So you know when you are watching the food channel and you see the BBQ cook-offs and food competitions between different mom and pop shops and small businesses? I happen to have woken up in the middle of a dream this morning and landed myself right on the food channel. This place is BBQ city!!! I thought Coachella offered interesting food choices but Stagecoach was SO much more about culture than music.
First of all, I couldn't stand country music prior to this experience. According to one Stagecoach regular who made it a point to count the African Americans in attendance, I was #26 on Saturday around 7-8 pm lol. Besides that, I apparently quadruple my attractiveness in the 28-48 years old age group. I have worked Coachella and Stagecoach for 2 years and conclude that Stagecoach is JUST as fun as Coachella amongst a far more mature crowd and far more rich culture. This all goes to say that I was SHOCKED at how much fun I had during Stagecoach.
I did get a picture with Hillary Scott of Lady Antebellum which was cool. I have a thing for exceptional vocalists with an ear for harmonies and acoustic instruments, haha. The campgrounds were so much cooler because they were PACKED with RV's instead of the giant car and tent museum at Coachella. These people partied 4 times harder in EXTREMELY hot weather and showed me a side of country music fans I didn't think existed. Thank you Stagecoach for opening my eyes.
I will be back next year for this!
This was the 2nd time I've been dragged to this event in a span of just 364 days.
It's been over a week now & I'm still recuperating...and my liver is happy I'm giving it a much needed break. I'm not much for country music but the wifey is. However, it certainly is growing on me.
I don't remember much from last year's Stagecoach fest, but this year's highlights included: Dierks Bently, Jeff Bridges & the Abiders, Toby Keith, Phil Vassar, Nick 13, Thompson Square, ZBB & Darius Rucker (Hootie!). Honorable mention goes to Ashton Kutcher storming past us as he was pushed aside by security in the VIP lounge. That's right bitches. V.I.P.! My wife spoils me so. Sorry General Admission peeps, but if you've ever had the pleasure of being in a tented lounge, stage right of Manestage, directly in front of the beer gardens in 110º heat, you'll never wanna go back. Our VIP passes also afforded us the pleasure of having reserved seats in front of the stage if we decided we wanted to see certain bands.
Our BBQ team (name not mentioned to protect the guilty) competed in the KCBS BBQ contest. I didn't assist the team until the last day of competition. Congratulations go out to them for "placing" high in pork & top 10 overall "pitted" against 29 other teams including the likes of Meat Inc. & Smoking Triggers. BBQ competitors were able to sell 3oz. of their food for $3.00
Okay, let's get down to the nitty gritty info, do's & don'ts & some new rules that will most likely be enforced next year as there was a significant drop in arrests than the year prior.
*BRING CASH - ATM's provided in venue.
*Pedi-cab is $10 per person. $15 pp on Sunday. FYI - (depending on where you parked) general parking to venue entrance could be as far as a 1.5 mile walk. We never used it...that's just taking beers away from me.
*YOU CAN drink any beverage of your choice from your car to venue entrance where you'll be asked to finish & dispose before entry.
*YOU CAN bike your way towards the entrance & lock up your rides to the chain-link just before the entrance, but be forewarned, it's a bitch getting out with the crowds @ the end of each night. HEY STAGECOACH how about a secured valet bike-check area? I know it's too much to ask, but it'd be nice to see a random suggestion come to fruition...especially when we plan on biking our way in next year.
*chairs, chair-bags, backpacks, nap-sacks, persons will be searched: NO liquid filled containers allowed. EMPTY Nalgene/water bottles allowed & water fill-up stations scattered within the venue.
*Stagecoach Wristbands will randomly be "yanked" on by security to ensure you're not "sharing" it. (Witnessed a man ejected for wristband that was "taped" together).
*If you're not wearing campsite wristband, plan on not hanging out with your friends in that area (this really sucked as we had many friends in the camping area & even our VIP media credentials couldn't get us in).
*don't forget your ID (21 & over) for your "drink" wristband (different one each day). - If you risk using a fake ID, be prepared to watch it get confiscated (I witnessed a girl that didn't know any of the info listed on the ID [zip, birth date, middle initial "zodiac sign"] & therefore confiscated).
*General Admission set-up: "Reserve" your spot by placing your blanket & chairs where you plan on being the duration of the day/night & hope that you can find it again upon your return. I have yet to hear of stolen blankets or chairs.
*The venue map listed "micro-brew" beer stands. There was NO micro-brew/craft beer anywhere on the premises. Bud, Bud Light & Shock Top are NOT microbrews. Sorry Stagecoach, this was a big letdown.
*Beers $7 for 9 oz; $9 for 12oz; liquor/wine varied $10-$12. (I have to thank our BBQ team for keeping a reserved case of "coldies" & our VIP "connections" that helped defer money from leaving my wallet at an alarming rate).
*THREE stages: Mane; Mustang & Palomino. Unfortunately, most "liked" bands overlapped in scheduling, making you run from stage to stage, sometimes leaving near the end of a band's set to make the start of another band. FYI: It's approx 1/2 mile from Palomino to Mane Stage
*NOTE: day 1 you'll notice all the boots, come day 2 & 3 it's sneakers & flipflops...you'll be doing a shitload of walking. TRUST.
