Nate, Author at TicketNetwork Blog

PGA Championship Preview: The Best Shots

July 26, 2016 by Nate

The PGA Championship is the last chance that PGA Tour players have of lifting a major championship trophy every season. Players leave it all on the line, and it is usually one of the most hotly contested tournaments of the season. This season, the site of the PGA Championship will be familiar to some of the players, as the Lower Course at Baltusrol Golf Club in Springfield, NJ will host the event for the first time since 2005.

Phil Mickelson won the event in ’05, and if you missed his performance in the British Open a few weeks ago (not bad for a 46-year old) he should be in contention again at a place that will bring back good memories for him.

Henrik Stenson, who unbelievably outdueled Phil Mickelson on that historic Sunday at Royal Troon, the site of the British Open, could be another favorite, but after winning his first major championship I’m expecting a bit of a hangover.

Baltusrol is a 7,462-yard par 70, and is certainly a stern test. There is only one hole with water in play, but the rough is long and the fairways are narrow throughout the course so accuracy will be crucial for whoever wants to win the 98th edition of the PGA Championship.

The hole layout is also one of the most interesting that the players will see all season. A par 70 means that birdie chances are scarce, and at Baltusrol the two par-5s that players could take advantage of and birdie are the last two holes. Holes 17 and 18 will make or break a player’s round if they are able to capitalize on them. On Sunday, it should set up for an interesting finish with all the potential scoring chances taking place down the stretch.

Another major storyline is that Tiger Woods officially pulled out of the 2016 PGA Championship as well as the rest of the 2016 season, but let’s focus on the golfers that are playing this week, who has the best chance to win, as well as the role they’ll play this week.

Dustin Johnson – 2016 U.S. Open Champion (2016 Player of the Year?)

As we discussed earlier, Baltusrol Golf Club is a long course, and driving it long and straight is probably on the top of the To-Do List for those who want to win this week. Exhibit A is Dustin Johnson. In this new age of merging science and statistics, Dustin Johnson is a freak in the nicest way possible. He ranks 2nd on the tour in strokes gained tee to green, strokes gained off the tee and driving distance, all good things.

He is hitting the fairway only 57% of the time, but that is the least of his worries as he was won two of the biggest tournaments of the PGA season thus far, and if he can bump that number up to the 65-70% range for this week he’ll be unbeatable. The putter will have to come along as well but on his best days Johnson hits it long off the tee and close to the pin, a la 18 at Oakmont.

Jason Day – 2015 PGA Champion (Repeat Has a Nice Ring to it)

The defending champ will want to have something to say about the final major of the year as well. Jason Day had the best year of his career in 2015, and with all the expectations of continuing that success, 2016 has been a solid season, but for some reason Day hasn’t found that same magic in the majors. He hasn’t finished higher than tied for 8th in the three majors this season, and although that sounds good he hasn’t made that Sunday charge up the leaderboard and put himself in a position to win.

He has won three tournaments this season, including the 2016 Players Championship, a prolific tournament as far as non-majors are concerned, and still comes in ranked No. 1 in the world so if you doubt Jason Day’s chances to win this week, do so at your own risk.

Rory McIlroy – 4-time Major Champion (International Man of Mystery)

Next on our list is the enigma that is Rory McIlroy. The kid from Northern Ireland who loved the game and was ready to take Tiger’s throne has turned into a disgruntled golfer that is rarely near the top of the leaderboards in 2016. He has won the PGA Championship in 2012 and 2014, and lapped the field at the U.S. Open in 2011, winning by 8 strokes, but we haven’t seen that McIlroy in a while. Now we are accustomed to the man who had some disrespectful remarks concerning golf in the Olympics and someone who throws fits reminiscent of an amateur when things aren’t going his way. McIlroy is one of the most physically talented players in the world, there is little debate when it comes to that, but mastering the mental aspect of the game is more important, and it seems he has lost that skill for most of this season. Only time will tell which McIlroy will show up this week.

