Great pics!  They're a lot better than what I was able to take from the Loge boxes.

Thanks!  I'm a bit amazed I got as many as I did.  There was one of those "I'm John's biggest fans - I've seen him 4000 times" in front of me who spent the majority of the show jumping all over the place, making beer/p*ss runs and turned around facing me playing air guitar/violin . . .whatever does it for ya at a gig but I'd rather be watching the action ON STAGE

We were there!  Row C, one row ahead of you in the pit.  I agree, it's not easy taking pictures without a flash but I commend you for abiding by that respectful rule.  I took many pictures too, some were good and some not so good.  I will post later, if I figure how to.  (Very old School).  Loved that he closed it with Hurt so Good, even though I am very fond and deeply missed his newer stuff he played earlier in the legs.., .... Right Behind Me .... Easter Eve ..... & No Bettert than This .... 

LOL - I'm usually an "abide by the rules" kinda gal!  I have a new Nikon and I guess I should have played around a little before the show to see what setting worked best.

I really loved "Hurts So Good" as the closer . . .I figured "R-O-C-K" would be it.  It was an amazing show.  I don't get to see JM as much as I'd like . . .hopefully he'll be touring for us for a long time to come

Here's some of the pics I took.  I'm really bad at capturing live action w/ no flash so beware . . .a few turned out OK!

http://www.flickr.com/photos/32513811@N02/sets/72157626607375218/

Hope everyone that was there had a blast! 

Show last night rocked. . .very high energy!  Loved the film as the intro . . .too bad most people seemed to have no clue they should be there at 7 to see it   Band sounded great altho the bass might have been a bit strong for the size of the venue.  That also could have been because I was rather close (1st row behind the pit) . . .I know sometimes you get a better mix when you're a bit further back.  Here's a link to some of the pics I took.  Please note:  I totally suck trying to take pics w/ no flash . . .especially of someone like John who NEVER seems to stand still for a second

http://www.flickr.com/photos/32513811@N02/sets/72157626607375218/

As long as you dont get any "tornadoes"like those in alabama....you should be o.k.  Have a good show!

No kidding . . .We had tornadoes in the state a few weeks ago...a couple of F3s . . .mere babies compared to what just clobbered Alabama.

Right now it's 54 degrees w/ partly sunny skies.  We haven't seen sun and blue sky this much in days . . .John apparently brought spring with him 

have fun!

I think we shall . . . 

Driving in from Milwaukee - will barely make 7p show time.  Looking forward to it!

Have a safe drive and an awesome time

For any of you coming from out of town for Thursday's show in Ames . . .the weather is supposed to be:

Partly cloudy but windy (22 mph from the NW)
High of 65
Low of 37

Not the best but it could be worse . . .we've had snow as recently as 10 days ago

Hope everyone has great seats!

I just saw on TM that there are at least 3 seats in Row A (yes - that's for-real front row!) available for face value . . .I got Row 1 (first row behind the 3 orchestra rows) thru the presale . . .dang I shoulda waited 

The MU is definitely within walking distance of the theatre . . .hope it's a nice night for your walk.  Probably no meet-up for me after as I have to work the next day (which means up at 5 a.m. )  3 weeks . . .looking forward to the show!

No problem . . .if other questions arise as the gig date gets closer, ask away 

OK folks - sorry it's taken me so long to post this info.  I'm sorta all wrapped up in Colllege football right now   Here's some links that you all might find useful regarding the Ames Mellencamp show.

ISU Center information (includes maps, parking info).  Stephens Auditorium is part of the ISU Center (along w/ the football stadium, basketball arena and Fisher Theater).  BTW, there's tons of free parking around the venue if you're driving in.

http://www.center.iastate.edu/newsite/guests/maps.html

Hotels:

ISU has a hotel within it's Student Memorial Union which is within walking distance to the venue.

http://www.mu.iastate.edu/en/hotel_memorial_union/rates/

Best Western Univ Park Inn & Suites (.5 miles from ISU Center)

http://bestwesterniowa.com/hotels/best-western-university-park-inn-and-suites

Holiday Inn Ames Conference Center, ISU (1 mile from ISU Center)

http://www.holidayinn.com/hotels/us/en/ames/amwia/hoteldetail#

Gateway Hotel & Conference Center (1 mile from ISU Center)

http://www.gatewayames.com/content.php?id=26&loc=5&parent=0&t=Home

Hilton Garden Inn (2 miles from ISU Center)

http://hiltongardeninn.hilton.com/en/gi/hotels/index.jhtml?ctyhocn=AMWGIGI&WT.srch=1&008=&004=1603564081&005=3398563517&006=4512498901&007=Search&merch_urlid=67211537&002=2147810

AmericInn of Ames (5 miles from ISU Center)

http://www.americinn.com/hotels/IA/Ames

There's lots of motels in Ames . . .these are just a few closest to the venue.  The only one I've ever stayed in is the Gateway and it was 25+ years ago so I can't really recommend any of them based on personal experience

I also checked the ISU calendar for the date of the show and don't see many other activities going on.  If we were looking at a football or basketball weekend, rooms would be in short supply but that obviously isn't an issue in April!

Hope this info helps . . .

I just did some research, and I discovered that this Ames show will be just over 18 years (18 yrs, 4 days) after Farm Aid VI happened at Jack Trice Stadium, a corn cob's throw from CY Stephens.

I was going to mention that FarmAid was here at one time . . .I had to be in a wedding that day and couldn't attend - BOO!

Could you please make a recommendation on accomodations.  Is there any that are decent within walking distance to the theater?  Any info would be greatly appreciated.

Unfortunately there's really nowhere to stay w/in walking distance.  Stephens Auditorium is the performing arts center at Iowa State University so it's in a complex that includes the basketball arena, football stadium, conference center and another smaller theatre.  Let me do some research and then I can post a list of what I'd consider decent hotels that are the closest.  Plus I can probably post a link to a map of the area if that would be helpful.

Okey-doke - thanks