*GET YOUR FREEBIES: a quick registry under the Toyota "World of Wonders" tent nets you cool silkscreened posters, bandanas dipped in ice-cold water, crafts booths & fun'n'games.
*BRING sunscreen: 89º, 96º & 110° respectively - If you're not under the cool zone in the VIP lounge; you'll be seeking shade with 60,000 others in either the Mustang or Palomino stages, the Terrace tent or the smaller cool zone tent by the Stagecoach BBQ area.
*Sorry Coachella peeps, the women of Stagecoach are easier on the eyes. TRUST.
*Last but never the least...HYDRATE. Get'er done.
Is it weird that I'm already looking forward to next year's fest?
Ya'll been informed. Yeehaw!?
There aren't enough words to express how much fun I had this year.
A few things were annoying like the heat or the fact that we couldn't camp because we didn't have an RV. And that the shuttle passes were way over priced.
Other than those annoying factors, I couldn't have had a better time and I HIGHLY recommend tat everyone go. Even if you're not a country fan, you'll still have so much fun.
Been to this a few times now and it keeps getting better...mostly. Â GoldenVoice can do a better job oaf getting people in and out of the venue. Â I clocked it with the GPS on my iPhone and it was 1.2 miles from the entrance to where you can get picked up. Â Not only do you have to walk so far to get picked up but the security won't let you leave!!! Â Really, they made our driver get out of the car and prove to them that we had a ride before letting us cross into the pickup area. Â We are not children and can make it to a car.
The shows were awesome. Â Everybody except Lady Antebellum put on a great show. Â Charles Kelley from Lady A was so drunk he kept referring to us as coachella, sorry bud...wrong music festival. Â He was slurring his speech and forgetting his songs. Â Not a good performance.
Of the good ones, Jeff bridges and the Abiders, Toby Keith, Darius Rucker, Old Crow Medicine Show, Florida Georgia Line, Zac Brown Band and others. Â
Oh yeah and the VIP tent was great, free beer and water along with free meals. Â I did not like that they stop serving beer during the last act but I just know better for next time. Â
Great shows, great time and a great festival!
OK, why am I writing a Review on Yelp for this, no one comes here to check on this event....hahahaha. Â Oh well, I am addicted to YELP so I'm writing it here, plus I got something to say !!!
1st - if you love country, you have to do stagecoach. Â It is a must. Â Awesome acts, they rotate each year, so understand it won't be off the charts, Kenny, Tim, Faith, Carrie every single year. Â But, you still get your money's worth considering you are normally gonna pay almost $100 for one name act.
2nd -- its' gonna be HOT. Â Guarantee it, hahahaha, been each year, and one or two years we got weather in the low 90's. Â Take it in, know what you are gonna get, and have some fun.
UGLY - DO NOT UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES PAY FOR VIP PARKING. Â Yep, you got my PEEEEEVE from this year. Â Bought a $100 VIP Parking pass and basically got NO VALUE. Â OK, so GV will say, it is closer than the General Day Parking.... ahhh by about 40-50 steps, that is it, and only if you are right there in the very front , and I mean front, of the VIP section. Â And I would venture to say, that a couple of the Day Parking lots if you were in the front portion, you would have taken fewer steps to get into the Venue. Â SO DON'T DO IT, DON'T SPEND THE MONEY. Â Just park for Free.
Other than that, it is a great event, I love it and go every year.
I went to Stagecoach for the first time last weekend and really enjoyed my time there. I don't listen to country but I probably will start now! Â If you like country, I would definitely recommend going to Stagecoach.
VENUE: the polo fields are great. very spacious, organized and well kept
FESTIVAL: Â the artists will change from year to year. what you need to take note of is that the rules and layout can also change a bit. for example RV's were allowed again this year but this year the RV owner had to be present. Â Also, do not go to Coachella and assume the layout will be the same. It is more than likely going to be different
PEOPLE: Â The majority here is white. Big surprise right? Im asian though and I didnt feel uncomfortable. Â There is a family feel here. The vibe is friendly and overall is just a good time. I don't know about bringing your kids though. Some people did and I can imagine what a pain in the ass it would be.
PARKING: Â if you opt for regular parking, expect to walk a long distance. VIP parking will cost you $100 and is much closer. it's up to you. Traffic can be a nightmare. If you stay until the end of the last set, you will most likely be stuck with everyone else trying to get out of the parking lot. Once you are out, you will be stuck because the cops block so many roads.
HOTEL: Â there are quite a few hotels within reasonable distance from here. you have to be careful though. stagecoach is a big event and many people find themselves in a struggle to find a place to stay
Stagecoach used to be the greatest country music festival. This year won't be.
Here's what would happen when you enter the campsites:
You're haulin your giant icechest to cram as much booze as possible, along with you tent, sleeping bag, and backpack of bikinis and toiletries. As you approach the rows of campsites in your cowboy boots and daisy dukes, a group of 10 guys and girls surrounding a table of red cups scream howdy and start yellin that you look like you need a break and to come play a round of flip cup...you've made friends already.
