The Ticket Blog - Concerts, Sports, Theater, Las Vegas, Front Row & VIP Tickets: August 2011

Peak Seats Mobile App, growing fast!

Seems like we might be at a tipping point available in the market for mobile apps and exactly how they may be becoming the go-to place for digital content. A brand new dollop of number-crunching coming from the app analytics company Flurry claims that for the first time, this month within the U.S. mobile app consumption overtook web surfing—on mobile and PC—in relation to minutes of use.

Inside of a article, Flurry notes that until now of the month of June, mobile apps by the U.S. averaged out at 81 minutes all day of use, while web use averaged out at 74 minutes. Finding tickets through mobile apps have become increasingly popular. NFL football ticket sales through mobile apps have hit an all time high.

Flurry’s figures are based on its own U.S. data, which it says covers 500 million “aggregated, anonymous use sessions per day across greater than 85,000 applications,” on iOS, Android, Windows Phone, BlackBerry and J2ME platforms. The net stats, meanwhile, are assisted by Alexa and comScore (NSDQ: SCOR) and take account of minutes spent on the “open web,” “mobile web” and Facebook.
Allocating on account that Flurry can be quite a tad biased within the position here—it’s an app analytics company, so bigging-up the rise of apps benefits it greatly—and that it’s not quite clear what precisely is being covered on the other hand of a typical fence—where do web apps slot in? where do sites requiring subscriptions go (is your potential agent “open”)? and does this include time spent on work computers or just those invoved with people’s homes?—taken alone the sheer rise of app usage after a while speaks to how briskly apps have grown as a considerate medium. Flurry notes that app usage has grown by 91 percent over the past year.
It may also underscores simply how much people (well, people by the U.S., at the very least) just like for yourself have their content targeted and served directly, instead of being an all-you-can eat buffet, as they say.
Drawing out those food items metaphor more, it seems like like people like to eat content like tapas: “growth has grown primarily from more sessions per user, per day as an alternative to a big growth normally session lengths,” writes Flurry’s product marketing manager Charles Newark-French.
Apps are undoubtedly still in his or her early days, in comparison to the now-mature web, which grew by only 16 percent during the past year. Mobile ticket apps are on the rise as well. With apps that specialize in concert tickets, sports tickets, theater tickets, Broadway tickets and Las Veags tickets, you can get an app that gets you the best ticket available.
What's going to be interesting to watch is so how has the balance will alter in the year ahead. We are precisely only now commencing to see an earnest rise of “web apps” like the FT’s and Facebook’s that create app-like experiences but with less client-side storage of content.
There also are undoubtedly still more innovations for being manufactured in native mobile web browsers: apparently Apple’s new iOS 5 build is outperforming Windows Phone Mango, which looked pretty fast when it was previewed earlier this year. All of this could go in a way to swinging minutes away from apps and back to the net again.

Broncos bring power and strength to the 2011 line of defense.

If you have been addicted to the Denver Broncos for very long, you recognize the fact that the defensive line has not been a strength team -- for a long time. To have a a large number of the very last 7-10 seasons, the Broncos have had average defenses, and most times have taken very poor run defense. The main reason due to this, for me personally, is your defensive line has not been a strength. There have been a range of veteran free agent signings who have not solved (Daryl Gardener, Jarvis Green, Jamal Williams, etc.). The draft has really not helped with all the talent on your defensive position either. Mike Shanahan had decent success drafting defensive lineman (Trevor Pryce, Marcus Thomas, Elvis Dumervil). Josh McDaniels didn't address the line of defense inside the draft in any respect, it also was one of the biggest mistakes he produced in Denver (which is saying lots, because he made A huge number of mistakes).

The rationale the defensive line is going to be a unit of strength this year is simple - competition. The Broncos front office added players which have been highly touted and underachieved (Derrick Harvey, Brodrick Bunkley, both former 1st round picks), with a guy that has been an expert bowler (Ty Warren). On top of fresh players, there are a couple of returning players that ought to thrive in the 4-3 defense, and never require to have been within the 3-4 defense in the first place (Robert Ayers, Marcus Thomas). Oh yeah, there's that other guy named Elvis that will be making his return this year. Elvis Dumervil has bulked up and appears like he's ready ensure it is a terrible experience for opposing quarterbacks on passing downs. Forget about playing linebacker, he'll be lining within a 3-point stance every play.

