STEPHANIE OGILVIE The Roanoke Times

I could see five giant TV screens from my lawn seat — which was a good thing, since the performers on stage were tiny.

Of all the out-of-town venues listed in our weekly Hit the Road section (Page 10), I've been the most curious about the Verizon Wireless Virginia Beach Amphitheater, simply because it's so close to other fun destinations including Williamsburg and the ocean.

I finally made the five-hour road trip with a couple of friends on July 25, when we attended the Counting Crows/Maroon 5/Sara Bareilles concert.

What I found was a huge, 20,000-seat outdoor venue, which opened in 1996. To give you an idea of how big that is, its capacity is double the Roanoke Civic Center Coliseum.

Here's what I wish I knew before we made the trip:

1. The amphitheater is nowhere near the ocean

Plan on driving 12 miles inland if you're staying beachside. Also, if you're driving straight to the amphitheater from out of town, add at least one hour to your expected arrival time -- long backups near the tunnels on Interstate 64 are common.

2. The $10 lawn seats are worth the extra fees

Because I'm not a die-hard fan of any of the bands, I waited until the last minute to buy tickets. And I'm glad I did, because Live Nation, the company the operates this amphitheater and a bunch of other venues worldwide, offered a one-day online sale the week before -- I could get a lawn seat for only $10. But, of course, there was a catch: I had to pay a mandatory parking fee, which doubled the price. So it cost me $20 to see the concert in the very back of the amphitheater.

But it turned into a pretty ideal scenario. While the musicians were as tall as Chiclets from our view on the lawn, there were five giant TV screens that showed cameras zooming into the sweet face of Maroon 5's Adam Levine. Another bonus? The music level wasn't overpowering, so we could talk freely as we lounged on beach towels, stargazing in between rock-star gazing. But we also lucked out -- we would have been miserable if it rained (and all concerts are rain or shine).

3. Plan your parking

If you bring three other friends with you in the same car, you'll get a better parking place. In an effort to be more "green," the venue offers a special carpool parking area close to the entrance -- and it's free, meaning no extra charge on top of all the other fees you'll pay. We didn't know about the parking policy, but it didn't matter, because one of us splurged for "Premier Parking." For $20 extra, we could drive right up to the entrance (and it was totally worth it because the I-64 traffic caused us to be more than an hour late). You can buy this luxury when you pay for your tickets in advance or on the night of the show (but you must have cash).

4. Bring cash -- lots of it

Sticker shock alert! Get ready to pay $8 for a beer and $4 for water once inside. Besides blankets and beach chairs, you're allowed to bring one factory-sealed water bottle. You can also rent chairs for $4. Concessions including Papa John's pizza, burgers and hot dogs are available -- but outside food is allowed if it's packed in a clear, one-gallon plastic bag (no coolers allowed). Would-be smugglers beware: Your bags will be checked and your pockets will be patted down.

5. Go after Labor Day

Finding affordable hotel rooms near the beach was more difficult than I expected. After learning that almost every midclass hotel along the boardwalk was sold out, I paid $282 (ouch) for a Friday-night stay at the La Quinta Inn and Suites one block from the beach. Keep in mind: Weekday rates at the same hotel are almost half that price, as are rates in September.

IF YOU GO

Verizon Wireless Virginia Beach Amphitheater

Where: 3550 Cellar Door Way, Virginia Beach

Call: (757) 368-3000

Net: www.livenation.com/venue/getVenue/venueId/1948/

COMING UP

Tonight: Dave Matthews Band with TR3

Tuesday: Journey with Heart and Cheap Trick

Aug. 15: Toby Keith with Montgomery Gentry, Carter's Chord, Mica Roberts and Trailer Choir

Aug. 19: Jonas Brothers with Demi Lovato

Aug. 31: Brad Paisley with Jewel, Chuck Wicks and Julianne Hough

Sept. 11: Rascal Flatts with Taylor Swift

Sept. 12: Third Day and Switchfoot

Sept. 14: 3 Doors Down with Hinder, Finger Eleven and American Bang

Sept. 19: Mary J. Blige with Robin Thicke

Oct. 5: Martina McBride with Jack Ingram and Jason Michael Carroll, The Road Hammers, Carolina Rain, Crystal Shawanda, Kevin MaC and Randy Houser