UPDATE: The festival finally sold out (4/5/12).
I've been waiting to post the Quadros series assuming the next newsworthy event would be Sasquatch selling out, but inexplicably it hasn't? How can Coachella sell out 130,000 weekend passes in two hours, yet Sasquatch can't sell 25,000 weekend passes in two weeks? Granted Coachella is a much bigger destination, and the second largest U.S. metro is 130 miles away, and it appeals more to the beautiful people who only care about seeing the headliners, a handful of buzz bands, and dancing to the same beat by the hottest knob twisters while ingesting popular science experiments, but aside from that, the Coachella lineup isn't THAT much better? The headliners and rarities at Coachella are a big deal, but Sasquatch has done well for itself this year comparatively speaking. So why isn't Sasquatch sold out?
I'm pretty good at predicting what makes sense for Sasquatch (business wise), which is why I get paid the big bucks here. Blogging is very lucrative you know, the reason I write two of them. However, I was incorrect when I guessed the festival would sell out the first day general passes went on sale. I need to regain my credibility, which is why I'll share with you the most logical reason the festival has yet to sell out. [drum roll] The festival capacity has been increased this year.
How would Sasquatch increase the capacity of a venue with strict land constraints? A popular suggestion over the last couple years has been to put a stage in the campground. If they kicked out the hundreds of campground attendees who don't have a festival pass, and replaced their wasted space with an official stage, what paying customer would be against the idea? With re-entry in the cards this year, it would allow the festival attendees to freely move between the main stages and the campground stage. Plus, there is already a confirmed fifth stage, the NW Hip-hop showcase otherwise known as the "Maine Stage." The Maine problems with this theory:
1. Why would a Fire Marshall increase the capacity of the main festival grounds because of a tiny stage in the campground no one will attend during the evening hours?
2. Having wristband holders freely wander between the campground and the main grounds will required increased security checkpoints, or increased campground security protecting the borders (and a big fence).
3. Who wants to walk 30+ minutes between stages?
As previously mentioned, land is at a premium, so it's difficult to convince the Fire Marshall to expand the capacity without expanding the area of the festival grounds, so let's explore the largest piece of land in the vacinity. The parking lot of course. That place is gigantic, and it's a short walk from the Wookie stage. They are practically giving away this large area to those who want to park (I've heard non-VIP parking is free). Who parks instead of camping at Sasquatch anyway? It shouldn't be allowed!
I like dreaming big, so I think a gigantic dance tent in the parking lot near the security entrance of yesteryear could increase the capacity of the grounds by 6,000 or more. Then they could move the Yeti stage to where the dance tent has been, throw the Maine stage in the food court where the Yeti was, and all would flow perfectly. They could still use the remaining area of the parking lot for VIPs, and sponsor shuttles to the nearest towns for those who used to park for free. Even if purchasing property for expansion in the immediate area isn't an option, there must be property in the surrounding areas available to divert excess campers and parked cars? After all, light sleepers, people in their forties, and pregnant women freely shuttle to the festival from the Wildhorse campground.
Eliminating the parking lot all together would free up enough land for two additional stages, and increase the festival capacity to nearly 45,000, which would give the festival more money to land the really big headliners and continue to sell out. Sasquatch could then compete with the giant festivals of the world, and make it the U.S. festival destination of choice.
I'm done dreaming big for now. Nothing this large can be in the works yet, but I refuse to believe there aren't at least a couple thousand extra passes available this year. They found a way to expand the capacity, even if the parking lot theory isn't the solution. They can easily make the dance tent much bigger, and squeeze the Maine Stage in unused space to increase the number of weekend passes without increasing the acres of land use. Maybe the solution is sending the Fire Marshall and guests on a month long all expenses paid vacation in exchange for a favorable number (wink wink)? Maybe I think this is a good idea because I know the Fire Marshall, and maybe I want a free vacation, but I'm not admitting to the former.
