Why does Coachella suck?

[miSTEVEious]

Okay so the title is a bit of an attention grabber but I do have some questions. I've never been to Coachella but I've been to most of the larger festivals in the US.

Why is Coachella so strict about so much bs?

Park your car far away and then get in line to be searched with your things? This one I can understand because obviously they can search us if they please, but I can imagine the clusterfuck.


No in and outs from the campground to the polo fields? This might be the only festival I've ever heard of doing this...This is really a bummer.


Those god damn stupid beer tents and you can't walk around with a beer?


The scheduled shows end at 12? If not, when? I guess I wish they went until 4 or 5 am but I guess that ain't happening.

I know Coachella isn't Bonnaroo or High Sierra but I just have this vision of a police state and being forced to stay inside if I wanted to go back and chill at my tent. Is Coachella as much fun as some of the other large festivals? Do all of these things add up to be really annoying/is it still worth it?

[DRcube]

...yo mommas titties

[SubBass49]

I've never been to Coachella

OBVIOUS.

[moomoo]

I've never been to Coachella

stopped reading.

get the fuck out.

[boarderwoozel3]

Yes, Coachella is as much fun as everyone says it is. But to address your points:

- Yeah, no reentry, even to the camping grounds. It does suck but it's the way it goes.
- They do have beer gardens positioned so you can still see acts and hear acts from a distance. I think it's a state booze law having to do with all ages shows or something. But fair warning, you probably won't even want to do much boozing in the desert heat. Not before sundown anyway.
-The sets are scheduled to end at midnight due to Indio noise ordinances but the bigger acts regularly go as late as 1am.

I've been to a number of bigger US festivals (not Bonnaroo yet) and none of them can hold a candle to Coachella. It's simply the best combination of musical quality and top notch production that I've experienced. Thousands of people from around the world, myself included, go to their first Coachella and swear to return every year they possibly can, and do. That speaks for itself, the hype is real.

[woogie846]

Truthfully, I'm glad shows don't go until 5 in the morning at Coachella. I usually get back to my hotel at around 1:30 or 2, and I need my rest.

[danteb]

Truthfully, I'm glad shows don't go until 5 in the morning at Coachella. I usually get back to my hotel at around 1:30 or 2, and I need my rest.

agreed, it allows you to recover, get some sleep and not miss the early acts the next day

[MonsoonSeason]

I know Coachella isn't Bonnaroo or High Sierra but I just have this vision of a police state and being forced to stay inside if I wanted to go back and chill at my tent.

?

it's a music festival not public school man

[HEADSTRUCK]

A lot of the rules are shitty but as far as the fest goes its done in a top notch fashion. The art, music acts,sound and overall feel is great.

-The Beer Cages
Now this is my least favorite thing about coachella since I am from the midwest and am able to drink at every fest there. I look at it as you save money since you cant walk around with a beer all day like lolla or others. It is very annoying to me but what can you do? I tend to just hit the gardens every once and awhile and slam a few then head back out.

No Re-entry-

I have no clue why they do this. I guess so they dont have to pay people to stand there and let you back in. I loved at Lolla I could leave and grab something to eat if I wanted but I never did so really who cares. I would like to be able to run back to the campground and maybe have a few beers and chill for a bit but its not anything that really bothers me to much.

Camping-

I really do not understand why people 21+ cant have beer. Even regular campgrounds are not that strict. I would rather they just made the campgrounds 21+ then so we dont have to sneak it in like i am 16. You deal with it cause thats the way it goes for some reason I will never understand. Yes the music may stop early but the campground keeps the party going



All and all you just have to take the good with the bad. When you walk though that green grass and and see that place at sunset for the first time you will understand. Rules are meant to be broken.

[Memorial_07]

Every venue I've been to, there has always been a no re-entry rule.

I don't know why everyone is freaking out about it.

[HEADSTRUCK]

Every venue I've been to, there has always been a no re-entry rule.

I don't know why everyone is freaking out about it.

