Tens of thousands of alternative rock fans packed Exposition Park and L.A. Sports Arena on Saturday for day one of two of the sold-out 11th annual FYF Fest – not without some teething issues at the festival’s new home.
Early in the day as gates opened at 2 pm, many festival-goers took to social media to vent their frustration about long lines to enter the festival.
“The Coliseum, which handles 100,000 people for USC games has an average wait time of three to five minutes to get in,” said Instagram user @trentano. “40,000 people for FYF and it takes two plus hours. It ain’t rocket science, people. I missed several acts yesterday and won’t go back tonight to wait in line hell.”
Once inside, the 6,000 person capacity of the indoor L.A. Sports Arena quickly filled, forcing security to deny entry to anyone who didn’t arrive early.
The Arena stage line-up featured Angel Olsen, Slint, Chet Faker, Todd Terje, Caribou, Four Tet, and DJ Harvey.
“The Arena meeting max capacity was probably the worst,” said Instagram user @beetlejuicb. “We love music and to be turned away from listening to it is probably the worst that could happen. But, there were also positives – more shade, grass, places to rest, water refill station, charging station, the stages were great – except Arena issue – and I had a good time! I’m sure all the complaints will be taken into consideration and next year it’ll be better!”
FYF Fest organizers seem to have taken note to increase seating inside the Arena, posting on Twitter on Sunday morning that “All the seats in the arena will be open for the festival today along with the concourse of the arena.”
In 2004, 18-year-old Sean Carlson started FYF Fest for the same reason why many start bands, out of boredom and a need to do something.
As the years went on, with a small group of friends behind the wheel, the festival grew. Attendance increased and so did the size of the bands.
With a need for more space the festival was moved from Echo Park to the Los Angeles State Historic Park in Chinatown. In 2011, Goldenvoice joined as a producer of the event.
Now in it’s 11th year, the two-day festival this weekend moved to its new home at The L.A. Sports Arena & Exposition Park. It is unknown if the festival will use the venue in future years.
Among the day one highlights: Phoenix, Interpol, Grimes, and Tycho. Day two will see The Strokes headline the main stage at 10:25 pm. Other acts to see include Haim, Flying Lotus, Blood Orange, and Earl Sweatshirt.