Phil Mickelson – 5-time Major Champion (Fan Favorite)

Mickelson might not have enough left in the tank after his heroics came up just short at the British Open, but the fact that he won at this course in 2005 might just be the spark he needs. Mickelson’s last win came in 2013 at the British Open, so many were writing him off after a lackluster couple of years, but it seems Lefty is saving his best golf for when it matters most. Driving the ball straight four days in a row has become more and more of a problem for Phil, but knowing the course gives him a slight advantage over most of the newcomers who haven’t seen this course yet.

Mickelson will definitely have the fans behind him, as he has a been crowd pleaser for the past two decades. Mickelson’s mental sharpness is at an all-time high as no one has more experience than him in the field. With experience comes wear and tear so we’ll have to wait and see if Phil can hold it together after a monumental effort overseas.

If you’re trying to see history made live at the 98th edition of the PGA Championship then TicketNetwork is where you need to be. There are single day passes as well as weekly passes for the entire tournament on sale now at a great price.

The Summer Sixteen Tour is Coming in Hot

July 20, 2016 by Nate

The wait is finally over! The turn up tandem is touring together, and it should one for the ages. Drake and Future have scheduled a massive 59-show tour that is taking them all over North America this summer, and it all starts July 20^th at the Frank Erwin Center in Austin, TX.

Drake announced the “Summer Sixteen Tour” back in April, and the anticipation has been growing ever since. He also announced he’d be co-headlining with Future, a move all of his fans appreciate. The two have collaborated on a classic mixtape, What A Time To Be Alive, and Future is also featured on Drake’s new album, Views. With a catalog of hits, “Summer Sixteen Tour” tickets will be a must-buy item this summer, and here’s why.

The duo compliments each other well, and both rappers have their unique style that their fans will love to see. Versatility is a crucial component when huge acts go on tour together, as audiences don’t want to pay to see the same performance twice.

Throw in Drake’s Canadian prodigy, Roy Wood$, as the opening act, and this tour has all the ingredients to being a must-see event when it comes to your city.

The “Summer Sixteen Tour” will hit every major venue in North America, and most, if not all will be sold out. In most cases, when two household names go on tour together they perform their own sets separately, and then after that will take the stage together and bring the house down. If that’s the case for the “Summer Sixteen Tour” then fans will be in for a show they’ll never forget.

Due to the location and dates, there are some stops on this tour that are simply can’t miss. We’ll detail why they are so important as well as discuss tracks that are bound to be played live when the Drake and Future hit the stage.

Drake and Future are no strangers to shutting down an arena together. Image via news.hiphopearly.com

Drake will play all the smash hits from Views during the Summer Sixteen Tour. Image rapdose.com

Future’s pioneered a style of rap that will be on display all tour long. Image via rap-up.com

Wednesday, July 20^th – Frank Erwin Center in Austin, TX

Unfortunately, the biggest tour of the summer starts on a Wednesday night, but if you’re a true fan we won’t hold it against you if you call out of work the next day. The opening act of the “Summer Sixteen Tour” should be a great show as Drake and Future will want to set the tone for the rest of their tour. The largest crowd ever at the Frank Erwin Center was for a John Denver concert in 1978, and that record is in serious jeopardy of being broken thanks to Drake and Future.

Sunday, July 31^st and Monday August 1^st – Air Canada Centre in Toronto, CA

Fresh off of the 7^th annual OVO Fest in Toronto, an event Drake hosts, Drake and Future will make their way in to Drake’s hometown and keep the party going. The last weekend of July will be an insane time to be in the city of Toronto, and the atmosphere will only get crazier when the “Summer Sixteen Tour” rolls through. When artists go back to their roots they always pull out all the stops so expects some fireworks from Drake when he heads home.

Sunday, August 14^th – Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, TN

This stop on the tour could be an underrated show. Drake is a big fan of Memphis, TN, the stomping grounds of his father, and being in the neighborhood at the Bridgestone Arena might bring out the best in him. He could be ready for a big show and his father, who is never one to shy away from a party could be in attendance as well.