Lolla and Bonnaroo you can come and go as you please

[MonsoonSeason]

Camping-

I really do not understand why people 21+ cant have beer. Even regular campgrounds are not that strict. I would rather they just made the campgrounds 21+ then so we dont have to sneak it in like i am 16. You deal with it cause thats the way it goes for some reason I will never understand. Yes the music may stop early but the campground keeps the party going


?

because coachella isn't it's own country and has to abide by excise laws, how do you not get that

[flowbee]

It's kind of nice to have reentry if the festival is located downtown in a major city like Bumbershoot in Seattle. Can take an hour break and walk to a local restaurant and have regular price food and beer and then wander back when you like. At Coachella, due to its location you'd have to walk or drive quite a ways to get to anything desirable anyway. But I guess no ins and outs adds to the "immersive" quality of Coachella.

[HEADSTRUCK]

?

because coachella isn't it's own country and has to abide by excise laws, how do you not get that

Well no shit its not its own country. I have camped at other fests and shows that allow it so it makes you wonder. California have some pretty harsh laws compared to the rest of the USA.

[humanoid]

Well no shit its not its own country. I have camped at other fests and shows that allow it so it makes you wonder. California have some pretty harsh laws compared to the rest of the USA.

that's a fairly broad generalization

[MeowMixer]

Yeah. Loser.

[HEADSTRUCK]

that's a fairly broad generalization

I am talking about the laws that pertain to what we are talking about.


If I were to go to a concert at say The Forum can I buy a beer and go watch the show with it there or do they have cages at every venue?

[rskapcat]

I do wish Coachella would go to a wristband situation like ACL; i.e., in and outs allowed. That being said, I'm going to Coachella this year...paid for my hotel and flight months before the lineup was released. I'm skipping ACL. Coachella rules. 'Nuff said.

[DJdharma]

I understand that at the STAGECOACH festival (all ages) which takes place the week after, at the same location, and is also presented by GV allows ins/outs to the RV CAMPING AREA, as well as alcohol in camping area. WTF!
If this is true, can anyone from GV explain the double standard here?

[cooperb1]

:troll:troll:troll:troll:troll

[WilliamTaft]

Well no shit its not its own country. I have camped at other fests and shows that allow it so it makes you wonder. California have some pretty harsh laws compared to the rest of the USA.

CA has harsh laws?
you know marijuana is legal for us, right? well you need a prescription for it, but that just means it's as legal as headache medicine or anything else. and there are thousands of doctors that write prescriptions for anyone who says they have ADD or anything.

and in CA, cops tend to be friendlier at big events, like when i was at pink saturday in San Francisco, the cops just walked right by people smoking weed, dancing naked, everything.


the only things we get tough on are drunk driving and guns.
AND RIGHTFULLY SO.
oh and we don't let people smoke in restaurants. good choice if you ask me, i don't think people should have to deal with smoke like that.

[HEADSTRUCK]

I am talking about the laws that pertain to what we are talking about.




^^^^^

[danteb]

I understand that at the STAGECOACH festival (all ages) which takes place the week after, at the same location, and is also presented by GV allows ins/outs to the RV CAMPING AREA, as well as alcohol in camping area. WTF!
If this is true, can anyone from GV explain the double standard here?

seriously??? thats bogus if its true

[Bud Luster]

CA has harsh laws?
you know marijuana is legal for us, right? well you need a prescription for it, but that just means it's as legal as headache medicine or anything else. and there are thousands of doctors that write prescriptions for anyone who says they have ADD or anything.

and in CA, cops tend to be friendlier at big events, like when i was at pink saturday in San Francisco, the cops just walked right by people smoking weed, dancing naked, everything.


First off, marijuana is NOT legal in CA. Even with your prescription and your fancy card, you can still be ticketed, fined, arrested, prosecuted, jailed, etc. This has been proven over and over again.

Second, SF is a totally different animal. Shit is tolerated in SF that wont be tolerated anywhere else in the world.

[AbundantChoice]

Those god damn stupid beer tents and you can't walk around with a beer?

So i'm sure i'm in the minority here, but I *love* the beer tent system at Coachella. Why? Because it drastically cuts down on drunken assholes wandering the polo fields, and confines most of the drunken puke to a few key areas.

Sure, i'd love to have a beer or two during Coachella, but I'd gladly sacrifice that in exchange for keeping the people that can't keep their shit together penned in away from me.

[MonsoonSeason]

If I were to go to a concert at say The Forum can I buy a beer and go watch the show with it there or do they have cages at every venue?

