Schedule says transition closes more than 2 hours before my wave goes off. I am assuming that this race actually means that they close transition and you have to leave. Tips on anything to bring (throwout sandals, bars), and/or where to hang out?
Yes - pretty serious transition. Closed means closed, they match bikes with bib numbers when you’re leaving, etc.
There was a separate bag check last year in the expo so I just set up transition and had everything else (including nutrition, wetsuit, extra shoes, car key, etc.) in a bag that I eventually checked before my wave.
Honestly you’ll have no problem occupying your time between wandering the expo, warming up and watching the earlier waves. Enjoy! Look for us in our ridiculously bright green kits and say hi.
They will kick everyone out of transition when the race starts.
Bring sandals, yes. Don’t need to leave them behind. There’s a bag check-in at the expo. Hang around spectate enjoy. Then check your bag just before your wave starts. It may already be hot those 2 hours. Bring an extra water bottle and yeah some food. No worries. Anything you may have on you before the race (other than swim kit 
) you can stick in that bag and check in at the last minute.
Cool. Thanks for the info and from Dilbert
Schedule says transition closes more than 2 hours before my wave goes off. I am assuming that this race actually means that they close transition and you have to leave. Tips on anything to bring (throwout sandals, bars), and/or where to hang out?
yup I am with you buddy… Hurry Up and Wait!!!
At a larger IM 70.3 event, it’s pretty common for transition to close almost 90 minutes before ht last wave goes off. What’s the big deal. You get everything set-up, get in line for the bathroom, time your nutrition accordingly and otherwise find a nice shady spot to camp out and watch the first waves go off. Hyvee was similar.