While many "experts" are quick to write-off the moves the Broncos have formulated to bolster their defensive line, I would like to elucidate why I don't agree. The Broncos created younger guys (Harvey, Bunkley) which can be seeking to prove they belong inside the NFL. Many "experts" once said these guys were worth the danger of drafting within the first round. Well, which "experts" were wrong then!? Harvey and Bunkley the two of them have short contracts remaining, and can need to influence the Broncos, and scouts around the league, that these belong. There is no better way to prove you belong than to earn an area in the defensive line rotation for your Broncos this year. Now that the awful performance of a little while ago, any improvement will be noticed, but a major improvement could earn some big paychecks. Heck, even Ty Warren needs to prove something this year. After sitting out last year with a hip injury, daegan has to make certain that he are available back healthy and play at a high level. He's 30 years old and most definitely has a two-year contract with the Broncos. If he can enjoy alright two years, another contract could be in his future.

The Broncos players which can be coming back from not too long ago should do in fresh defensive scheme (Ayers, Dumervil, Thomas). While Robert Ayers is going to be playing defensive end, he will move inside to tackle on passing downs -- to be able to make room for 2011 first round pick, Von Miller. This is certainly what Ayers did in college, and is more natural for him. He can stuff the run, plus get now that the quarterback. He will not need to be a stand-up linebacker and can be much more comfortable. The best part is that with Von Miller and Elvis Dumervil bringing heat off edges, Ayers have to get good one-on-one matchups against guards and centers. Marcus Thomas is my candidate for breakout player of your year -- that's right, you heard it here first. Thomas is crazy athletic, and his skills shall be utilized under John Fox. Smith a one-year contract, and can certainly look to play well and earn large pay check day.

What do you think of those Broncos line of defense this year? Will they finally be dominant, or will they actually be a disappointment like they have been through the years?

Indiana State Fair Stage Collapsed In High Winds

This was the scene that over 12,000 concert goers’ at the Indiana State Fair were shocked to witness as the performance stages collapsed this past Saturday, August 13. Sara Bareilles had just left the stage moments before after completing her performance, and fans were eagerly awaiting the next act – Sugarland – to take the stage. Suddenly the stage began to sway, as winds picked up to intense speeds and totally demolished the temporary structure. Labeled a ‘freakish accident’ by Governor Mitch Daniels, thus tragic accident left 5 dead and more than 40 were injured.

Onlookers reported that many actually ran TOWARDS the collapsing structure to try and help those in harm’s way.

On Sunday, a memorial was held at the Indiana State Fairgrounds in honor of those who were killed the day before.

“There are no words to process a moment of this magnitude and gravity,” Sugarland’s Jennifer Nettles said in a statement posted Sunday on the band’s website. “There are only prayers for peace in the hearts of the bereft, and prayers of thanksgiving for those who were spared or safe. A piece of our heart is left in the grandstand.”

The Indianapolis tragedy was the third such outdoor musical event of the summer in which sudden, heavy winds destroyed all or part of a stage, leading to inquiries and reassessments about what further precautions can be taken to insure the safety of both fans and bands.

We’re Paying Attention To The NFL Preseason So You Don’t Have To: Takeaways From Week 1

We’re Paying Attention To The NFL Preseason So You Don’t Have To: Takeaways From Week 1 - "Preseason football came back in all its unspectacular glory this weekend.

These games are a chore to follow, so here’s a rundown of what we learned while you weren’t watching.

The new kickoff rule is going to make football less fun: The NFL moved kickoffs up five yards to the 35-yard line this year. The result: 33% of kickoffs have been touchbacks so far this preseason, compared to 16% during the 2010 regular season. So expect a lot of anticlimactic kneeling this year.

Michael Vick played so well, Andy Reid benched him: The Eagles justified the hype with an eight play, 80-yard drive to start the preseason. Coach Andy Reid was originally going to play the first-team offense for the entire first quarter, but he saw enough on that one drive to pull Vick and Co. seven minutes into the game.

Tom Brady was “shocked”: The Golden Boy didn’t play in New England’s mauling of Jacksonville. Afterward, Brady expressed his surprise: “We were ready to play. [Bill Belichick] told us the night before the game we weren't playing, which I think shocked probably all of us, but it's not like we can go put ourselves in the game.”

It’s not like New England needed him: They won 47-12.

Oh by the way, the Pats are looking to sign more old men: They’re working out veteran receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh, and veteran safety Darren Sharper today.

Cam Newton is a star: Call it premature, call it unjustified hype, but there was a definite buzz in the crowd when Cam Newton took the field for the Panthers on Friday night. He responded well, zipping a 30-yard pass up the seam to Greg Olsen en route to a 8-19, 134-yard performance.

Matt Stafford added fuel the Lions hype machine: The oft-injured QB was 6-7 for 71 yards and 2 TDs. It was against the Bengals, who are basically a glorified college team at this point. But still, this could be his breakout year.

San Francisco still doesn’t have a quarterback: The un-dynamic duo of Alex Smith and Colin Kaepernick was sacked six times in the first half against New Orleans."