I thought we were talking about the campgrounds. are you talking about in the venue or on the campgrounds.

because in both instances you gotta be 21+ dude, sorry about yr luck, try canada

[HEADSTRUCK]

I thought we were talking about the campgrounds. are you talking about in the venue or on the campgrounds.

because in both instances you gotta be 21+ dude, sorry about yr luck, try canada

I am talking about both.....what does canada have to do with anything? I am well over 21 and that is the problem.

I am not talking about being underage and drinking. I am plenty old enough to drink and I dont see the problem with that. Coachella is the only fest I have ever been to that doesnt allow it.

[BrettShipes]

So i'm sure i'm in the minority here, but I *love* the beer tent system at Coachella. Why? Because it drastically cuts down on drunken assholes wandering the polo fields, and confines most of the drunken puke to a few key areas.

Sure, i'd love to have a beer or two during Coachella, but I'd gladly sacrifice that in exchange for keeping the people that can't keep their shit together penned in away from me.

I couldn't agree with you more.

[WilliamTaft]

First off, marijuana is NOT legal in CA. Even with your prescription and your fancy card, you can still be ticketed, fined, arrested, prosecuted, jailed, etc. This has been proven over and over again.

Second, SF is a totally different animal. Shit is tolerated in SF that wont be tolerated anywhere else in the world.

yes, but that still corresponds with other legal items. smoking pot in public = ticket. drinking vodka in public = ticket.
but vodka is still "legal".

sharing medical marijuana with others = illegal. sharing prescription pills with others = illegal. and especially selling either, too. but the prescription pills are "legal".

drinking at home, but being drunk on the street or in a restaurant = illegal. same goes for being high off of medical marijuana.

of course there are limitations. but it's still legal in the same sense that prescription drugs and alcohol are.

[HEADSTRUCK]

I am rather new to CA so please answer these questions for me.

If I go to a dodgers game can I buy a beer and drink it at my seat?

If I go see a concert at any venue in LA do they cage you or can you walk out with a beer?

[BrettShipes]

I am rather new to CA so please answer these questions for me.

If I go to a dodgers game can I buy a beer and drink it at my seat?

If I go see a concert at any venue in LA do they cage you or can you walk out with a beer?

No, just Coachella. You can't smoke (anything) inside tho. But at a concert... you know, just don't let them see you, or they don't care.

[HEADSTRUCK]

No, just Coachella. You can't smoke (anything) inside tho. But at a concert... you know, just don't let them see you, or they don't care.

So it is not a law that they pen you up like that correct?

[BrettShipes]

So it is not a law that they pen you up like that correct?

Correct, but the venue can do whatever they want because it's their venue.

[psychic friend]

or the city/police dictate.

[HEADSTRUCK]

ok, thats all I was looking for. The person on the last page made it seem like it was a state law and I havent ran across that since i moved here.

[psychic friend]

ya i dunno, they cage you at street scene too, or at least last time I was there. also at detour fest on the streets of downtown LA. or also at nye events on the streets of LA you can only drink in designated area's.

[HEADSTRUCK]

ya i dunno, they cage you at street scene too, or at least last time I was there. also at detour fest on the streets of downtown LA. or also at nye events on the streets of LA you can only drink in designated area's.

So at pretty much any fest in socal then but not at all venues. I would be more ok with it if they at least let us that are of age drink in the campgrounds. Being able to come back from the show to kick back with an ice cold beer would make my day.

[SubBass49]

So at pretty much any fest in socal then but not at all venues. I would be more ok with it if they at least let us that are of age drink in the campgrounds. Being able to come back from the show to kick back with an ice cold beer would make my day.

One of the many reasons I stay at a motel instead of camping.

- Ice cold beer waiting for me
- A Del Taco next door (walking distance to other late-night restaurants too)
- A bed
- A shower
- A quiet night without drunken fools falling on me while I sleep

[psychic friend]

Being able to come back from the show to kick back with an ice cold beer would make my day.

keep a cooler in your trunk.. go to car after. walla

[SubBass49]

keep a cooler in your trunk.. go to car after. walla

Only works if you have a decent cooler...but yeah...I've gotten back to the car after a full day at the fest and found ice-cold beer still waiting for me. Of course, I'm always the one that has to drive, so I don't get to indulge until I get back to the motel.

[BrettShipes]

If you keep a BIG bag of ice in there and don't open it that much, it stays cool longer than you'd think.

Just don't leave an unwrapped sandwich in the cooler or you'll get cold sandwich soup.

