What to expect for Pokemon Go Tour: Kalos and Mega Night event

Pokémon Go Tour: Kalos kicks off Friday, and, as with previous editions, it’s taking place at the Rose Bowl and the adjacent golf course in Pasadena. The events run from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Feb. 20 to Feb. 22.

This year’s event will cover the same general area as the previous Go Tour in-person events, but this one will have three biomes: The Central Village just outside of the Rose Bowl, the Mountain Manor on the golf course to the west of it and the Coastal Laboratory north of that.

It will feature amenities such as team lounges, a PvP battle ground, merchandise pickup and two food truck locations, with a major of them at the Central Village and a small contingent in at the Coastal Laboratory. It seems as though the event will follow a familiar pattern with players choosing two Special Research paths focusing on the legendaries associated with the region – Xerneas and Yveltal. The research has encounters with each legendary along with a respective unown X and unown Y.

MEGA NIGHT DETAILS
The big addition to Go Tour: Kalos is Mega Night experience. It’s Niantic’s first evening in-person event, and it will run from 6 to 8 p.m., an hour after Go Tour ends. According to Niantic, Mega Night “includes special event-themed Pokémon, timed research opportunities, exclusive Mega Raids and a live musical performance by GlitchxCity.”

Here’s how it’s supposed to work: Players who buy a ticket can stay in the play area, which is confined to the Central Village in the periphery of the Rose Bowl. Players can check in at these locations:

• From 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., players can check into the event at in the Central Village information booth. It’s near Gate N.
• From 4 p.m to 5 p.m., trainers can check in at the Rose Bowl field at the Tunnel 15A at the northwest corner of the stadium.

Those who decide to stay on location instead of dipping out for an hour will be directed to the Rose Bowl field starting at 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. This will be the perfect time to grab food or go on a bathroom break for the night ahead.

Trainers who are just going to the Mega Night event will have to go through security at Gate A. That could delay players depending on the traffic and the lines for screening.

HOW TO GET READY
With any big in-person Pokemon Go event, there are several ways to prepare. Here are tips to help you get the most of your day:

1. Clean out your storage: Players will catch a lot of Pokemon during Go Tour: Kalos, and one of the big issues that players run across is that they’ll run out of space. Be sure to clear at least 200 slots for new Pokemon.

2. Bring an extra battery: The event will go on a long time, and one of the most important things to do is preserve your battery. That means charging it up to 100% before the event, and bring an extra battery. Trainers should be aware of the Rose Bowl policy. Players are allowed “one portable battery will be allowed per person, and the battery must be the size of a smartphone or smaller,” according to its website.

3. Bring a clear bag: Like last year, conventional backpacks are not allowed on the premises. Security can be strict about the types that trainers bring, but in general, a gallon plastic freezer bag is allowed, a clutch with a shoulder strap, clutch with a wrist strap or a diaper bag is OK when accompanied by a child. A 12″ x 6″ x 12″ clear plastic backpack like this one on Amazon is ideal. I had no problem with it last year.

4. Bring good shoes: With the recent rains, some areas could be muddy, and trainers don’t want to slip while walking around the habitats. It’s good to stay on the paths and try to avoid puddles or muddy spots in the area.

5. Bringing a water bottle: Walking around can be a workout and hydration stations may be few and far between. It’s OK to bring a refillable water bottle or two factory-sealed water bottles. No outside food is allowed. The Rose Bowl has its own offerings around the stadium. There are also several food trucks available:

• Fatboys
• Boba Bestie
• JUNGLE WINGS
• Tropic Truck
• Kogi BBQ
• Robbins BBQ
• Cathy’s Cookies
• The Sweet Stop
• J-Cone
• Smileys
• Teppanyaki Supreme