As understandably excited as you might be about Coldplay’s upcoming two-night stand at BC Place, there are downsides to Chris Martin and company’s return to Vancouver.

First off, getting a table at the Keefer, Bao Bei, Juke, or the McDonalds on Main Street might be a challenge with 60,000 or so fans descending on the dome Friday and Saturday (September 22 and 23).

Where it’s normally a shitshow even on the good days, the Georgia Viaduct is pretty much guaranteed to be backed up to Commercial Drive. Or, possibly, Port Coquitlam, Hope, or 100 Mile House.

As for parking, once you do get into the downtown core? Prepare to pay in a fashion that would make George Costanza twice as apoplectic as usual, because even if you apply yourself in this case, the odds of scoring aren’t in your favour.

Thankfully, you not only have options for not only getting to BC Place in time to see opening act 070 Shake, but doing so for free.

Mobi bike share has partnered with Coldplay’s record label, Warner, to encourage concertgoers to commute to the show. In recognition of the band’s commitment to sustainability, Mobi bikes will be free on both September 22 and 23 when the band hits Vancouver as part of its Music of the Spheres Tour. The magic word for the promo, which spans 24 hours each day, is “coldplay”.

Here’s what you need to know to redeem a free 24-hour pass for Coldplay:

1. Download the Mobi app or visit mobibikes.ca.
2. Go to “Choose a plan.”
3. Subscribe to the 24 Hour Pass.
4. Enter promo code: “coldplay”.
5. Check your email or the app for your user code to unlock a bike.

The nearest Mobi bike stations near BC Place Stadium are at Expo and Smithe, Beatty and Robson, and Beatty and Nelson. 

Enjoy the show. And, if you end up with an extra seat the Keefer around 6pm, please let us know and we’ll be right down, with the first round on us.