[HEADSTRUCK]

keep a cooler in your trunk.. go to car after. walla

Thats what I did last year and I am sure I will again.

I am just discussing these topics. I am a fan of coachella and will continue to go every year. This person that started the thread asked questions about certain rules and I think it should be discussed.

Every fest you go to are gunna have some bullshit you dont like and some you do. You just have to pick the one that suits you and deal with it.

[miSTEVEious]

thanks for all of the extremely quick responses. i think i'll buy my ticket now.

[beavington]

Thats what I did last year and I am sure I will again.

I am just discussing these topics. I am a fan of coachella and will continue to go every year. This person that started the thread asked questions about certain rules and I think it should be discussed.

Every fest you go to are gunna have some bullshit you dont like and some you do. You just have to pick the one that suits you and deal with it.


exactly and people whine about everything, which i am sure you are well aware of on this board.

[miSTEVEious]

stopped reading.

get the fuck out.

this is ridiculous. YOU gtfo and take your useless opinions elsewhere.

[Xenocide]

go to Stagecoach, where none of those rules apply... Yes to in & outs, no searching, beer anywhere on the festival grounds, alcohol in the campground, less police...

it's exactly like Coachella, except fewer rules and worse music.

[thegreekmind]

this is ridiculous. YOU gtfo and take your useless opinions elsewhere.

I think he might have said that because he saw your title and thought you were just going to trash Coachella when you haven't ever been there.

[Jon Blazed]

i wish there were in outs between the campsite and the festival.

[miSTEVEious]

i would go to stagecoach, but brad paisley, kenny chesney, and kid rock seem too rowdy for me

[BROKENDOLL]

go to Stagecoach, where none of those rules apply... Yes to in & outs, no searching, beer anywhere on the festival grounds, alcohol in the campground, less police...

it's exactly like Coachella, except fewer rules and worse music. How can anyone think that Coachella sucks? And, Xenocide, the festival layout may be exactly like Coach, but that friggin' Bo-Hunk music and lack of rules in regards to drinking turns alot of those All American Cowboys into Assholes and Indians.

[erndisco]

Thousands of people from around the world, myself included, go to their first Coachella and swear to return every year they possibly can, and do. That speaks for itself, the hype is real.

AMEN.

[gooftroop]

Coachella rules, but it does really sadden me that Stagecoach gets the camping privileges (in/outs) that Coachella cannot enjoy AND it's cheaper. I mean wtf GV? That's kind of a slap in the face to all the loyal Coachella campers.

And beer gardens are super lame so I just avoid drinking in general.

[boarderwoozel3]

One of the many reasons I stay at a motel instead of camping.

- Ice cold beer waiting for me
- A Del Taco next door (walking distance to other late-night restaurants too)
- A bed
- A shower
- A quiet night without drunken fools falling on me while I sleep

The campground shenanigans, while not conducive to uninterrupted rest, add quite a bit to the experience. Not leaving the grounds makes it like stepping into another world for four days. Going into town afterward becomes a bit of a shock, I wouldn't change a thing about it.

[crazzz2007]

So it is not a law that they pen you up like that correct?

it's probably an Indio city ordinance. CA has no such law.

[travolta]

pretty sure that if an event allows people under the age of 21, there must be a beer garden.

of course as mentioned, baseball stadiums and other "permanent" establishments are exempt.

[travolta]

keep a cooler in your trunk.. go to car after. walla


yeah but you can get a ticket for that... or is that only during the day when the police are patrolling the lots?

[psychic friend]

i didnt know you could get ticket for that. In that case, nevermind.

[locachica73]

Make sure you don't have your keys in you ignition while drinking at your car, you can get a DUI on top of open container and public intoxication, even if your car isn't moving.

[HEADSTRUCK]

yeah but you can get a ticket for that... or is that only during the day when the police are patrolling the lots?

I was out there every day till noon drinking and every nite after the fest and never had any problems. One cop came up to me and asked what we were doing and I told him we couldnt drink in campgrounds so I was out there. He told me to be gone next time he came by in an hour, that was at like 5am.

[MonsoonSeason]

pretty sure that if an event allows people under the age of 21, there must be a beer garden.

of course as mentioned, baseball stadiums and other "permanent" establishments are exempt.

sounds right

I've never had a problem drinking on the campgrounds, and after the show I can go directly to the gardens and get a drink there :/

[miSTEVEious]

how late is the campground bar open til?