Thursday, August 25^th and Friday, August 26^th – Philips Arena in Atlanta, GA

The last big stop comes almost a month later on Future’s home turf at Philips Arena. The co-headliner will look to let loose in front of his home crowd and should put on a great show for all those who come out to support the Atlanta native. Performers also call for some other local talent to show up to their hometown concerts so expect some other rappers who made a name for themselves from Atlanta to come out for the “Summer Sixteen Tour”.

Besides the atmosphere that Drake and Future can bring to any arena, their music isn’t far behind. The last year has been productive for both of them as solo artists as well as when they decide to join forces to produce a hit.

Here’s our list of tracks you need to hear (if you haven’t already) before heading to a show on the “Summer Sixteen Tour”.

Drake & Future – Jumpman

“Jumpman” is the song that set this whole tour in motion. The hit single from What A Time To Be Alive this song was the hottest thing on the radio for months. The first time Drake and Future are on the stage together at the same time this will most likely be the song they open with. This will send the crowd in to a frenzy, and get the set off to a strong start.

Drake – One Dance

The epitome of a summer anthem. This is one of Drake’s biggest hits off of Views, and as his set is winding down this will be the perfect song to switch up the tempo. The island-themed song has been tearing up the charts and was a mainstay at No. 1 on the US Billboard Charts since its release. Fans will be anticipating this song throughout the concert and there is no doubt Drake will play it, it’s just a matter of when.

Future – Low Life

One of Future’s biggest releases of 2016, “Low Life” was another song that got its fair share of radio play. Fans would love it if the Weeknd made a guest appearance for his verse on the track, but that is unlikely. Nonetheless, Future will blast his 2016 anthem and the crowd will love every second of it. There is an outside chance Drake fills in for The Weeknd and if that’s the case this song will be one of the best to hear live at the concert.

Drake – Hotline Bling

The song that has been stuck in everyone’s head for months. It is without question the song you hate to love, but you know you do. Another song that flirted with the top of the charts, “Hotline Bling” was one of the most successful songs for Drake off the album, Views. Drake will have the crowd in a great mood, and every body singing along when the beat drops for this one.

Drake & Future – Big Rings

This song needs no introduction or explanation. Drake and Future will play this live, get ready for it.

Drake – Summer Sixteen

There is no doubt Drake will play “Summer Sixteen.” This successful single is what the tour is named after, and this is definitely a leading candidate for Drake’s opening song. Drake won’t need much help, but this song will definitely get the crowd amped when they hear the beat.

If you need tickets to one of the hottest selling tours this summer, TicketNetwork has you covered! Great seats at great prices are still available for the “Summer Sixteen Tour” right here.

Must See Performances at the Pitchfork Music Festival

July 13, 2016 by Nate

The Pitchfork Music Festival is an annual event hosted by Pitchfork Media since 2006, and has been a reliable avenue for artists to launch their careers.

On the tenth anniversary of the festival, the script hasn’t changed. There are numerous artists in the line-up that are poised to make it big after taking the Pitchfork Music Festival stage at Union Park in Chicago, IL.

The list of names that used the Pitchfork Music Festival as a springboard for their careers include: Kendrick Lamar, Chance The Rapper, Chvrches, Bon Iver, Curren$y and Vampire Weekend.

With all of the formalities out of the way, lets get to the artists that are ready to do the same this year.

Anderson .Paak (Day 2)

The leadoff hitter for our must-see acts at Pitchfork comes to us from the hip-hop genre. Anderson .Paak just inked a deal with rap icon Dr. Dre’s record label, Aftermath Entertainment, and has been on an upward trajectory ever since. He is making waves in the rap game, but this performance should get his name out to a much more widespread audience. Before he dedicated himself to rapping, .Paak was a producer, drummer, pianist and singer. The man is a musical Swiss Army knife, and expect to see him do it all while on the stage at the Pitchfork Music Festival. Here is a sample of what he can do live (while playing the drums).

