Hollywood Bowl gets its own smartphone app
Just in time for summer -- not to mention the launch of Apple's iPhone 4 -- the Los Angeles Philharmonic Assn. is introducing a phone application designed to help you make the most of visits to the Hollywood Bowl.
The free app offers a detailed look at the season's shows and performers and allows users to buy tickets and add concerts to a favorites list in order to receive reminders and special announcements.
The "Hollywood Bowl" application also explains how to get to the venue by car or shuttle and what to do once there. On phones with GPS the app will offer driving directions and pinpoint seat locations as well as the nearest restrooms, concessions and picnic areas. App users also can view Bowl-related videos and a fan photo gallery to which they can submit their own pictures.
An L.A. Philharmonic spokeswoman says the application, which was developed by Santa Monica-based MeemleLabs, is available for all Android phones and iPhones and is compatible with iOS 4 -- Apple's new mobile operating system. It will be available for BlackBerrys and the mobile web starting in July.
The Phil says it's always trying to improve mobile service for all users on its 110-acre grounds. For this season, it has been working with AT&T, the spokeswoman says, "so you can enjoy using the 'Hollywood Bowl' app at the Bowl and beyond."
Last fall, the Philharmonic Assn. celebrated the arrival of music director Gustavo Dudamel by launching its first iPhone app and online game, "Bravo Gustavo," in which users can "conduct" the Phil in excerpts from Berlioz and Mahler.
-- Karen Wada
Photo: The Hollywood Bowl opened its 2010 summer season with fireworks on June 18. Credit: Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times
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I'm OK with the Bowl getting its own app. But they have to stop letting Traffic Enforcement and "Transit Systems" mess up the square miles surrounding the venue every time there's an event.
Posted by: The Bell | June 24, 2010 at 12:17 PM
The irony of course being, AT&T 3G service at the Hollywood Bowl is non-existent so you'll never be able to use the app while there.
Posted by: LetsGoMets | June 24, 2010 at 11:49 PM
LetsGoMets - the article above mentions that AT&T service has improved. Have you tried it recently?
Posted by: Donna Maldonato | June 25, 2010 at 12:24 PM
What Hollywood Bowl needs is an iPhone app alerting drivers in the area when there is a concert, who's performing, and the time you need to get out of Hollywood before traffic is backed up for hours.
Who cares about the 10,000 people going to the concert getting info about the performance. What about the 200,000 people stuck in traffic for ever whenever there is a concert.
Posted by: jay victor | June 26, 2010 at 10:42 AM