[travolta]

I was out there every day till noon drinking and every nite after the fest and never had any problems. One cop came up to me and asked what we were doing and I told him we couldnt drink in campgrounds so I was out there. He told me to be gone next time he came by in an hour, that was at like 5am.


sounds like a cool cop. in years past i've seen people getting harassed for drinking at their vehicles before walking into the party; i've read abt. it on here as well.

[GeezrRckr]

Second, SF is a totally different animal. Shit is tolerated in SF that wont be tolerated anywhere else in the world.

and, thank allah for our small island of reason! but, shhh....keep it under your lid and just spread the love.

[ADGZ662]

I'm guessing its up to IPD if they want to harass you or not. I've drank countless amounts of alcohol in the parking lot wit no problems. I even remember one year walking down Ave 50 off of Jefferson st wit a case in my hands while my friends were drinking, i'd get tired put it down and have a drink. I'm doing this while IPD was driving right by & yes they were looking at me. Just keep it low key & they'll leave u alone.

[NY Excuse]

Why does this thread suck?

[GeezrRckr]

Why does this thread suck?

indeed. unsubscribe.

[frozen pilgrim]

the drinking cages thing is also an issue in toronto.

in response to the OP:
don't worry about all this "strictness" BS. it won't affect your experience. I suppose if you wanted to justify the (I suppose) stricter than normal festival atmosphere, it's to garner a feeling of safety. the fields, both fest and campground, feel like a giant safety net. it feels safe and okay to just wander aimlessly, lose your friends, have no schedule, have nothing in your pockets but a bit of cash, and just think about nothing but music and art. you don't have to worry about broken glass or fling bottles in the crowds. you don't have to worry about people with weapons or people there for a fight. everyone is happy, and friendly, and the ground is constantly vibrating from BAR NONE the BEST outdoor sound systems in north america. I know board regulars will be sick of this fact coming from me already, but coachella's cabinets are supplied by l'acoustics- just about the best shit that money can buy. to rival the kind of bass SPL you find at coachella, you have to go to those insane DNB-tuned UK/ibiza soundsystems

edit: so is it worth it?
I'd pay $300 just to be allowed to listen to CDs over those sound systems on that picture-perfect field for three days.

[miSTEVEious]

well i was all ready sold but the quality of the sound is exiting! frozen pilgrim you've made me a believer.

[Suffacated]

I'd like to know why you swallow?
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t52/Suffacated/POLO/gfysig.gif

[Xenocide]

pretty sure that if an event allows people under the age of 21, there must be a beer garden.

of course as mentioned, baseball stadiums and other "permanent" establishments are exempt.

you wanna hear something funnier... minors can get into the beer gardens at Stagecoach, they just need a wristband to buy...

how late is the campground bar open til?

well, it can't legally be open past 2am... so even then, it's off to the parking lot to drink...

[Xenocide]

Xenocide, the festival layout may be exactly like Coach, but that friggin' Bo-Hunk music and lack of rules in regards to drinking turns alot of those All American Cowboys into Assholes and Indians.

can i assume you've never been?
but yes, while i've never seen a fight personally at Stagecoach, Coachella is MUCH less likely to have one... i think the chairs at Mane Stage is probably more of an annoyance though...

for the record, i've been to both so far, and with the exception of the middle hour of The Eagles, i've never even seen a main stage headliner at Stagecoach... i've seen many great acts - almost entirely in the tents & the outdoor (the first year when they had it) and had fun both years...

[BROKENDOLL]

can i assume you've never been?
but yes, while i've never seen a fight personally at Stagecoach, Coachella is MUCH less likely to have one... i think the chairs at Mane Stage is probably more of an annoyance though...

for the record, i've been to both so far, and with the exception of the middle hour of The Eagles, i've never even seen a main stage headliner at Stagecoach... i've seen many great acts - almost entirely in the tents & the outdoor (the first year when they had it) and had fun both years...Oh, I've been, allright...and the seating at the "Mane Stage" was probably a good idea and should have been extended to corral the rest of the Stagecoach critters that can't handle their whiskey. While Suffacated helped try to break up some random bar room brawl behind us, I ended up standing on the left front side of the stage and could have sworn I was stuck in the middle of a Stetson covered moshpit trying to avoid getting my feet stabbed by the points of their boots!