FKA Twigs (Day 3)

This British musician has been in the game for almost a decade, but has spent most of her career trying to make a name for herself overseas. After years of hard work she is finally getting the recognition she deserves on this side of the pond. The talented songwriter accompanies her lyrics with an amazing voice that includes her British accent (yes it makes everything sound cooler). FKA Twigs won the MTV Music Award in 2015 for the category Artist to Watch, and that’s exactly what she has been in 2016. She released a track called “Figure 8” in 2015 that her fans loved, and followed that up with a song and video for the song called “Good to Love” that is blowing up in the US. She has carved out a niche in the genre known as “trip-hop,” and once you hear her live on Fallon, you’ll know exactly what I’m talking about.

Car Seat Headrest (Day 1)

Car Seat Headrest, originally a one man band, has officially become a group and will take the stage at the Pitchfork Music Festival this weekend. Will Toledo started the project, but after signing with Matador Records in 2015, the switch to a four man band became permanent. Car Seat Headrest is fresh off of the release of their album, Teens of Denial, which came out in May of 2016. Their indie pop-rock style is contagious, and the song “Fill in the Blank,” is a perfect description of the band and genre as a whole. They have gotten a lot of press from Pitchfork over the past year so it is only right that they take the stage for the 2016 edition of the festival.

Mick Jenkins (Day 1)

Next up on the list is the hometown kid. Mick Jenkins hails from Chicago, and is an underground rapper trying to make a name for himself. Mick Jenkins put his name on the map when he linked up with Chance The Rapper and Vic Mensa, two Chicago rappers that know a thing or two about the come up. Jenkins has an aggressive style of rap, but his lyrics are sincere. He raps about biblical allegories, political reform and one day hoping to create a better life for himself and his homies. He should have a solid crowd, and will look to put on a great show for his hometown fans. He is also expected to drop his next project, The Healing Component, later in 2016 so expect a sneak-peek track or two from that during his set. Here is a vintage Mick Jenkins track from his 2014 project, The Waters.

Neon Indian (Day 3)

One of the biggest acts on Day 3 of the Pitchfork Music Festival will be the electronic band Neon Indian. After releasing albums in 2009 and 2011 the indie electronic band went on a bit of a hiatus. They returned in 2015 in a big way, and much to the delight of their fans, Neon Indian’s latest project was a big success. The project is called, Vegas Intl. Night School, and the hit single is titled “Slumlord.” Neon Indian is a one-of-a-kind band that produces music, sounds and light shows that fans have never seen before. They have a collection of hits in their discography, and here is, “Polish Girl,” a song they performed live on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon. If Neon Indian comes close to this performance at Pitchfork, they will steal the show.

The Pitchfork Music Festival is going down this weekend, July 15-17, and if you’re in Chicago this is a must-see event. Union Park in Chicago will the place to be, and if you need a ticket then TicketNetwork is the place to go. Get your Pitchfork Music Festival tickets at TicketNetwork.com.

UEFA Euro 2016 Final: One Man vs. One Nation

July 9, 2016 by Nate

The UEFA European Championship has been set! The final is taking place on Sunday, July 10th, in Saint-Denis, France and will be one for the ages.

Cristiano Ronaldo had a relatively quiet performance until the semifinal, but erupted against Wales. He scored a goal and notched an assist within three minutes of each other, and helped Portugal seize a 2-0 win over Wales along with a trip to the Euro Final. He has tied Michel Platini’s record for most goals scored in European Championship history (9), and will look to break the record while leading Portugal to a victory in the finals.

Their opponent, Platini’s former team and host nation of the Euro 2016 tournament, is France. Forward Antoine Griezmann has put the world on notice with six goals this tournament, including two against the defending World Champs (Germany) in the semifinals. He scored one off of a penalty kick, and calmly placed home the second goal late in the second half to seal France’s spot in the finals. Cristiano Ronaldo is the most well-known player in the tournament, but Griezmann has played the best so far there is no debating that.

