Crew Stadium allows empty water bottles. Fill at refill stations inside. Dehydration at outdoor festivals in May in Ohio is not a joke. Drink water like it's your religion even if your religion is chaos.
Earplugs. Not optional. Get the musician grade ones (Earpeace or Loop, $20 to $30). They cut volume without killing sound quality. Zane's 17 year old ears feel invincible. They are not. Protect the kid.
Crew Stadium lots fill early on headliner days. Arrive before gates if you want close parking. Alternatively, rideshare drops off on Nationwide Blvd. The walk from far lots is not short. Wear good shoes.
Battery pack. Fully charged. You will be taking videos, texting, using maps, and your phone will die by 4 PM if you don't bring backup power. Bring the cord too.
Festival food runs $12 to $18 per plate. Four days of that adds up fast. Eat before you go in. Bring sealed snacks if allowed (check gate policy). Cash and card both work inside.
Mid May in Columbus means 65 to 80 degrees, possible rain. Layers. A light rain jacket that stuffs into a pocket. Sunscreen even if it's cloudy. Crew Stadium is outdoor. There is no "inside" except merch tents.
He's 17. Keep a meetup point established. "If we get separated, we meet at [X landmark] at [X time]." Text each other stage locations. Let him have space but know where to find each other. This is his first big festival with his mom. It matters more than either of you will admit for like six months.
~45 minutes via US 33 East to I 270 South to downtown Columbus. Historic Crew Stadium is at 1 Black & Gold Blvd (formerly Mapfre Stadium area, west of I 71). Leave 90 minutes before gates to account for traffic and parking on headliner days. Gas up the Civic the night before. 220K miles on that engine, she's earned premium treatment on concert days.