- Ticket holders hoping to visit New York City’s Electric Zoo rushed to the gate after they were reportedly told by security that the event was fully booked
- Festival-goers have called for an investigation into the organizers
- The first day of Electric Zoo was abruptly canceled and the second day started hours late
Attendees at the Electric Zoo Festival in New York City on Sunday rushed to the gate after “unforeseen circumstances” led to ticket holders being turned away.
A video from the gate shows would-be concertgoers running from a security checkpoint to the festival after being told the event was full.
The festival reached maximum capacity Sunday night “due to unforeseen circumstances,” officials said, promising to provide refunds to those locked out.
This came after the first day of the concert was abruptly canceled and the second day started several hours late.
Fans expressed outrage on social media, saying it was the “worst festival experience” of their lives and calling for an investigation into the organizers.
Attendees at the Electric Zoo Festival in New York City on Sunday rushed to the gate after “unforeseen circumstances” led to ticket holders being turned away. However, that was just the icing on the cake for excited festival-goers, as the first day of the concert was abruptly canceled and the second day began several hours late
Video from the security gate shows hundreds of people rushing the gate of the event on Randall’s Island.
People can be seen jumping on tables and running past nearby security guards. It is unknown if any injuries were reported or if any arrests were made.
ABC New York spoke to festival-goers who described the incident as a “mass stampede.”
“We just saw all the equipment being torn down, the tents and stuff like that, so we didn’t know what to do.” “It was a crazy situation,” said John McGuire.
“And after that it was impossible to get to any of the sets. “After that, it was tough to get out last night, so we figured we might as well get out of there,” he said.
“They’re going to refund us the money we spent, so as long as we’re safe, I’m fine, so we’re fine,” said Cicero Clamor, another participant.
Sometime Sunday, access to Randall’s Island from the Triboro Bridge, which is used for pedestrians and vehicles, was closed.
In a tweet, organizers apologized “deeply” for the chaos that reigned on the third day.
Video from the security gate shows hundreds of people rushing the gate of the event, which is taking place on Randall’s Island. The event’s gates were closed just hours after opening to ticket holders. Festival goers at Electric Zoo on Saturday September 2nd
“We are so grateful for the overwhelming support and patience you have shown this year after the challenges we faced over the weekend,” read a long tweet.
“It is with great regret that we must inform you that due to the challenges caused by Friday’s cancellation, we have reached our venue’s capacity earlier than expected for today, Sunday.
“To ensure the safety and well-being of everyone in attendance, we will not be allowing any additional participants today. If you are on the move or would like to come later, we ask you not to visit the festival site.
“Your safety and festival experience remain our top priorities.” We deeply apologize for this inconvenience and hope you understand that this decision was made in everyone’s best interest. Refund details to follow.
“Thank you for your continued love, patience and understanding.” We promise to make it up to you. “Team EZOO,” the tweet ended.
Made Event, the organizers of Electric Zoo, blamed supply chain issues for this year’s festival’s overall woes.
Underneath EZoo’s tweet, dozens of angry users responded to the apology, expressing outrage and calling on officials to face consequences.
“And so the last E-Zoo dies and thousands of paying customers are turned away at 6:45 p.m.,” one person wrote.
“Yes, entry will remain closed forever because this festival will NEVER reopen after this terrible mismanagement.”
“This is complete gross negligence.” “So when are we going to see your Netflix documentary about this fiasco?” “Greatest joke of all time.”
“It was the worst festival experience of my life.” As a disabled person, getting in and out of this festival was horrible. “No ADA hotline, hardly any helpful medical staff and so many overcrowded danger zones.”
“Anyone denied entry today will receive a refund,” organizers said in a tweet. Angry Twitter users took to social media to express their frustration with the festival. “One person asked if they would get a refund for their other expenses,” one Twitter user noted
Sunday’s lockout was the third day of chaos, as the first day’s event was canceled just hours before it was scheduled to begin.
On the second day, ticket holders were informed that the start time – originally 1pm – would be moved to 3pm.
Organizers said every single-day ticket holder for the festival will receive a refund and multi-day ticket holders will receive a credit.
The reasons for the disruptions to the normal schedule are unclear.