[IlliniQ]

Coachella rules, but it does really sadden me that Stagecoach gets the camping privileges (in/outs) that Coachella cannot enjoy AND it's cheaper. I mean wtf GV? That's kind of a slap in the face to all the loyal Coachella campers.

And beer gardens are super lame so I just avoid drinking in general.

Dudes, it's all about crowd control and preventing problem incidents both during and after the festival (remember Coachella takes place on a Polo Field in a rather upperclass residential neighborhood).


Separate the beer tents from the stages, don't let kids get bring alcohol back to the stages, and make it difficult for people to go back to their cars or their campsites in a quick fashion and you've basically removed 80% of the potential substance related problems that come with running an event like this.

I know for those who really want to party it up, and for whom alcohol/drugs are a big part of the equation, this can dampen the impact, but as an old fuddy duddy now, I like it the way it is...those who want to get drunk are welcome too, but they'll spend most of the day in the beer garden rather than vomiting in front of me during the set of my favorite act of the day.

Also, the other big bonus of splitting music with food/beer gardens is the concession lines are never more than a minute or two long. Trust me, there are a lot of advantages at an event like this to limiting people's ability to get wasted.

As far as Stagecoach having a different set of rules, answer is obvious, it attracts a much older demographic, and GV is much less worried about how they will behave.

[blackeyedsiouxsie]

I went in 2004 and trust me, its too hot to drink beer. The only thing you can even think about drinking is water. Besides who gives a shit about beer when you are running around like a mad person trying to get to the next band?

[psychic friend]

and GV is much less worried about how they will behave.

or maybe the indio police are less worried

[natelan]

Okay so the title is a bit of an attention grabber but I do have some questions. I've never been to Coachella but I've been to most of the larger festivals in the US.

Why is Coachella so strict about so much bs?

Park your car far away and then get in line to be searched with your things? This one I can understand because obviously they can search us if they please, but I can imagine the clusterfuck.


No in and outs from the campground to the polo fields? This might be the only festival I've ever heard of doing this...This is really a bummer.


Those god damn stupid beer tents and you can't walk around with a beer?


The scheduled shows end at 12? If not, when? I guess I wish they went until 4 or 5 am but I guess that ain't happening.

I know Coachella isn't Bonnaroo or High Sierra but I just have this vision of a police state and being forced to stay inside if I wanted to go back and chill at my tent. Is Coachella as much fun as some of the other large festivals? Do all of these things add up to be really annoying/is it still worth it?




I have a love\hate relationship with Coachella. I love seeing all the bands, but I hate sitting around for 3 days in a shit hole to see them.

Yes, the rules are exactly as strict as you claim them to be, and no, it's hardly worth it...

But you'll see my stupid ass there this year, just like the last 6 years...

[BROKENDOLL]

Dudes, it's all about crowd control and preventing problem incidents both during and after the festival (remember Coachella takes place on a Polo Field in a rather upperclass residential neighborhood).


Separate the beer tents from the stages, don't let kids get bring alcohol back to the stages, and make it difficult for people to go back to their cars or their campsites in a quick fashion and you've basically removed 80% of the potential substance related problems that come with running an event like this.

I know for those who really want to party it up, and for whom alcohol/drugs are a big part of the equation, this can dampen the impact, but as an old fuddy duddy now, I like it the way it is...those who want to get drunk are welcome too, but they'll spend most of the day in the beer garden rather than vomiting in front of me during the set of my favorite act of the day.

Also, the other big bonus of splitting music with food/beer gardens is the concession lines are never more than a minute or two long. Trust me, there are a lot of advantages at an event like this to limiting people's ability to get wasted.

As far as Stagecoach having a different set of rules, answer is obvious, it attracts a much older demographic, and GV is much less worried about how they will behave.
You don't happen to know where Stagecoach takes place, do you?:rolleyes

[DJdharma]

seriously??? thats bogus if its true

Check out the Stage coach web site and see for yourself.
And have you visited their forum. Those people are discussing COW TIPPING and sharing RECIPIES over there! Yes RECIPIES!

[gooftroop]

Try and defend it all you want, but there are plenty (most) of festivals that don't use the beer garden technique and manage just fine. And these attract all types of people. Again it hardly matters to me because I don't drink at all at Coachella but I still don't support it.

