What You Need to Know About Phish at SPAC

If you are heading to Phish at Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC), here are some veteran tips for making the most out of the two-day run, especially for out-of-town phans.

First things first — follow NYS Music on Twitter and Facebook for helpful hints throughout the weekend. We’ll be on location sharing traffic info, park updates and keeping fans aware of anything that they should know. In past years, Saratoga officials have announced a crackdown on alcohol and intoxicated people in the state park known as SPA, which includes SPAC. In the past, there has always been a lot of chatter preceding the summer concert season at SPAC regarding  the increased police presence and no-alcohol policy (with ticket enforcement and arrest potential). The past few times have not been as eventful, and as long as you pre-game smart, you should be fine. Our advice is to not treat SPAC as a free-for-all — this is a New York State Park and state troopers roam the grounds, not local just police.

Saratoga Spa State Park is easy to get lost in, as this is an expansive park, and you can easily wind up walking around for an hour looking for the lot your car is in, or altogether become disoriented. Save the map below, just in case.

phish at spac

In the interest of making sure everyone knows what has been the norm in the past, whether you have been here before or not, keep these few things in mind:

State Troopers. Keep all alcohol in a cup and don’t test the troopers. Phish fans are typically well behaved, but this is a state park, just like Jones Beach, something that shouldn’t be ignored while pre-gaming in the lots.

Hotels. Some establishments have been known to call-in suspected drug use. Be smart when pre-gaming at the hotel or getting back, and try to enjoy the post-show scene before getting some needed sleep.

Leaving SPAC. Expect checkpoints for drunk driving and K-9 units for the obvious. Don’t leave the park without a sober driver and when you do, drive the speed limit. Whether you’re driving down Route 9, Route 50, I-87 or towards the small towns north and south of Saratoga, take your time.

Post Shows – more info coming soon!

If you are headed south out of SPAC, or looking for music and eats, stop off in Malta for two nights of post shows at Nanola. Where is Malta? Just 10 minutes south of SPAC, off Exit 12 right on Route 9. The menu is fantastic — great Cajun-inspired food and American dishes, as well as one of the best draft and bottle selections in the Capital District.

There is an amazing amount of music lined up after each day of this year’s Phish SPAC run. That’s the beauty of seeing Phish at a venue like SPAC — the town opens up its doors to Phish with many options for music, art and daytime and nighttime activities.

We will see you all at SPAC!

Comments are closed.