You get to the concert, and it is a drunk fest of lifelong friends you just met, artists that really seem to be enjoying themselves, the best deep fried pickles in the world, and a farris wheel! Great line ups, great people, great booze and food.
This year...this is what stagecoach includes:
-You may no longer tent camp -rv camping only
-If you rv camp, the owner of the rv must be present (not his son or friend...the OWNER)
-limit on booze brought in
-not that great of a lineup
-higher pricing to get in and to buy tickets
-if you actually know someone who owns an rv that will go, the rv camping is much more expensive than tent camping
-now you pay for the shuttle to and from hotels if you can't rv camp
-hotels are a couple miles away so you can't walk
-if you stay in a hotel you miss the atmosphere Stagecoach provided
-if you can rv camp...you need to submit a "request" to purchase an rv site now
Seriously? So bummed. The scene was packed with people between 21-35 in previous years...how many people in that age group own an RV? So either no ones buying tickets, no ones camping anymore, or it's turning into a family country festival for mom's dad's and their little 3 year olds.
I've been to many music festivals, so with feeling the need to scratch items off of an arbitrary list I attended Stagecoach. Do I LOVE modern country music? No. I also do not LOVE modern EDM but still count Daft Punk as one of my favourite live experiences ever. Â
This festival has some strange patrons. One guy called me "Taliban". I happen to be a combat veteran for this side (U.S.), so I found it amusing instead of offensive. Again, this festival has some strange ass patrons but I am sure others might feel right at home here. An alarming number of them are belligerently drunk. Staff at infinitely superior Coachella ( SEE review: <a href="http://www.yelp.com/biz/coachella-indio-2#hrid:3BcnTYNDNyfhkn34uVhVjg">http://www.yelp.com/biz/…</a> ) are concerned with festival-goers bringing in different kinds of drugs but there is only one drug being snuck into Stagecoach: ALCOHOL.
Additionally, this festival has a very odd, commercial radio one-day, layout to it. Basically, think Weenie Roast. One stage where everyone congregates to and some sidestages that hardly anyone cares about. Nothing like true music festivals with some splitting of major performers and schedule conflicts; maybe this is a good thing. Who knows? I have never been to a real music festival that done this though so there is no one to compare that to. Closest that comes to mind is Wakarusa which is probably equally as weird of a music festival as Stagecoach.
Is it better to be in the assigned seated (and absurdly over*priced) section? Yes.
One: you will probably be less likely to get into an absurd fight over territory. And, at least when I went, they had their own exclusive restroom banks and food courts; exclusive in the sense for all 'VIP' and not as in exclusive to themselves alone. - E
Hot diggidy! This country festival is hot off the bbq and overflowing with great music, good food, and people who love their country music.
3 stages! Dozens of food vendors and lots of interactive things to do with the family. Â Water refill stations are abundant,as are the port-a-pottys. Remember to bring an empty water bottle to fill up at the water refill stations.
This year (as usual I'm sure) all the performers blew it outta the water. Notable acts: Luke Bryan getting his "boom boom" on, The Band Perry rockin out, Miranda Lambert no less singing with a spirit like "gunpowder and lead", Blake Shelton bringing me back to "Austin", old timer class acts like Alabama as good as "sweet potato pie and I shut my mouth", even Steve Martin on banjo, and Brad Paisley ending a blast of a great weekend with a "good night, to be soaking up the moonlight"!
Yeeeeehaw!!
Soooo much fun!!! A perfect adult get-away! I camped on site and had a blast. There is so much entertainment going on that you can't get board. All day you can find somewhere to karaoke, dance, eat, and shop. However it does get hot and the water trucks were in high demand so they stoped pumping, than charged $100 to fill up. It could definitly use some type of simple wet spot. The concert was awesome. Great crowd. I was there for 3 days and there were 0 fights that I observed. This event is worth the $$$, but make sure you bring lots of it because its not cheap! Bear is a wopping $12 per cup! yikes;(
Review Source:I read all the reviews on here, and I have to agree with pretty much everything. Â I won't repeat the tips, b/c they were pretty much spot on. Â We stayed in a hotel about 10 miles away. Â We got a discounted rate b/c we booked it back in October, so we each paid $167 for 3 nights, 4 people, 2 queen beds. Â Not bad. Â There was an expanded breakfast included - yogurt, oatmeal, cereal, microwavable Jimmy Dean sausage and egg sandwiches, make-your-own waffles, fresh fruit, coffee, milk, tea, etc.
