Overview

• Attendees experienced unprecedented delays of up to 12 hours to enter Coachella's campgrounds, far exceeding the usual two-hour process.
• Seasoned festivalgoers described the situation as a stark departure from past years, citing confusion caused by poor traffic control and altered directions.
• Reports highlighted hardships such as lack of restroom facilities, dehydration, and vehicles running out of gas during the prolonged wait.
• Frustrated attendees criticized the lack of communication from festival organizers, with many turning to social media and even calling the police for assistance.
• The operational failures and attendee dissatisfaction have raised safety concerns and cast a shadow over the festival’s opening weekend.