It is every host nation’s dream to see their team win a major tournament on home soil, and that is exactly what France is poised to do. They have used their exceptional quality and pace to wear teams out. Second half goals have been a staple of France’s amazing run, and they can never be counted out of a match.

The headline going into every match that features the country of Portugal is always Cristiano Ronaldo. This time things will be a little different. Ronaldo is a superstar that has never won a major title for his country, and if he wants to change that trend he will have to take down a whole country. France is playing on home soil and they have a stacked team that has seemingly had a different player step up every game.

Antoine Griezmann has led the charge as the tournament’s leading goal scorer, but a trio of attackers have also been crucial to France’s success.

Paul Pogba, one of the craftiest midfielders in the world is on the verge of signing one of the biggest soccer contracts ever when he joins his next European club team. His tournament has been so-so thus far as far as goals are concerned, but his creativity in midfield and the attention he garners has allowed for other French players to capitalize on those opportunities Pogba creates.

Dmitri Payet is another player that has blossomed into a national hero for France throughout the course of this tournament. Payet has three goals, one of which was a late game winner in France’s opening game, and two beautiful assists during the Euro’s. He’s no Ronaldo, but he is a master from set pieces and his services will be tough for Portugal to handle. Don’t blink or you’ll miss this wonder goal he scored against Romania earlier in the tournament.

The final piece of the puzzle for France’s attack is the mysterious case of Olivier Giroud. Without a doubt he is one of the most talented pure strikers that France has ever had, but the consistency hasn’t always been there. He came in to the tournament being booed by fans for his poor form lately, but three goals and two assists later he is back in the good graces of everyone in France. All other attackers on France are relied upon for their creation while Giroud is simply the finisher. Two of his goals have come via the header so watch out for him during corners, set pieces and crosses.

(Yes, that delicious ball was served perfectly into the box by Payet.)

On the other side of the ball we have one man with a nation on his back. Cristiano Ronaldo has been a professional soccer player since he was 17. For fourteen long years a world of expectation has been put on his shoulders to deliver a title to Portugal. While at Manchester United and now currently for Real Madrid the man can do no wrong. When he suits up for Portugal the magic always seems to be just out of reach. He has reached the finals of the Euro Cup way back in 2004 as well as the semifinals of the World Cup in 2006, but came up just short both times.

The story of his career is that he has never had that star wingman needed to compete at the highest level on the international stage. While other top teams can rely on three or four players at least, Ronaldo’s lone partner in crime has been the inconsistent Nani. Nani has decided to show up to the 2016 Euro tournament, scoring three goals as well, and Ronaldo could not be more ecstatic. If Nani can step up one more time, Portugal will have a shot in the final.

Nani or not, Portugal will need a moment of brilliance (or two) from their national treasure Ronaldo. With their tournament on the line back in the group stages, Ronaldo put on a clinic against Hungary which enabled them to advance by the slimmest of margins.

This sublime back-heel goal was followed up by one of his trademark headers where he is able to float above all defenders and put the ball in the back of the net with precision and power. The first video in this blog post is all the evidence you’ll need.

Ronaldo will be expected to deliver no matter who the opponent is, and the pressure to perform will be at an all-time high.

Can the legend solidify his international supremacy the same way he has for his clubs? Or will the French arsenal be too much for Portugal to handle?

These are the two biggest questions heading in to the 2016 UEFA Euro Final, and we’ll all tune in to see the eventual answer.

If you are still looking for a ticket to witness history in the making in person, TicketNetwork has you covered! Get your tickets to the UEFA Euro Final right here.

Lil Yachty’s Young Career on Cruise Control

July 8, 2016 by Nate

Life is good for Miles Parks McCollum. If you haven’t heard that name before you’re not alone…but if you’re a fan of rap and haven’t heard of his stage name, Lil Yachty, then we have some problems.

An impressive career thus far that includes accolades, hit singles and great feature verses just added a North American tour to its résumé.