I froze 4 big bottles of water and snuck them in rolled up inside my towel and mat roll, which we used to save our spots in the GA area. Â They were making people remove their chairs from chair bags, and one lady almost made me unroll my mat, but I tied the knots really tightly on the last day so that it would've taken me 10 minutes to get the ties off. Â She ended up just patting it down and letting me through. Â My frozen water gradually melted throughout the day and night, and there was still a small ice cube by the time the last concert ended. Â You really need ice cold water to stay hydrated. Â For every beer, drink a bottle of water. Â We met a friend who snuck ziploc baggies full of wine in her bra (she was a 32A cup, but probably got to a B cup - haha). Â They caught her on the last day, saying, "Ma'am, I can see your baggie". Â She had to pull one and then the other out of her bra! Â LOL!. Â She was mortified, but it made for a great story. Â One of our friends tucked a flask in the front of her shorts and then put a fanny pack over the front of her waistband. Â She had not one problem with that method.
There were SO many pot smokers there that we got second-hand highs, but it just added to our cheer and merriment. Â I'm just glad I got my drug test for a new job I start Monday BEFORE Stagecoach. Â I don't smoke it, but I'm certain it's in my system for the next 2-3 weeks. Â Drunken cowboys and cowgirls are really friendly and non-belligerent, for the most part. Â The clothing, or lack thereof, is pretty amazing. Â Some people just should NOT be wearing what they were wearing. Â Others were drool-worthy. Â I'm fairly certain I met the shirtless Marlboro Man.
In summary:
3 days of sweltering (yet breezy) heat. Sore abs, half broken ribs, and aching cheeks from laughing more than I've laughed in years. Voice = gone by day 3 from singing, cheering, yelling, laughing like there was no tomorrow. Reuniting with line dancing. Cha cha'ing and swing dancing with some (probably) 80-year-old man (who wore ME out). [Everyone was taking turns dancing with him, he was the sweetest thing]. Flip flopped feet so caked in dust that they are black. People watching on a massive scale...I'm talking about more than 55,000 people (mostly country music-lovin' rednecks in often outrageous clothing- or lack, thereof). A-maz-ing performances by award-winning country artists. Two words: Luke Bryan! Not one fight or other negative incident (that we saw or heard of) broke out all weekend (and with all the partying, we were surprised). Staying up until 2am having laughing fits when we were supposed to be sleeping. Best of all, making new friends! I will never forget this weekend. Best girlfriends weekend of my life, I believe. As another person on Yelp wrote: My only regret is I wish you could buy next year's tickets on the way out of the concert. We are already planning our trip for next year. We are going to do the RV's in the campground. Not for the faint of heart or overly conservative people, but start saving your money for next year. Â It is a whole different kind of experience.
This festival is really laid back, and oh so American! So many flag waving, proud-to-be-an-American country music lovin' people come out for this.
What's interesting to me (I would not declare myself to be a "country music fan") is that people purchase lawn chair space so they can sit and watch their favorite acts. It's definitely a different experience for me!
There are camping options, and RV parking options for festival go-ers. I think this is fantastic!
My first time at a country music festival this past May AND THE BEST TIME I'VE HAD AT A CONCERT.
Where else can I find such a big group of wild cowboys/girls that know the lyrics to all the songs that I sing while my other friends turn away in shame??? I came here with my bff + another friend and we definitely had a blast; called in sick and my boss told me to have a good time :P I'm a lucky gal.
Tips:
+come early or parking (even getting out of parking) will f u in the a
+drink as much (water or beer whatever you prefer) before entering because it's 9$ for a tiny pint of beer. WOWzers. There are stations to refill your canteen though for water ;)
+sneak in as much booze as you can. They will check your bags just get creative.
+it's a walk from the parking lot to venue; 2 beers worth. bottoms up.
+don't forget to hydrate
+bring sunscreen [lots]
+get ready for a hoedown showdown
+buy a bunch of expensive Stagecoach BBQ food. They're pricey but the best ribs and pulled pork you'll ever nom
+don't feed the gophers. you'll kill them. we yelled at the people that were doing that...
+be patient if you're driving. the best way is not driving but Coachella valley tends to be really hot. we got lucky with weather this year.
+reserve a spot in front of the stage with a blanket. we test drove a toyota there and got our blankets :)
+one last thing: I noticed that there was a lady signing on the side of the stage to a hearing-impaired crowd! EVERYBODY can enjoy some country!
ENJOY and try not to throw yourself on stage so you can hang on to the celebrities... telling them to have your babies.
It depends on the line-up, but it's generally a good time.
Get there early if you want a spot up front and make sure to bring a bottle for filling at the water station as heat stroke runs rampant (last time I played nurse for this girl who had a gnarly case of heat exhaustion)
be smart kids! :)
This is a long awaited review for me being the Festival was over two weeks ago, but hey - it's still worth yelpin' about!
This was my second time coming to Stagecoach (last year it was for work) but this year I did it right. Packed with my girl and a few family members we RV'd our way to our country music filled weekend, but like Kory S. I too have a few pointers:
If you're RVing it:
- Parking opens on THURSDAY before the festival, which is on Saturday/Sunday
- Get there in line by 6PM, cause I tell you what it took us 2 hours to get down the line and we weren't even at the end!
- The sooner you get there the sooner the drinking and partying you get to... plus the closer you are to the entrance to the festival.
- No matter which RV section you choose, they're all partying till 3AM.
- The showers are great, but bring flip flops...
