Arena di Verona performances - how long to queue up?

Question

If anybody's been to the Arena di Verona for opera or other performances, can you let me know how long I'm likely to have to queue up for un numbered seats but with tickets in hand? I've been told the gates open at 7pm for the 9pm performance, but since I have children (teens) I need to work out which parent stands and for how long... Also, where do I hire the cushions, are there any toilets inside and (I forgot to ask when I bought the tickets) are there likely to be intervals & can one buy eg. ice cream inside (like in UK theatres).

Thanks!

Answer 1

Can I just add to the very full answer given, that we bought ready inflated cushions from a stall outside, and you can hire them inside the Arena.

Three weeks ago, it was stiflingly hot and didn't really start to get any cooler till Midnight!  A fan is useful.

A small pair of binoculars was marvellous - husband and I shared a pair, and it enabled to watch the expressions which you couldn't see from near the rim of the Arena (but that was the coolest place - I pitied the people in the expensive seats right down in the pit), but next time if there is one, we will take a pair each.

Don't miss picking up your little candles on the way in (have a lighter or match handy to light them).

Answer 2

The Gradinata

If your seats are at the top in the unnumbered seats, (stone bleachers)first come first serve seats, bring a seat cushion to sit on and a blanket, and your snacks,  or a picnic and wine.  Those in the unnumbered seats/ unreserved seats  tend to dress more casual than those in the reserved seats.  You cannot bring glass inside the arena so if you bring wine put into a plastic bottle and bring plastic glasses.   If you buy your wine at the local shops around the arena, they will put it in plastic bottles for you and may even give you plastic glasses as well.

It is a lot of fun in the "gradinata". I saw  La Tosca in 1999 with my Italian friends and we sat in the gradinata. We had a great time.

The lines/queues begin at 4pm and the gates open at 6pm for the performance at 9pm

There are bathrooms in the arena... They are located  as you enter the arena  under the seating area( I was in  Verona in May 2008 and went on a  tour of  the arena.)

Yes, there are vendors who sell ice cream and other things.   Food and drinks inside the arena are expensive.

Here is the website

http://www.arena-verona.com/

Helpful information

http://www.slowtrav.com/italy/notes/nort...

http://www.italywithus.biz/main_pages/Ar...

Answer 3

I'm only going on 8 August to see Aida - so excited!! Thanks for asking this question.