In other news, the Quadros series will begin shortly. For those new to this blog, I listen to a lot of music and go to a lot of live shows, so I have a lot to say about each of the bands on the lineup. Hopefully I be able to knock out ten or more Quadros before the festival starts, so stick around. Until then, if you have questions, comments, or other crazy theories, post them below.
49 comments:
Excited for Quadros. Can't wait!
NW rap stage is a waste. If you took that stage out, you could have probably exchanged it for better artists.
Why is it so much more expensive than most of the other comparable festivals? The lineup is great, but not better than a lot of other festivals. We keep coming thisclose to buying our Sasquatch tickets and then we hesitate because they are so much more expensive than other festivals. We really want to come... convince me it's worth it! :-)
Releasing single day tickets will give the festival a far greater chance of selling out. Count me in!
Its more expensive I think for 3 reasons, 1) it includes camping, other fests such as coachella dont 2) the lineups still great but without the hastle of pushing your way through 80,000-90,000 people, instead ur dealing with 25,000-30,000 at Sasquatch! Its easier to get around IMO and its MUCH easier to get closer to the stage 3) this probably isnt why the fest is more expensive BUT staring at the beauty of the gorge in usually perfect weather OR dieing in 100+ degree heat (coachella) OR swallowing gobs of dust (Bonnaroo). Ive been to all 3 fests and while all were amazing, I have a special place in my heart for Sasquatch, its something everyone needs to experience atleast once!
Not to mention Sasquatch is 4 days and most other fests are 3. Less than $80 per day including camping isn't a bad deal.
OK so here's a crazy theory:
The dance tent stays where it is, maybe make it bigger. The Yeti stage becomes the dumb little hip hop stage, the Bigfoot becomes the Yeti, and they make an even bigger stage in the new area to be the new Bigfoot stage.
I have attended the 2006 and 2009 Sasquatch Festivals and I was planning on going this year, but unfortunately they will not release single tickets and I cant afford 4, four day passes this year. It costs money also to travel to this event and since it is in the middle of nowhere I like to take my family and friends so I'm not traveling alone. To do this costs a lot. I can swing 4 single tickets and a hotel room in Moses lake.
Eagerly awaiting Quadros!
Honestly, I think that the die-hard Sasquatch attendees value experience over headliners. The Gorge becomes such a magical place where chill people and good music mix. That combination makes for a great Memorial weekend :)
In reply to the user comment wondering what the f#uck the comment above theirs was, it was just spam. People create a link to their product site, then go post in the comments section of popular blogs hoping to get people to click on it. They usually hide them in the commments section of older posts so they aren't easy to find. If I had a dime for every spam post I've deleted, I could make some serious money writing this blog. That's right, I referred to this blog as "popular."
Thanks Someguy and anon249. I'm glad to hear there are a couple fans of the Quadros. Soon...
Does anyone know whether a camelbak can be brought into the venue? Do I just have to show that its empty?
Thanks!
Yes, an empty camelbak has always been allowed in.
So, who's this noteworthy EDM act that's getting added for the "late night set?"
Is Skrillex noteworthy?
Unfortunately, yes. Barf.
I remember when we had Boys Noize and Booka Shade.
Sigh.
@ anonymous comment about noteworthy EDM addition: is this a real rumor? From where? Someone help! I'm an addict for this stuff....
@chelsey
the rumor has been that feed me will be a late night addition but who knows
i think the dance will just be bigger, and that will allow for larger capacity..
sasquatches recent dance tents have been tiny compared to other major festivals tents, and last year was overcrowded to the max..
feed me would be a descent add, if skrillex is there that would be cool to......not
you best be joking bout skrillex
I can't believe anyone would be hating on the local hip hop. Go check out Grynch V-O-L-V-O, my Volvo, some Fresh Espresso, Don't Talk to the Cops! NW hip hop is a treasure to be valued. Go check it out. You might be surprised.
