The process of moving the band's gear from truck to stage at the start of show day, typically beginning 6–10 hours before doors. Includes positioning amps, building backline, hanging rigging, focusing lights, and patching audio. Load-in time depends on production size: a club show might load in at 4pm for a 9pm show; a large production might begin at 6am. Venues with dock-level access load in faster than ones requiring a ramp or stairs. Load-in is the first step in the show-day timeline.