We’ve all had enough of the “tarpers” who show up early to concerts and cordon off huge spaces with unsightly plastic tarps—and apparently, so has Phish. In an email sent to fans ahead of the band’s summer tour opener, the jam giants laid out new policies tightening rules around its First Entry process for GA floor shows. The policy, originally designed to promote fairness, safety, and ease, has been abused in recent tours by fans entering multiple times, using mismatched or borrowed IDs, and saving space for others who weren’t selected.

“You are receiving this email because you have submitted for First Entry for at least one Phish show in the past,” the message began.

When we first introduced First Entry for GA floor shows, our goal was to create a system rooted in fairness, safety and ease. Thanks to the vast majority of you who approach it in the right spirit. Over recent tours, however, we have observed some fans take advantage of the system, whether by entering multiple times, using mismatched IDs, or holding space for others who weren’t selected. While these may seem like small things, they disrupt the experience for everyone and undermine what we’re trying to build together.

Going forward, we are going to have tighter rules around this process and will be enforcing them strictly. We want to be clear: violations may result in being removed from the process, denied entry, or in some cases, ejected from the show – with or without warning or refund.

Among the rules detailed in the email were the following:

  • Only one entry per person. Multiple submissions may be removed from selection and/or rejected in person at entry.
  • All names must match what is on you and your guest’s photo IDs. Mismatched names or fake or borrowed IDs will result in rejection at entry.
  • Be on time. Late arrivals will be directed to enter through the regular doors.
  • Guests must check in together.
  • No tarps, towels, trash bags or any other item that could be used to save space once inside the venue. If these items are found during the security search you can either throw them away or take them back to your car and forfeit your spot in First Entry.
  • No saving space once inside. You may be asked to remain standing briefly after entering the venue. Please dress comfortably and plan accordingly.

The email continued, “We know most of you already follow these guidelines, and we appreciate that. These rules are here to protect the spirit of First Entry and ensure it works the way it was meant to – as a fair and welcoming way to enjoy the show.”

In a separate email sent to fans who “may have attempted to circumvent the First Entry registration process at a past show — for example, by submitting duplicate entries, using multiple email addresses, or employing other methods to gain an unfair advantage,” the band warned, “any further attempts to abuse the system may result in removal from the First Entry process — including the possibility of having your submission denied, being turned away at check-in, or being suspended from participation for a period of time.”

Phish’s summer tour is set to kick off tonight, Friday, June 20th, with the first of three shows at SNHU Arena in Manchester, NH. Tickets are sold out, but fans can tune in to nightly webcasts of the full June–August leg of the tour via LivePhish. [Editor’s note: Live For Live Music is a LivePhish affiliate. Ordering your Phish summer tour 2025 webcasts via the links on this page helps support our work covering the world of live music. Thanks for reading!]

Find a full list of upcoming Phish shows and secure your tickets here.