First of all we(we being my two sisters, my friend Brook and I) wanted to get to Salt Lake early to avoid rush hour and any other complications that could have made us late for the concert, plus get a good parking spot.
It was still light outside when we got to the arena so we took the opportunity to sneak some pictures with the tour bus's parked out front.
They were trying to imitate the band but it didn't quite turn out the way we'd planned.
The next stop was the gateway to find food and restrooms. After a quick Panda Express dinner and a potty break we headed back up to the arena. I must say that on this walk to the gateway we were all trying to sneak peeks into the trailors and trying to see on the loading docks just to try and glimpse of anyone. My sister Channy even confessed her love to the security guard, of the band even though he thought otherwise.
With about an hour and half until showtime we found ourselves standing in the cold at a tailgate party where the country music radio K-bull 93 were giving out backstage passes and front row seats. They were having people call a cell phone number and callers like 5, 7, or even 12 would win. Of course everyone around you has their phone's out and unless you were a winner all you got was a busy signal. but then...
They announced it would be the last back stage pass given away of the evening so I got out my phone anxiously, almost more anxious for it to be over cause I was freezing to death, and dialed the number. After two tries with a busy signal I pushed send one last time and it started ringing. I freaked out immediately but in the back of my head I knew he was going to tell me I was only caller 3 and to try again. It was so loud and I couldn't hear so I just started yelling into my phone "Hello! hello! did I win? Am I caller #5?" All I could hear in response was "Where are you?" My arms immediately went into the air and I started waving obnoxiously. He told me to come up front and even as I started walking I couldn't believe it was me he was talking to. He asked me what my name was as I got closer and told me, "congratulations you're going to meet rascal flatts!" Before I even had the pass in hand I turned to the crowd and starting screaming and jumping up and down. The lady tapped me on the shoulder and handed me my pass and told me to get to the portal immediately, and that I was the only one that could go.
After a picture of course I took off running into the Arena and headed to the portal I was instructed to. However, the ushers kept sending me to the wrong place and panicked I wouldn't get through I started running despite the workers telling me to walk. Finally I was pointed in the right direction and headed down the stairs behind the curtain. The man so graciously informed me I'd made it just in time before they close the enterance(It was about 45 minutes before Jessica Simpson was to take the stage).
I was ushered into a room where people lined the walls surrounding it. Shortly after a man came in and gave us the instructions: No personal photography was allowed and that they'd be taking one professionally for us, No cell phone usage, No asking for personal autographs since we'd be receiving one, and no bags allowed by the band. He exited the room and not long after everyone started clapping and cheering. I looked around the corner and sure enough there was Rascal Flatts in the same room as me.
I decided to break one of the rules while I waited in line and started sending a text to let my family know that I was about to meet Rascal Flatts.
The line moved slowly but before I knew it it was my turn. Gary the lead singer turned to me and said "Hey Cowgirl come on over here!" I shook his hand as well as the other two members. They asked me if I was a roper cause I looked like one and I told them I wished I was. Then we posed for the picture, they patted me on the back and said "Nice to meet you. Have fun and enjoy the show" I informed them that I would and thanked them. I was handed my autograph and personal items and left the room.
Here's a picture of the professional one they took of us. Not very good quality on here but the best I can do to show people on the internet.
Even though it may have only been for a short moment I loved every part of it. The things they said and did were hilarious! and they were so nice and seemed very sincere, real and down to earth. I'm not sure why luck was in my favor that day but I'm so grateful for the once in a lifetime opportunity I received.
I made my way back to my seat and the rest of the night was spent singing my heart out to my favorite songs. They were amazing performers and I didn't want them to ever end. I was laughing so hard at some points but yet their songs always have a way of touching me to the point I was almost crying at some parts. Needless to say it was amazing and worth every penny. Here are so more pictures from the amazing night.
our souvenir t-shirts
To sum up the experience: tickets $85.00 + Cowgirl getup $25.00 + Parking $5.00 + Souvenir t-shirts $30.00 = a lot of money
Meeting the band, rocking out, and making memories with three of my best friends = Priceless : )
