Music Fans Ascend on Indio for Round Two of Coachella Festival

By George Severson

CREATED Apr. 20, 2012

  • Print

  • For the first time in the festival's history, a second weekend was added to the famed Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival. The concerts run Friday thru Sunday night in Indio. Video by kmir6.com

    video

INDIO - An estimated 85,000 to 90,000 music fans are expected to gather each day in Indio beginning today for the second weekend of the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival, according to Goldenvoice, the promoters of the popular music event.

A bonus for Coachella Valley fans was announced Thursday. Goldenvoice released more concert passes for purchase by locals only for the sold out festival headlined by such artist as Dr. Dre, Snoop Dog, Radiohead and Florence and The Machine. Festival-goers say they hope the music to be as hot at the weather. The local forecast is calling for triple digit temperatures over the weekend.

Traffic is already heavy with reports of delays along, Highway 111, side streets like Washington and Jefferson and even the I-10 coming into the Coachella Valley.

As record setting attendance is expected at the 3-day festival at the Empire Polo Club in Indio. It was expanded to two consecutive weekends this year in order to accommodate more festival-goers.

The first weekend went fairly smooth, according to Indio Police and City officials. There were 134 arrests, mostly for alcohol and drug-related offenses, police say.

Festival-goers are speculating about another surprise this weekend to match or top the hologram appearance of deceased rapper Tupac.

Residents from North Palm Springs to the Salton Sea can buy up to two passes at the box office at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden Friday until 10 p.m. or until passes run out. Passes are $330 each and limited to two per person and both people must be present at purchase, according to Goldenvoice representatives.