Stevie Wonder and other big names headline Prince tribute, now at Xcel Energy Center
by Jay Gabler
September 15, 2016
After weeks of speculation, there's finally an official lineup for the Prince tribute concert on Oct. 13. The one thing that everyone thought they knew for certain, though, has changed. Instead of Minneapolis's U.S. Bank Stadium, the star-studded tribute will take place on Oct. 13 at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul.
"The family is extremely excited to provide an opportunity for the world to participate in the tribute for our brother Prince," said Prince's half-sister Sharon in a press release. "This concert will be an event not to be missed."
Tickets will go on sale Monday, Sept. 19 at 10 a.m. CDT, via Ticketmaster. Prices start at — yes — $19.99, then go up to $42.50, $82.50, $112.50, and $152.50. The Xcel Energy Center has outlined a system aimed at ensuring fairness for on-site ticket buyers.
Numbered wristbands will be distributed in numerical order beginning at 8 a.m. on Monday, September 19 and concluding at 9:40 a.m. After receiving your wristband, you may leave the facility as long as you return prior to the drawing. You must be 16 years old or older to receive a wristband. You must be present at the time of the drawing or you will forfeit your spot in line. No exceptions.
At approximately 15 minutes prior to the on sale time, a single number will be drawn. The bearer of the wristband with this number will be designated "first in line." The remaining lottery participants will line up in numerical order following the person first in line. A building staff member will assist in organizing the line and ensuring guests are in the proper order.
Shortly before the on sale time, a staff member will direct ticket buyers to the designated windows in an orderly fashion to purchase tickets. One person at a time will be directed to the window. There is a six (6) ticket per person limit for this show.
Once you get to the ticket window, state the number of tickets you are purchasing and price range. The ticketing system will automatically bring up the best available tickets. Only best available seating is sold during on sales. After the on sale line has all been helped, the box office is able to assist with specific ticket search requests.
Because there is a lottery format, there is no benefit to arriving at the Xcel Energy Center Box Office prior to 8 a.m. Overnight camping is not permitted.
The announcement came via The Door, a New York PR and marketing firm that recently signed on to help organize and promote the event. The announcement came with poster art (above), a promo video, and a link to an official Twitter account.