Our family of four has gone the last 5 years but don't see the quality of acts this time. WTH ...there's not even full lineup or schedule yet...and unclear who the 4th headliner is. We're. going to Bend, Oregon to see Beck and a show with Shins at Les Schwab Amphitheatre...Sasquatch getting a little full itself...doubt it will even sell out in the end.
Why do people come on here an talk about what they wont do? Are there not people, like myself, who are excited to see Mogwai, Feist, Pretty Lights, Beck, Shins, The MF Roots....come on. You're not going, good for you. Why are you talking about it in a blog? I cannot stop thinking about going. I think its going to rock. And there are some great bands, even if you haven't heard of them, there are quality acts.
Last year's line-up fucking blows compared to 2012.
"Sasquatch getting full of itself" is the dumbest thing I've heard in a while.
actually what they literally typed was "full itself"...but I am sure it was a typo ;)
I love Sasquatch. All the bickering, criticism, etc will never stop me from going.
Personally...I remember going in 2010, and I had four tickets to the last day (don't ask me how) and I had to GIVE them away, I couldn't sell them for anything. I don't know what this says about the sales this year, but it was odd.
Either way, another EDM artist? Sorry guys, but please GOD let Skrillex be there. I loved him last year and I think he is doing something great for Electronic music. If not, I wouldn't mind Feed Me. If not, WHO EFFING CARES, its Sasquatch. Its gonna be great no matter what in my opinion.
God bless the Northwest.
Love you all.
Produktive
Skrillex is the justin Bieber of dubstep. Random sound effects and a bass line. OMG COOL!
Years from now you guys will be embarrassed to tell people you used to listen to that garbage.
Why did they make the dance tent smaller in 2011? Pretty stupid. I guess they didn't learn anything from previous years.
I think folks are stating reasons they are not going, because the blog questions asks...why isn't it sold out? Sasquatch should want to know, especially if people have gone for multiple times in the past, why they aren't going now. Change in the format does not always make the festival better. And I agree...with just a couple months to go now, there should be a schedule and full line-up.
Coachella lineup isn't THAT much better? One band makes the difference for me: Radiohead (also Pulp, I'm really hoping all the emo and EDM teenagers have no idea who they are). I went to Sasquatch 4 years running and opted out last year as it was the first year I was disappointed in the lineup. Then Coachella lands Radiohead and it was a no brainer for me this year. I wanted to see them in Seattle but of course couldn't score tickets in the onsale and now GA floor seats are $200+ if you can even find them. Radiohead brought me to Bonnaroo for one of the most amazing concert experiences I've ever had and I will be front row if Sasquatch ever lands them. Getting the chills just thinking about it.
too fucking expensive that's why!
@Anon 1:25 - you are forgetting that Skrillex has two Grammy awards and Justin Bieber has Proactiv bottles - sounds like someone is mad they couldn't afford a ticket
^ Awesome logic. I state the obvious in that Skrillex is an embarrassment and you conclude that I can't get a ticket to a festival that isn't sold out? You're a smart one.
You're also retarded if you think a Grammy somehow makes you a good artist. Mili Vanilli has a Grammy for fuck's sake.
Dummy.
Apparently it's set to sell out within a couple days...
http://blogs.seattleweekly.com/reverb/2012/03/sasquatch_should_sell_out_with.php
Mr. know ID yuh, I think we have different understandings of what you meant when you said that Quadros would be coming "soon."
Agreed. Morons who don't know these bands just complain instead of listening to them and realizing how good they are! Great attitude eh!
Some people already well-versed in this year's lineup just really enjoy know ID yuh's commentary.
anybody know if you can upgrade to premeir camping after I've already bought general tix? Mucho thank you, much love from Canada...can't wait!
kyldxn@gmail.com
Anyone know if this is legit (I highly doubt it): http://www.stubhub.com/sasquatch-music-festival-tickets/sasquatch-music-festival-george-gorge-amphitheatre-5-26-2012-3865565/
@unknown 3/19, you have probably figured this out by now, but entereing "Sasquatch" on the live nation site will allow you the option to buy a camping upgrade without buying a four day pass.