If you're just comin the weekend:
- Book your hotels/motels early cause they fill up fast (over 55,000 people both days attended)
- If hotels are full try alternative locations like nursing homes or guest houses.
- Get there early when driving cause that in itself is an hour, so get in line to park at least by 11AM both days.
Some fun stories I walked away with:
-Not once, but twice people got lost in the Colorado 1 Park and thought that our site was their site, and we were the new partyiers!
- I was able to convince people who wanted to cross through our site to pay a beer toll of 1 beer per person sitting in our site (5 total if we were all out there)
- My fondest is the late night cigars with my cousin and father in law shootin the shit with a beer i my hand.
So with that said, even if you don't like country music, you will love this festival!
Amazing weekend.
Think of it as a 4 day tailgate with tons and tons of country music.
Few pointers:
-Make sure you get a companion parking pass months in advance if you plan to stay overnight but are driving separately from your group. There is little parking in the neighborhood to leave your car for the weekend.
-If you really want a good spot for the concert-ditch the lawn chairs. The best way to get up close is to just stand and move with the crowd. Bringing a lawn chair is just a big anchor.
-Come for the music, but stay for the experience. The music is great and all but it is the people and atmosphere that truly make this event memorable.
2011 was my third year at this event, second time camping. Â I will continue to come and camp as long as I have friends and a camper! Â I love this festival. Â It is a great way to hear some of the big country names plus new ones that you would never know about without attending. Â There is always new bands I learn to love after watching them on the side stages. Â
Camping is probably the best way to do SC. Â Get there Thursday night, meet your neighbors and make new friends. Â Everyone is very friendly and willing to share food, drinks, etc... Â For the price of a ticket and camping...totally worth it. Â Where else will you hear Carrie U., Rascal Flats, Rev Horton Heat, The Cleverly's, Kris K. etc... for under $500??
Heaven on earth for this little country music fan. Been here every year from the start. I love the desert, the hot topless cowboys, and the countless jack & cokes I had. What is amazing is how many people come, and are drinking, yet I did not see 1 fight!
You see people with kids, with their parents, and even with grandparents. This is an all ages event, though it's geared mainly for 18-30 year olds. It's fun, but not over-the-top crazy.  I must have seen at least a dozen  pregnant girls having a grand ol time.
I just love being around other country fans, as they are so hard to come by here in Southern California.
Tip- don't wait to buy your ticket at the door. I paid 200!
Tip- have a few drinks in your car when you get there & take one as you walk to the front of festival. Drinks inside are 10 bucks each. Ouch.
Also, if you are coming for the music, come early, and make sure you get your spot ASAP. It fills up quick.
Keep it country ya'all!
Stagecoach 2011. Good times.  Flew a friend out for the weekend for her  birthday and some good ol' fashioned Country music. Ok, save some acts on the smaller stages, I guess there really wasn't much old fashined Country music, but it was still good just the same.
I've been 3 of the 5 years it's been held and this trip ranks 2 of the three. The line-up was not as deep as it was the first year I went, 2008, but that allowed for more time to walk around and see the sights, and by sights, I mean the people.
The performances were all at least solid, with two main standouts for me. I'm a big Chesney fan, so it's hard for him to do a show that I don't love and he isn't my favorite thing at. This wasn't the case here. Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed him a great deal, but I've seen him better and was disappointed with the length of his set. I enjoyed Carrie Underwood tremendously, again, but the audio didn't allow for her voice to be truly appreciated for all its wonders. It was enjoyable reliving the past decade of Rascal Flatts hits. However, as the news about Osama Bin Laden being killed really began to come out as they were setting up, I thought that would jack them up even more than closing the weekend was going to and they'd really rock it out. They didn't, but they were still very very good.
For me, Darius Rucker and Jack Ingram (on one of the smaller stages) were the entertainment highlights. Darius sounded great, had a ton of energy and really seemed like he was happy to be there. He sang all his hits, a couple Hootie sans the Blowfish hits and capped it all off with a little Prince. My friend, who wasn't necessarily a fan of Darius before he went on stage, came out of that day with a new outlook and affection for Mr. Rucker.
Jack Ingram rocks. I have seen him a couple times before, once at a previous Stagecoach festival, and I think he keeps getting better and better. Not only did he sound great, but he was funny, extremely engaging with the crowd and like Darius, truly seemed happy to be there. I fully intended on heading over to the main stage to catch Josh Turner's complete set, but was enjoying Jack Ingram so much on a smaller stage that I couldn't tear myself away. He was easily my favorite performance of the weekend.
As for the non-performance items, I can't really complain too much. The beer was expensive, but I'm always prepared for that. The bbq was tasty, as usual, and I was really grateful for a slice if pizza after the show was over for the walk to the parking lot. The port-a-potties weren't terribly disgusting at any point I used them. There was a ton of eye candy, regardless of which sex you're looking at and I really only noticed a few people that were too drunk to keep functioning on their own. Oh  yeah, and the weather was beautiful all weekend.
All things considered, I was very satisfied with my Stagecoach experience this year and I look forward to returning next year.
