In good conscience, I couldn't do this before Thanksgiving. It'd be like hearing holiday music in the mall right after Halloween. But now it is time.
So lets go. (Ha. You kids are gonna hate this one.)

Two key things. Everything else will work itself out. I'll put a couple thoughts out here; please add your ideas and preferences.

1. When?
I think any of the last 3 nights is a viable option. 12/31 would be the traditional choice, but 12/29 or 12/30 are worth a look for a couple reasons: Might get a bigger crowd on Saturday or Sunday; people might be less spent cookies and more on their A-game earlier in the run; and it also gives people a chance to meet and possibly hang out again later in the run if they want.

It could also be something earlier in the afternoon, as opposed to leading right up to show time. Could give people time to regroup etc. before the show.

2. Where?
For the last two years we've used the Hudson Yards Cafe. IMO, location is great - just a couple blocks from the Garden, but outside of the immediate chaotic Garden area. Last year we were near capacity though, and the bar service ended up being slow. In fairness, I don't think anyone (least of all the proprietors) expected the crowd, and if we chose this spot again we would make sure they agreed to have more bar staff on, adequate supply of what we want, and perhaps some kind of streamlined menu. But I personally don't think the place itself was "too small", per se.

Another option that has been presented is one of two establishments a little further from the Garden. Either East Village, or by NYU, owned by a friend of a dotnetter. We're checking on the size of these places, and are pretty sure that they would more or less open up for us specifically and take good care of us. Question to everyone: Is this location (~2 mi away/10 min cab/close to Subway) a dealbreaker for attendance? And would setting up at an earlier time mitigate this at all?

If anyone that lives in the area and is willing to put in the groundwork has further ideas or suggestions, we're open to that too.

Any other ideas, here's the spot!
(But please keep it about the meetup. I will make no apologies for nuking unrelated posts - ticket grovels, lodging requests, how do I sneak my great Aunt Tilly onto the floor with me?, etc. - in this thread.)

Hudson cafe was a good spot. I think having the meet up at a walk able location is important for out of towners and n00bs. I think we should do it on the 31st and 29th. Is this event BYONeti? Will there be laminates?

Meet/greet

wonders into tread...thinking of excuses to tell wife why i must run to NYC and not hit a show...

still thinking...

wont say that i have no tickets and not asking for some....

IN for at least one night

As the dotnetter who suggested West 3rd Common, a couple of thoughts:

I realize that the distance may discourage some from attending, but, I would point out that a cab from there to MSG is about $8, which split 4 ways is about the same price as the subway and probably doesn't take significantly longer than walking from 10th Ave. The main advantage w3rd would have over HY is a better beer selection (we can even see if they can get a couple of kegs just for us). They would also most likely make it an entirely private event.

All that said, I have no issues whatsoever with HY (in fact, I originally recommended it for the '10 gathering).

I didnt go to last years and I dont know why.
I like the idea of a "private event".

I don't think a cab will be $8 in late December - I think you are looking at bare minimum of 20-30 bucks just because its the holidaze and everthing in this town will be f***ed.

Cabs from now until mid January suck - but were talking a 5 minute walk to a 10 -15 minute subway ride and you are under MSG. Plus the bonus of some nice Fresh air as you walk from West third through Washington Square Park may be just the thing everyone needs to sober up a little.

I think I am only going to the 29th, 30th now so I'm in for either day. If you really wanted to do this in the afternoon - which i think s a great idea I would do it Saturday or Sunday. Maybe even a lunchtime meetup - crush the bar for 3 hours - have a sammy - go get your shit together - go to show. Anyone

I would also ask said owner if we can burn johnny in the basement or kitchen or roof.

Saturday afternoon, please!

I like the idea of a private event @ W3d. However, I would agree that HY provides the better location in terms of encouraging participation. I would imagine there will be a lot of people who would "stop in for one quick drink" before heading to MSG, and we'd "lose" that participation should the event not be in the immediate vicinity of MSG.

/this request is only applicable should I find a ticket for Saturday night.

Signed on the preference of a place within walking distance..would probably make it easier for a lot of the out of towners..

Any security for VIP's? VIP area for special guests?

@Sprachtor said:

Any security for VIP's? VIP area for special guests?

I've already reached out to Dave Anvers, @Tebowie, you should be all set. Just look for the sign that says Janitor VIP.

I believe @careful_w_that_axe_Miller is providing security.

Worst thing in the world is a sucky bartender. I mean f*** if you are looking for close crush beers pregame in the LIRR station bars like Rosa's Pizza & Pasta.

They serve like Big Gulp's of beer - have about 20 on tap - and you can sit in the back with the bums and swill like it's 1999.

Dont eat there.

http://www.yelp.com/biz/rosas-pizza-and-pasta-new-york-2

One of the Primo spots for cheap swill pregame

@Sprachtor said:

@forbin1 said:

@Sprachtor said:

Any security for VIP's? VIP area for special guests?

I don't need any special treatment..but thanks for looking out.

I said important, not self-important.

Its ok..you can be my plus 1.

Based on the amount of hot chick lurkers who allowed up last year, I say Hudson Cafe

@_________________________ said:

Based on the amount of hot chick lurkers who allowed up last year, I say Hudson Cafe

Nice typo -- what did we "allow"??

Are those of us under 21 allowed in?

@mattsox94 said:

Are those of us under 21 allowed in?

Good question. Anyone underage show up last year?

HY was cool with under 21 last year.

and @mfhgreyboy -- you rock

Under 21? Really? Be careful with all that folks, maybe a nod and a wink; this ain't Europe.

there should be a meet up on the 29th

just out of curiosity why no suggestion for the 28th?

for sure! well if people would be down for it, even a smaller more local one i guess why not?

@forbin1 said:

@Sprachtor said:

@forbin1 said:

@Sprachtor said:

Any security for VIP's? VIP area for special guests?

I don't need any special treatment..but thanks for looking out.

I said important, not self-important.

Its ok..you can be my plus 1.

Hahahha oh nelly

Wait...why was I laughing?

I feel that HY was way too small. When everyone wants a chair and there are only enough chairs for half, that is too small. And the bathroom situation wasn't great, either (welcome to NYC, I know, but 1 toilet at the bottom of the stairs just doesn't cut it). Food was good, but we were crammed in there eating.

It would seem I was upset with the logistics of last year's meet up, but all I really remember is having a great time, putting some names to faces, and just partying in general. I just think more space equals more better.