Iowa State Fair - Great Music and Fried Butter On A Stick! - Video - KCCI Des Moines

What goes better with good music like good food? Iowa State fairgoers are one week away from seeing, hearing and tasting all this year’s Fair has to offer. Helping to celebrate 100 years of the Butter Cow, fried butter on-a-stick will make its debut. The new buttery treat features butter dipped in a honey-flavored batter, fried golden brown and served on a stick. Additional foods on a stick include fried cheesecake, chocolate covered fried ice cream, and peanut butter and jelly. These treats join more than 50 foods on-a-stick offered at the Fair. Once you get your fried butter on a stick, check out the great seats available for the 2011 Grandstand Shows.

2011 Iowa State Fair Grandstand Line-up

Presented by U.S. Cellular

Thursday, August 11 Casting Crowns with special guest Sanctus Real.

Friday, August 12 Jason Aldean with special guests Chris Young and Thompson Square

Saturday, August 13 Def Leppard with very special guest Heart and special guest Evan

Sunday, August 14 The Incredible Machine Tour featuring Sugarland with Sara Bareilles

Tuesday, August 16 Lynyrd Skynyrd and Doobie Brothers

Thursday, August 18 Ronnie Dunn with special guest Steel Magnolia

Friday, August 19 Train and Maroon 5 with special guest Gavin DeGraw

Saturday, August 20 REBA with special guest Jerrod Niemann

Sunday, August 21 An Evening w Janet Jackson: Up Close and Personal

ZZ Top - Casino Rama - August 3, 2011 | Lithium Magazine

A great review for one of my favorite bands of all time.

ZZ Top - Casino Rama - August 3, 2011 | Lithium Magazine

"Review by: Vickie Young

The little ole’ band from Texas is quite contradictory considering nothing small comes from Texas, and ZZ Top is no exception. Aside from their oversized beards, fearsome riffs, and paramount success, the band boasts never having a personnel change during their 40-year career. In rock ‘n roll, this is truly an epic feat.

Entering the billowing smoke-filled stage, Billy Gibbons and Dusty Hill assumed positions behind a pair of illuminated mic stands. Donning matching bedazzled jackets and trademark sunglasses, their only difference were the hats they were sporting. While Gibbons opted for an African hat, Hill preferred something a little bluesy. However, the difference wouldn’t last for long as part way through the set Gibbons summoned his two sexy “Hat Technicians” to bring him his blues cap.

Frank Beard, assembled behind his skull encrusted drum kit, looked as though he hasn’t aged in years. No words were spoken; just an immediate launch into “Got Me Under Pressure", followed by “Bus", “Jesus" and “Pincushion." 5000-strong ZZ fans were excited and thrilled by the quick execution to get the evening underway.

At this point, Gibbons addressed the crowd and began to share his experience of being on an Indian Reserve. He said, “The Indian Sheriff told me there were only two rules. The first was no drinking on gospel songs, and the second, no gospel songs." The crowd burst into laughter while Gibbons deduced, “What I learnt about Indian Reservations is there are no reservations." If he hadn’t won the crowd over at this point he surely did with his stellar one-handed guitar chops on the next tune, "Nationwide."

A huge screen acted as a backdrop to the stage, alternating images of tantalizing women and flashbacks of the band’s MTV stardom. It was comical to watch the cheese factor of these videos and the flood of memories each one held. The Eliminator (a customized 1933 Ford coupe with a Corvette-style engine that Billy Gibbons fabricated as the band’s signature vehicle) was featured in many of the video clips and received enormous applause from show goers.

The band produced a full blues workout in “Heads in Mississippi" and “Need You." Carrying on with a perfect concoction of old and new, a tribute to Jimi Hendrix was delivered in “Hey Joe." While pictures of Hendrix filled the screen, a lingering vibe of heartfelt respect was felt throughout the venue.

The band never lost momentum as they delivered hit after hit. Frank Beard worked the skins with shocking ease while simultaneously taking ciggie breaks. Gibbons proved why he’s considered a Guitar God with continuous one-handed solos. And Hill walked the stage, engaging the crowd and drifting back to Gibbons’ side to boogie in perfect synchronization. A moment of great nostalgia filled the air when the boys brought out their fuzzy guitars for their hit single, "Legs".

Returning to the stage for an encore, the band dealt a ridiculously tight performance of “La Grange" and “Tush." After all these years, Gibbons’ raunchy vocals are still fresh and unwavering.

Upon the band’s farewell, fans rose to their feet and cheered in appreciation of ZZ Top’s long time tradition of great rock and roll."

How much will it cost for me to see a NFL game?

Ticket prices on the secondary ticket market have been known to be good indicators of customer sentiment for the respective team. Find which NFL team has the highest ticket prices on the secondary ticket market.