This was drunken mayhem at it's finest. Be prepared to deal with drunk wannabe cowboys and girls wearing too-short-shorts.
It's a magnet for dehydration, drunken debauchery... and douche bags. Went once and will NOT return unless I'm married (or seriously dating) some cowboy country super star.
The best part about Stagecoach was the ride home.
2 stars only because Keith Urban killed it on stage.
General Advice: If you are over 30 - Buy seated tickets, rent a house or condo.
General Admission, although cheap, is...well, just that, cheap. Â That's about the only good thing I can say about that. Â Except that we did meet some really fun people on the first day and we ended up hanging with them on Day 2. Â Because we hooked up with some returnees, we go the low down before the gates even opened. Â 4 of us took all the chairs, backpacks, etc, which left 3 of us free and clear to speed through the ticket line and security check to RUN ALL THE WAY to the seating area and stake out our area. Â It was good plan and worked well. Â I should also mention that we arrived in front of the main gate around 9:00 and camped out there until they opened the gates around noon. Â We were some of the first through the gates and were still about 40 heads back from the front of the GA area. Â
Day 2, our friends got there even earlier, 6am I think, were able to secure an area at the very front of the GA area, right up against the gates. Â It was ok for the first few bands, but the crowd on Night 2 was ROWDY and we got into several fights, a guys in group got punched in the face, 1 girl was arrested (but was later released) and another girls was taken away by the paramedics. I'm not joking. Â Even though we had blankets and chairs clearly marking our area, people would just walk right up and stand on our blankets...4 kids even came up and sat down with us and when we asked them leave, they were, like, "What??? Why can't we sit here?" Â Some of the rudest people I've ever encountered showed up that night. Â It really made me want to leave before headliner because I got tired of watching my back. Â
With that said, we did have a really great time overall. Â We got meet Phil Vassar, Joey & Rory and Trampled by Turtles. Â All of the bands were AWESOME. Â
Camping was nightmare. Â Lots of drinking. And it was literally light until about 4 in morning because of the huge flood lights they had on the Polo Field. Â Also, the spaces were so close together that our tent was almost touching two others. Â When I looked out the side window of our tent on Sat. morning, I counted 15 tents that could see from that vantage point. Â Again, a lot of rude people. Â The kids next to us brought a tent so large that could not fit into their space and we actually had to move our tent to accommodate them. Â They didn't say thank you and didn't even act like they appreciated our efforts. Did I mention there was lots of drinking?
The showers were more than lousy and there were not enough of them. Â We ended up showing around midnight each night. Â
With all that said, we still did have a really good time (even though it doesn't sound like it after reading back over this!) and we're looking forward to going back next year with seated tickets and nice condo in Indio.
Not a big concert fan and less so after Stagecoach. But I live so close to the concert fairground, 5 miles, and I can ride my bicycle there.
I have attended the first 3 years with assigned VIP seat (and I could keep the chair afterward... yeah) for about $450 each. After 3 years, I have had enough.
The crowd control was overbearing, including inside the VIP areas. Honestly I could not see the main stage any better than those in the general seating far back. I could pinch the performers between my thumb and index (that's Kids In The Hall for you). I ended watching the big screens most of the time, regardless if the heavy foot traffic blocking my views or not.
I did enjoy the performance on the small stages, like Kentucky Headhunters, Michael Martin Murphey, Riders In The Sky, etc. I could get very close to the stages. It's more personal.
I understand that all concert festivals are like that. Hate the overflowed porta-pottys running out of paper in 12 hours and no more refill. Squeeze you dry by forbidding outside foods and WATER. No in and out privileges. They did have a few free water fountains if it's in working condition and not running out of water. There are typical expensive junk foods - not a fan myself. In case you wonder, I was there to really enjoy the music.
Yes. I know. The promoter and performers need to make tons of money. They are welcome to do whatever they want as long as there are people willing to go for it.
In 2010, I do what I want to do. I skip it. And there is no turning back. And wish the concert the best of luck.
This is a GREAT concert. I went to 2008 and 2009's festivals. In 2008, there were 3 days worth of concerts. In 2009, there were 2 days, and TONS more people probably because of the substantial drop in ticket prices.
WHO: There is a redneck in all of us. Consider me a rhinestone cowgirl come Stagecoach time! You will find your country cutie here-so many hot guys, not the emo-black eyeliner-Ed Hardy types. The girls are hot too, if you're into that ; )! Not that many kids go, but you could definitely bring teenagers even though they're not 21; they can't go in the beer garden, but you can get your beer and leave the beer garden.
WHAT: California does not have a lot of country concerts and festivals compared to other parts of the country. Stagecoach is the epicenter for country music fans on the West coast. If you watch the CMA's, expect to see many of those performers and award winners during the weekend long Stagecoach celebration. There is an endless amount of Budweiser beer and Jack Daniels liquor--yum! You can buy country art, get henna tattoos, eat all kinds of food, and ride a mechanical bull between the 3 different concert stages. Last year, they had the Budweiser stagecoach with Clydesdale horses and the Dalmatian there to see. It was really a cool sight to see.