The Atlanta native is on a roll, and is doing it much differently than the other rappers that have paved the way for him. At first glance, Lil Yachty looks like every other rapper trying to come out of Atlanta, essentially a Young Thug clone that raps about making money, and the lifestyle that a successful rap career provides.

However, Lil Yachty describes his style of music as, “colorful, positive, trap music,” and its unlike anything we’ve heard before. Other than the fact that Yachty has burst on to the scene, and already appeared on tracks with household names like Young Thug, Quavo of Migos, and Chance the Rapper, his style is unique and he’s poised for a take over. It will all start with his North American tour, “The Boat Show,” which will begin in August, and here is why you need to be in attendance.

He’s A Member of the 2016 XXL Freshmen Class

Lil Yachty on the 2016 XXL Freshmen cover — Lil Yachty (top left)appears on 2016 XXL cover. Image via hiphop-n-more.com

If you’re a young rapper trying to get your name out there, gracing the cover of XXL during their Freshmen of the Year issue is the spot for you. He made the cover with fellow up and coming artists, Lil Dicky, Lil Uzi Vert and Desiigner, and is on his way to being a star.

Most of the rappers that make this list have struggled for a few years and are in their early or mid-20s before they catch enough traction to be on the cover. Lil Yachty is only 18 and has already made his mark on the industry.

The Red Hair

I can’t pull it off, you can’t pull it off, but Lil Yachty can pull it off and that’s all that matters. He’s been rocking the red dreads for over two years now, and doesn’t do it to attract attention or be cool, it’s just a hairstyle he liked and went with it.

Solid First Mixtape

Like any young rapper, their first mix tape is usually the most crucial. A career needs a foundation, and a concert needs a set list. Lil Yachty found both when he released Lil’ Boat earlier this year. Sold out shows will be a trend on this tour as fans will love the chance to see their new favorite rapper on his first tour performing classics from the tape such as “Out Late,” “Minnesota,” featuring a trio of his Atlanta predecessors and of course, “One Night,” the song that is most responsible for the atmospheric ascension that is Lil Yachty’s career so far.

Even Better Features

Lil Yachty is amassing a fan base, there is no doubt about that, but two artists took Lil Yachty to another level by putting them on one of their tracks. He appears on Chance the Rapper’s album, Coloring Book, on a song called “Mixtape,” and his last verse on the track fits the song perfectly. The last line of the verse tells all you need to know about where his confidence level as a rapper is right now, but I’ll let you take a listen yourself. He took the more mainstream approach when he jumped on a song called “Broccoli,” with D.R.A.M., the rapper best known for “Cha, Cha,” a hit song that was all over the radio in the summer of 2015. “Broccoli,” has the same smooth, summer feel, and if Lil Yachty drops his verse from this song while on tour the crowd will go crazy.

Fashion Fiend

Outside of music, Lil Yachty loves everything fashion. He was honored to be a model for the latest extravagant fashion show from Kanye West. He debuted his Yeezy Season 3 clothing line and Lil Yachty, along with one of his mentors Young Thug were chosen to be some of the first people to rock the clothes in the public eye. His own merch is unique, to say the least, so that, paired with the numerous Yeezy outfits he’ll probably rock while on tour will be worth the price of admission alone.

About Those Ticket Prices

One of the hardest things for fans to get over is some of the ticket prices that have skyrocketed to see their favorite artists perform live. Artists like Beyoncé, Drake and Coldplay are household names, and know fans love seeing them perform live no matter the cost. Lil Yachty is a popular artist now, there is no doubting that, but he hasn’t reached the level where he can charge whatever he wants for his ticket prices. An inexpensive show for a rising star in the rap game is a no-brainer for me.

TicketNetwork has your back on this one! Get your Lil Yachty tickets now for The Boat Show tour right here at TicketNetwork. The voyage starts August 6th in Vancouver, British Columbia and it should be smooth sailing for Lil Yachty as the tour culminates in a performance at the Budweiser Made in America Festival in Philly on September 4th.