango, and boy, what a time! Although last year’s line-up was pretty fantastic, I’ll have to tip my hat off to 102.7 Kiis FM for managing to recognize that Shakira was an excellent choice.
My Highlight: Sneaking into the pit section and being ridiculously close to Shakira as she danced to and sang “Hips Don’t Lie.” (The Colombiana’s hips really don’t lie). She also performed some of the songs from her newest, self-titled album. Before she sang “23” she let her audience know that it was the most deeply personal song she had ever written. The song is almost an open love letter to her boyfriend, soccer star Gerard Pique, whom she has a child named Milan with.
Adding Iggy Azalea and Ariana Grande last minute was another good decision. I got to see three of my favorite female artists, and that truly made my experience exponentially greater than last year’s Wango Tango. Finishing off the event with Tiesto was perfection. His set was the best I’d heard, and he got everyone pumped up and dancing. Hands in the air, my feet had completely left the ground every time the beat dropped.
Quick Tips:
1. Spring for floor seats, always
When I attended last year’s Wango Tango, my biggest regret was settling on mediocre seats. I still had a good time and heard the music well enough, but nothing compared to the floor seats I had this year. I made several friends with neighboring music lovers. There were no lines for alcohol or small snacks and I was extremely, stalker close to my favorite artists, and I pretty much got to breathe same air as Shakira. Enough said.
2. Bring a sweater
If you’re not used to cold weather or just can’t stand being remotely cold like me and my friends, bring something light to throw over you. I chose a denim jacket, but my companion Sabrina needed a hooded sweatshirt to put her back at homeostasis.
3. Double-fist yo dranks
If you’re 21+ and legally allowed to drink, it’s best to get two at a time–if you’re going that hard–so that you can avoid waiting in a line for over 30 minutes.
4. Grab a hotdog
Once you exit the Stubhub Center and make the long trek back to your car, your senses will get hit by the most amazing aroma of grilled hotdogs. At this moment you should reach into your wallet, pull out some cash and buy one. It will be the best hotdog you’ve ever eaten in your life–guaranteed. You will regret not eating one of these for the rest of your life if you miss the opportunity.