— witsandnuts

Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2010

The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix tickets were sold out last night. And I almost lost my chance.

It was not that I wanted to learn my lesson the hard way. But it really took me so long to decide if I should buy the tickets or not because months ago I anticipated that I might be traveling outside the UAE by next week’s long break. (Yes, we have a week off due to Islam’s Eid al-Adha, i.e. Festival of Sacrifice.) Also, I hesitated if Linkin Park will indeed be one of the performers at the after-race concerts. While their attendance as well as of Kanye West, Prince and others has long been confirmed by the organizers, I still reserved my doubt until its chance of happening was probable. Why? Because much more than the race, I am interested about the after-race concerts happening on the 12th, 13th and 14th of November. Yes, there goes my personal main triggers. And here’s the catch, only those who are holding the F1 race tickets will be allowed entry to the concerts. And the search is over, much thanks to those (you know who you are!) who helped us get the tickets last minute.

Two-day and three-day tickets were offered to the public. We got the latter and the packaging was so neat (the ID-ticket holder color identifies the designated grandstand) and the tickets are a superb memento material. Being one of the holders of three-day tickets, I got (an extra) the Thursday ticket for free. This will give us access to the pit lane walk tomorrow to get a sneak preview of the teams as they prepare for a high-racing weekend. Aside from the autograph opportunity, the Thursday ticket holders will also have the chance to be among the first visitors to the F1 village and Oasis areas.

[The Formula One races in details can be found here.]

Last year’s after-concerts line-up had Beyonce, Jamiroquai, Kings of Leon and Aerosmith. This year’s is more appealing to me (hence, I am in!):

Friday, 12th November – Kanye West /Concert photos uploaded here.
Saturday, 13th November – Linkin Park / Click here for the review and photos of the concert.
Sunday, 14th November – Prince /Read here concert details.

My recent favorite playlists, you can probably tell by now, include Linkin Park’s songs from Meteora, Hybrid Theory, Minutes to Midnight, and A Thousand Suns albums. I need to brush up my ears with Kanye West’s and Prince’s hits.

And I must have done something really, really good. Guess what? Just tonight, I got two complimentary tickets for the Kanye West’s concert. Must share soon.

[Race Venue] [Abu Dhabi Formula 1 website]
[Review and photos of Kanye West after-race concert]
[Review and photos of Linkin Park after-race concert]
[Review and photos of Prince after-race concert]