The wait is almost over. Bruce Springsteen starts his two-night stand at Auckland's Mt Smart Stadium on Saturday; his first New Zealand shows in more than a decade.

With 80,000 people expected to file in and out of the shows, it pays to be prepared:

What you need to know

• If you are collecting tickets from the box office (next to Gate B) on the day, allow yourself plenty of time to queue. Otherwise collect them in advance from a Ticketmaster outlet, or make sure you have printed out your e-tickets. Tickets to both shows are still available through ticketmaster.co.nz.

• Check which gate you're entering through in advance, as it's a big stadium, obviously. The map above should help.

• Gates open at 4pm on Saturday, Mahalia Barnes will be on at 5.15pm, Jimmy Barnes at 6.15pm, and Bruce will be on at 8pm. On Sunday, times are all half an hour earlier.

• Check out your public transport options on maxx.co.nz/info/events/ or phone (09) 366 6400. There's no public parking at the stadium.

• There will be no pass-outs, no cloakroom facilities, and limited ATM or eftpos facilities on site, so come with cash.

• You can bring a sealed one-litre water bottle, and small (A4) placards, flags, or banners (this is how you request a song from the Boss) that won't impede the view of fellow audience members.

• You can't bring alcohol, branded food, umbrellas, picnic rugs, chairs, chilly bins, bikes, prams, strollers, professional cameras and, of course, anything that might be deemed a weapon. Check mtsmartstadium.com for more info.

Video

Who: Bruce Springsteen
When and where: March 1 and 2 (this Saturday and Sunday) at Mt Smart Stadium, Auckland. Limited tickets still available.
Listen to: High Hopes (2014)

- nzherald.co.nz