WHEN: Springtime. It's recently been that the week after the Coachella Music Festival, is the Stagecoach Country Music Festival. Last year, the weather was perfect because it was only in the 80s. The year before last, 90-100s! Bring sunscreen!
WHERE: Middle of nowhere--no noise complaints for rowdy rednecks in the middle of the desert. Indio is were the actual concerts are, but all of Palm Springs is in country lock down that weekend. The festival also has RV Parking and campgrounds to stay at the concert at all times. Personally, I've loved getting a hotel room in Palm Springs to lay out at the pool before Stagecoach, then shower and relax in a nice bed after Stagecoach. You can do so much walking before you even get to the concert area that the bed always sounds so nice compared to a sleeping bag.
WHY: If there is even a small thread of country in your musical heart, you need to go to this festival. It is so different than a lot of things you'll find in Southern California and so much fun once you get there. This is an event that makes you excited and proud about loving country music. It's an excuse to be a redneck for an entire weekend, drink beer, and listen to the music. I've never heard anyone go and say, I'm not coming back next year. I wish you could buy next year's tickets on the way out of the concert...
TIPS:
1. Bring something to sit down on, especially if you're planning on wearing a mini skirt. I usually just bring a towel from the hotel I stay at...many people bring chairs. I never sit in one spot to be able to guard my chair so the towel works for me!
2. I've worn flip flops and boots to the festival. The boots were so much better. They're not as hot as you think they'd be, and they keep all the desert dust and dirt out of your toes. Make sure your boots fit right though!
3. There will be a lot of ATTRACTIVE people there so dress in a daisy dukes instead of your overalls ; )
4. Yes, you will feel out of place without some kind of country apparel: hat, boots, Budweiser shirt, plaid, etc.
5. Bring one of those little pocket-sized fans you can get at Wal-Mart and a light cover-up for the cool night weather.
6. Concerts usually don't start until like 2 or 3 in the after noon with the headliners starting at like 6 or 7. Lots of time to tan at the pool before you go!
7. The Stagecoach website has very informative message boards to find out where all the fun stuff is happening outside of the concert grounds.
8. Bring a flask and drink before you go to save money on beer once inside.
my first year at stagecoach. i was amazed at the amount of people at stagecoach. it was just a sea of humanity. to get anywhere you have to walk inbetween sections that are roped off for people to sit on the grass. at coachella you are stuck in beer gardens to drink. at stagecoach you can drink anywhere. i think because of this there were lots of drunk people. ive never seen so many girls throwing up, or past out. lol this one girl hit her head against a palm tree and rolled down the hill. WOMEN watch out, there were a lot of unconsious women being dragged around, and lots of stories about these women being assaulted.
that being said we were there on a sunday and had seats up close to the stage. having the seats so close we were able to breath and enjoy the music. kid rock was amazing, and the best performance i have ever seen. kenny chesny was very good. his songs are so smooth its understandable how he has won so many awards.
This was my 2nd year going to Stagecoach. This year definitely had many, many more people!! It was so crowded, on day 1 we had to sit so far away we could not see a thing. I feel like there were budget cuts this year, which is why they had less traffic control and less signs to tell you where to go. We were routed through this maze to get to a parking spot. A bus broke down in the line to park and it jammed up the entire traffic flow...It took over 2 hours to park, attempting to arrive at 2:00, but getting there at 4:30. We also left after 5 Brad Paisley songs to beat the traffic, yet we were stuck for 2 hours trying to get out too!!!
The 2nd day we arrived earlier, around 1:30 and parking did not take long, however it was about a 40 minute walk to the field. We got a nice spot to watch the shows. I think the screens should be bigger, and they should have more of them. Especially knowing 40-60,000 people are arriving.
All the food is very generous portion size even for their prices. When we got hungry, my friend and I just shared whatever we ordered - funnel cake, philly cheese steak, nachoes, etc. Everything's really big portions!
Of course the bathrooms are awful, the lines are long and sometimes they ran out of hand sanitizer (no running water). Luckily I brought my own.
If I ever return, I will invest in reserved seating. Looks like stagecoach is going to be a big hit and there can only be more people attending.
3 stars for the lack of traffic control, and lack of investment in more screens to view the stage.
This year marked my first Stagecoach experience. And it was awesome! I could not have imagined a finer experience of live Country music. And all genres of Country were aptly represented, Bluegrass (Ricky Skaggs), Alt Country (James Inveldt), Rock (The Sacred Cowboys), and Classic Country (Lynn Anderson).
I was impressed by the ability to get up close to the acts in the Mustang and Palomino Stages. Famed cowboy poet and all around Cowpuncher, Waddie Mitchell was more than available to fans. He was just hanging out before the show talking with folks and posing for pix. He is a childhood hero of mine, so I was very happy to meet him.
The Mane Stage acts did not disappoint either. Brad Paisley, Reba, Kenny Chesney, Zac Brown, Randy Houser, etc. What a show they each put on.
Four stars not five because event coordinators could have done a better job at how entry to the event was handled. And once inside the rules kept changing. No chairs and blankets in the front section on Saturday, but it was okay on Sunday. Orderly lines for entry on Saturday, a big mob mess on Sunday. Also, NO RE-ENTRY. That is ridiculous!