And about trusting the older folks more with in/outs, that's a valid point but STILL is a bit of an insult. My assumption is that yes it's more of a police/legal mandate than GV policy. Doesn't mean we can't bitch about it though.

ps if anyone ever wants to get beer out of the gardens just bring in a backpack, save an empty water bottle and I'm sure you can figure out the rest. Works like a charm :thu

[ADGZ662]

Its the IPD People..they crazy down here they are without a doubt the strictest police department out of all desert cities.

[DJdharma]

Its the IPD People..they crazy down here they are without a doubt the strictest police department out of all desert cities.

This still doesn't explain the double standard between Stagecoach and Coachella rules and enforcement

[Bud Luster]

There arent nearly as many people at stagecoach. It is a much easier event to police. Thats why they have chairs in the venue, RVs on site, etc.

[sacleonard]

the drinking cages thing is also an issue in toronto.

in response to the OP:
don't worry about all this "strictness" BS. it won't affect your experience. I suppose if you wanted to justify the (I suppose) stricter than normal festival atmosphere, it's to garner a feeling of safety. the fields, both fest and campground, feel like a giant safety net. it feels safe and okay to just wander aimlessly, lose your friends, have no schedule, have nothing in your pockets but a bit of cash, and just think about nothing but music and art. you don't have to worry about broken glass or fling bottles in the crowds. you don't have to worry about people with weapons or people there for a fight. everyone is happy, and friendly, and the ground is constantly vibrating from BAR NONE the BEST outdoor sound systems in north america. I know board regulars will be sick of this fact coming from me already, but coachella's cabinets are supplied by l'acoustics- just about the best shit that money can buy. to rival the kind of bass SPL you find at coachella, you have to go to those insane DNB-tuned UK/ibiza soundsystems

edit: so is it worth it?
I'd pay $300 just to be allowed to listen to CDs over those sound systems on that picture-perfect field for three days.

Nice statement. I agree: it's well worth it, and I've never witnessed people walking around the festival disappointed with all of the rules and limitations. It's easy enough to have a good time, and the beer tents minimize problems in the music areas. I have no problem with Coachella's setup.

[mikeynla]

So at pretty much any fest in socal then but not at all venues. I would be more ok with it if they at least let us that are of age drink in the campgrounds. Being able to come back from the show to kick back with an ice cold beer would make my day.

NOT at *any* fest in California, but at many. It's a crowd-control issue... One festival that comes to mind where you can drink at will on premises is the Sunset Junction Street Festival in the Silverlake district of Los Angeles. Within the confines of the festival, you can buy drinks and drink them - there are no "beer cages."

I'm pretty sure it has to do with capacity. Sunset Junction will see a couple thousand during the day. Coachella will see 50,000. Big difference.

But, really... chill out... if you want a beer during the festival, go into a beer garden, buy one, watch a band while you're there, and relax. It's actually pretty nice to just chill on the grass in those areas.

[mikeynla]

Nice statement. I agree: it's well worth it, and I've never witnessed people walking around the festival disappointed with all of the rules and limitations. It's easy enough to have a good time, and the beer tents minimize problems in the music areas. I have no problem with Coachella's setup.

agreed! I *FAR* prefer Coachella's set up over others where beer-drinking fools are ALL over the place.

Don't get me wrong - I'm a beer-drinking fool, but in the beer gardens of Coachella! Outside of the booze tents, it's all about the music and the vibe... ahhhh...

[zajaa]

the beer garden is clearly gv covering themselves against underage drinking. do u have to physically imbibe the alcohol while simultaneously watching a band? can't you get a buzz on at 4:36 and scoot over to the performance at 4:38? you will be watching the set while inebriated either way...

[mikeynla]

the beer garden is clearly gv covering themselves against underage drinking. do u have to physically imbibe the alcohol while simultaneously watching a band? can't you get a buzz on at 4:36 and scoot over to the performance at 4:38? you will be watching the set while inebriated either way...

completely... tho I do think that the atmosphere in front of a stage tends to be less "frat party" when the booze is contained to a beer garden.

But come on, it's Coachella - people are fucked the fuck up no matter where they are... Tho not all of them. One of my friends joining this year will be 5 months pregnant at Coachella. She offered to be the designated driver back to the hotel.

excellent.

[TomAz]

There are a lot of whining babies in this thread.