Incubus (my all time favorite band) is playing at the Hammerstein Ballroom in New York City on the 31st and I am going to see them. My tickets are general admission. I NEED to be on the rail. Therefore I plan to get there hours before doors open to ensure this. I'll be with one person.

Now I have questions. First off, what's the area surrounding the doors like? Is there anywhere remotely comfortable (relatively speaking) to wait for hours around the doors? What should I bring to prepare for this? How should I amuse myself? Am I totally retarded here?

Secondly, has anyone here done this before, particularly at this venue? How early do you think I should get there? I'm thinking at least 5 hours before doors open, but maybe I'm wrong.

Third problem. I'm staying in Pennsylvania, not in New York. Therefore, we need to get to NYC somehow. I'm assuming that the best idea is to stay in NYC the night of the 30th so that we'll be in the city already, but I don't wanna do this because we'd have to have a bunch of overnight stuff with us. Unless we stay two nights ... but I'm already spending WAY too much money and this is the least desirable option money-wise. So what else can I do? Get up super early and drive? If I do that, where do I park? How about taking a train to the city?

Someone in NYC wanna become friends with me and let me stay with you for a night ...?

Anyway, ideas and comments appreciated!