But I must say, there was very little disruption once inside. Surprising to me that there was 40 thousand attendees and so little security and police presence.
FOOD! AH YESS the FOOD! Plenty of BBQ options all with standard $10 plate options. All were good. We did not purchase the taste test tix, but that option was available.
Excellent Kettle Korn and traditional country Fair foods were available.
I was surprised how most people just respected your spot once you camped out your spot. If you plan on going in 2010, be sure to get there early, before 9 am to line up for entry then have one person carry the bags, you carry something that does not need to be checked then run like hell to claim your real estate. Make friends with those around you so you can protect their stuff and they will return the favor when you leave to see the shows and the smaller stages.
I don't know what it is like during the Coachella Festival, but most everyone was very friendly and kind here. A few drunkards. Kids were free, but if you are sensitive to your kids seeing barely clothed folks getting their groove on, then perhaps this is not the place. Also, at night, it is very dark and hard to find your spot. They could get lost should they need to take a bathroom break. Â That brings up another point, when picking your spot to camp out, make sure you get somewhere near a recognizable land mark, it will make it easier to find in the crowds and at night.
This year was very affordable, I hope next year will be too. It was only $99 for two days. $299 for reserve seating, but not necessary. The music sound was great everywhere and plenty of monitors to see your fave performers.
Stagecoach is quickly approaching! Yay! I had someone respond to my review with a couple questions, so I thought I would post my response to clear anything up about the amazingness that is Stagecoach. So here it is:
We put the booze in water bottles but didn't fill them up quite all the way so we could squish the bottles a little bit to make them more compact and airtight. Then we stashed them in the sides of our cowboy boots (or stick them in your socks if you are wearing sneakers) underneath our jeans. Then as soon as we got in we changed into what we wanted to wear during the day (definitely shorts) in one of the porta-pottys. Voila!!! Booze is now in your backpack and you are ready to make some drinks! They do search inside of your bags and you can't bring in outside drinks so that method worked the best for us. We had 3 people in our main group so we were able to smuggle in quite a bit. And just drink a Big Gulp with some booze in it on your way there so you have a nice buzz. Clearly, I like to drink, haha.
As far as food, it is definitely expensive. I recommend going to whatever has the shortest line because sometimes the lines can take forever. And definitely bring cash because no cards are accepted. They have a huge BBQ contest and you can buy tastings of all the food but I would not recommend it. My friend and I both ate it and we were REALLY sick afterward. Not good. But definitely try the Texas Tea! So yummy and perfect to mix with alcohol!
Have fun and bring lots of sunscreen, a huge towel or two to mark your spot on the grass, some pain medicine (advil or something), sunglasses, wet ones or some kind of antibacterial wipe because soap is hard to come by, camp chair, extra cash for souvenirs, and pants/jacket to change into at night. Hope this helps!!
Stagecoach is California's Country Music Festival and it happens the weekend after Coachella. It's pretty much the Coachella of Country music, except I feel like it gets bigger names because it's more focused on just one genre.
Stagecoach is all about the main stage, or the "mane stage" as it was called this year. This year featured singers like Rascal Flatts, Carrie Underwood, Tim McGraw, Big & Rich, Gretchen Wilson, Chuck Wicks, Taylor Swift, The Eagles, and more. On the side stages, there were some acts like Dwight Yoakam, but pretty much the place to be is the main stage.
You should definitely come early to Stagecoach and bring a folding chair! While it's nice to check out all the vendors selling barbeque food, cowboy hats, and merchandise (along with all the hot girls dressed up as cowgirls, yikes!), you should definitely stake out a spot and claim it as yours in the early afternoon so that you can get a good view of the main stage. Like any country concert, the people there are generally going to be really nice and will watch your stuff for you as long as you exchange some pleasantries with them upon your arrival.
It's a lot of fun if you love Country music and you'll even hear some bands that maybe you don't know that well. Definitely bring a sweatshirt for when the sun goes down because the festival goes into the wee hours of the night. If you want any hope of getting out in a reasonable amount of time, you'll have to leave during the final act of each night (we left after 4 songs of Tim McGraw on the closing night) because it's 50,000 people trying to get out of a dirt parking lot lined with horse doo doo at the same time. But the parking is free, which is amazing to an LA person like me.
Good food, good music, the hottest group of girls you've ever seen at one concert in your whole life, what's not to like? Well, maybe the cougar who I saw making out with a 15 year old guy during Carrie Underwood's "Before He Cheats." It's about $100 per day to take in a solid up to 11 hours of Country music if you arrive on time (I stayed for 8 this year on Sunday) and that's the same price as the Faith Hill/Tim McGraw tour this year. You'll get a little dusty and dirty in on the fairgrounds, but it feels normal at a country show like this, where you'll see people line dancing all over the place.
Otherwise, put on your cowboy boots, some sunblock, bring a good chair and enjoy the biggest country music show this side of Nashville once a year! I'll definitely be back next year!
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