@anon 3/22, yes, VIP single day passes have existed in past years, so I wouldn't be worried about purchasing them (especially since I believe you are protected from buying bunk tickets on stubhub). However, I would never recommend paying for more than they are worth, so have the seller email you proof they own those tickets, and proof of how much they cost.
@anon 3/19, thanks for the compliment. I planned on having a couple Quadros written by now, but a combination of my music device dying, my computer dying, and lack of free time has kept me from writing. I have a new computer on the way, so I promise I will post a Quadros when it arrives, and I still plan on writing a handful of them.
First of all to add to the Skrillex debate, I think he sucks and should definitely NOT be there this year, he would actually be a reason NOT to go. As for the lineup? People really need to look into the bands they havent heard of or listened to yet, to discover some awesome new music before bashing the lineup. The bands playing this year are awesome, and honestly I dont see many better bands at Coachella (with the exception of Radiohead of course, and maybe Dre and Snoop) So im more exited for Sasquatch this year than i would be for Coachella. If youre looking for dope new music, try listening to; Dont talk to the cops!, Nobody Beats The Drum, Tycho, Araabmuzik, Star Slinger, Starfucker, Santigold, Apparat, Wolfgang gartner, Beats Antique, Purity Ring, Com Truise. theres a fucking ton of awesome acts i hadnt heard of before the lineup release, and now im friggin stoked. Most noteable shows to me will be; Pretty Lights, Feed Me (With TEETH), and Girl Talk (Those are my guesses for the late night shows) and of course Jack White, Tenacious D, Metric, and fucking SBTRKT. In my opinion, this lineup is better than a few other festivals considering the large amount of great lesser known acts.
And fuck single day tickets, we dont need a bunch of douchebags coming for one day to go crazy and ruin it for the full weekend passholders, ive seen it before.
And one last thing, if you are thinking about coming up with some friends to just camp and not attend the show? Then kindly go fuck yourself. Buy a ticket for the festival, or go fucking camping somewhere else!! You dont need to come take up space that festival goers could be using, you dicks.
Cheers from BC, Canada
did you just dog skrillex and then say you are stoked to see feed me?
i really hate apples, but oranges are dope. anyone in here talking about how they cant wait to eat an apple, they are fucking obviously fucking stupid fucking
fuck. everyone is an idiot if you dont agree.
idiots.
whoa... feed me is a whole lot more talented than skrillex.. if u have an ear for actual musical talent when listining to electro then u would know that.
if u come to sasquatch just for edm tho, save ur money.. go to identity or other festivals that have way better set ups and sound built for edm
^^^ @12:16
Oh god. Please viewers, don't lump this impressive d-bag on to your opinion of people from BC...
This is the sixth year in a row I'm going to Sasquatch, and I always buy a pass before I even know who is going to be in the lineup... I agree with those who say it's about the experience as much as anything. Nothing like it, with the gorge behind the main stage at dusk and all kinds of new music to discover and favorites to savor. I just wish they could get their goddamned daily schedule together! I know, it will probably not happen for another month... but I have some friends who want to come for a day, and they want to know who is playing on what day. I tell them they'll probably have a great time regardless of what day they come, but they want to know. That is really about the only complaint I have, is that by the time they tell us who is playing when on what day, the tickets are all gone. 8-)
http://www.facebook.com/events/234431633321291/ making Sasquatch more rad :))))))
Now its sold out! Make Quadros!
Has coachella even released their set times, yet? I know they are famously late at doing so. I know we would all like an earlier schedule, but Sasquatch is still better than some other festivals at doing it.
Ur on drugs, sas is cheaper than any of the main fests and includes camping w the price
What an excellent post. I am impressed with your thoughts. You did a good job. Big thanks and keep posting.
Charles A
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