Whether it's your first Bonnaroo or you’re a music festival veteran, we welcome you to Inforoo.
Here you'll find info about artists, rumors, camping tips, and the infamous Roo Clues. Have a look around then create an account and join in the fun. See you at Bonnaroo!!
Post by Enlightened1 on May 19, 2011 11:38:13 GMT -5
Next year I hope to have an RV and take my wife with VIP tickets. I won't mind at all riding in Thursday morning with no line and getting a prime spot and all the benifits VIP offers.
We also need to take into account that they probably won't have all of their volunteers there on Wednesday night. Since the VIP entrance doesn't get much of a line anyway, they probably want to get the GA people parked/searched/through first to lessen the wait time for them.
The only volunteers that are asked to come on Wed this year are post-fest and even they can come early, if they want to, since they're holding a bbq for volunteers on Tues night. I know toll booth volunteers are supposed to come 10am-4pm on Tuesday. During fest until 8pm. I think the only late arrivals may be those who cant change their post-fest shift at Wakarusa or something. I saw some people on the WET forum that are asked to volunteer until 8pm when theyre supposed to be 8 hours away at Roo checked in by 8pm.
Be happy you're VIP, folks. I wouldnt plan on coming in Wed night. All the paperwork Roo gave has bold print saying not to come in before Thurs 8am. I feel like things at the toll booths are gonna be hectic. Turning away VIPers possibly (although they thankfully have their own entrance but I hope I dont deal with people who dont read their info and come in with GA), people stupidly still wearing their wristbands before we put them on for them, etc.
Well.... If the bathrooms and air conditioned tents are not set up yet, then I don't want to go in Wednesday night! That's what I paid $1400 for, not for Wednesday night admittance... ya know?
We also need to take into account that they probably won't have all of their volunteers there on Wednesday night. Since the VIP entrance doesn't get much of a line anyway, they probably want to get the GA people parked/searched/through first to lessen the wait time for them.
But ::GASP:: how DARE they let those GA people in Wednesday night instead of sitting in their cars for 10 hours on Thursday!?! It's a horrible thing to do, Bonnaroo. Just horrible. I mean, they're not paying customers like we are. /end sarcasm (and yes, I'm going VIP too)
Seriously folks, we'll be at Bonnaroo one way or another. Just relax!
Well, Sunshine, I love this post so much I printed it out.
^^That's cool. Everyone is entitled to their opinion, you and I both included. I just think some people are getting bent out of shape about this VIP time of arrival... see the "Sherrie" thread:
Post by Dave Maynar on May 19, 2011 18:05:35 GMT -5
Gary sounds pretty definite here.
Gary Chardonnay - Official Bonnaroo Staff (Official Rep) 36 minutes ago "VIP check-in and gates are opening on Thursday at 8:00 AM, the same time as years past. Do not come early; you will be turned away. The reason that GA is opening on Wednesday is that we hope to lower the traffic delays when entering the festival. VIP opening is not changing, as they have a separate entrance and don't experience the same traffic delays. We're sorry for the confusion and any inconvenience."
Post by funkybuttlovin on May 21, 2011 17:56:26 GMT -5
We have decided to go a night early and get in an extra night of partying. How much do you think it would matter if we showed up Wednesday morning or night?
I've only done one other Roo, and that was 2009, and camping was not kind to me, so I'm going with a hotel this year. What's the best route in for someone not camping?
Also, it says no professional photography, what about camcorders?
I've only done one other Roo, and that was 2009, and camping was not kind to me, so I'm going with a hotel this year. What's the best route in for someone not camping?
Day Parkers will be allowed to enter and leave only through the West Tollbooth each day. To get to West Tollbooth use Exit 111 from I-24 and follow the signs to the festival. If Exit 111 is closed, follow police instructions and then follow the signs to Day Parking. Please note that because of the high influx of patrons to the festival site on Thursday and Friday, it may take longer than normal for Day Parkers to exit the site on these days."
About the glass law.. does glass on a lantern count?
From Bonnaroo.com:
- NO GLASS CONTAINERS OF ANY KIND! (This includes, but is not limited to: glass bottles, glass food jars, and anything made of glass). All glass containers will be confiscated upon entry to the festival and no exceptions will be made
It does sound more like they're speaking about containers like Yoderoo said, but I wouldn't say you're 100% safe.
About the glass law.. does glass on a lantern count?
From Bonnaroo.com:
- NO GLASS CONTAINERS OF ANY KIND! (This includes, but is not limited to: glass bottles, glass food jars, and anything made of glass). All glass containers will be confiscated upon entry to the festival and no exceptions will be made
It does sound more like they're speaking about containers like Yoderoo said, but I wouldn't say you're 100% safe.
Quick question im not sure if anyone will know but worth asking: in the trooper searches at the entrance have you ever seen them physically take apart parts of the interior of the car? or do they just go through bags well and any obvious areas? just wondering...
Quick question im not sure if anyone will know but worth asking: in the trooper searches at the entrance have you ever seen them physically take apart parts of the interior of the car? or do they just go through bags well and any obvious areas? just wondering...
Quick question im not sure if anyone will know but worth asking: in the trooper searches at the entrance have you ever seen them physically take apart parts of the interior of the car? or do they just go through bags well and any obvious areas? just wondering...
Never been on the receiving end of a trooper search myself. They seemed pretty intense from what I saw though.
Quick question im not sure if anyone will know but worth asking: in the trooper searches at the entrance have you ever seen them physically take apart parts of the interior of the car? or do they just go through bags well and any obvious areas? just wondering...
One of the cars in my caravan got searched in 2006. They went through their bags, cooler, glovebox, checked under the seats, etc. Thats about it. Now if there is a strong odor, or they find small amounts of paraphenalia, or get any other clues they might bring over the dogs and search even deeper.
It was kind of funny when they were searching their car, my friend had an empty plastic bag in the glove box (he had it there from a few weeks ago so he could pick up after his dog at the park but he had never used it) and one of the officers gets all excited and yell's out "I got a baggie!" my friend just looked at him and laughs and goes "Dude there's nothing in it, its just a plastic bag" then the cop got all disheartened and started searching again.
Sooo...no as far as I know they won't strip off body panels or doing anything extreme like that unless you give them a reason too. But they clearly get off on trying to fuck you over, and they will tear up you're car then just leave it for you to have to re-pack.
Some other information I've been meaning to post...
If it gets muddy...
While entering or leaving the farm (Although this is mostly for exiting) if it is muddy there are some things you should know:
1.) If when you get in your car and attempt to exit the festival you realize your car has sunken slightly and become somewhat stuck in the mud. DO NOT just floor the gas pedal and sling mud all over your neighbors and all their stuff. This happened to us last year, so please be considerate. 2.) If someone stops you as you're driving and tells you under no uncertain terms not to drive down a particular stretch of road because it is deceptively muddy DO NOT ignore them and drive down it anyway. They are telling you this because they've witnessed multiple cars get stuck already, do not ignore their warnings. 3.) If you get stuck and you're car cannot get out under its own power. DO try to push it out first. If that fails ask people camping nearby if they'd be willing to give you an extra hand. If all else fails go straight to the nearest information pod and ask for help. Last year they had tractors and tow trucks that were pulling people out for free (don't just assume its going to cost a lot of money). DO NOT put plywood or any other random thing you can find under the tires in an attempt to gain traction, and if you do be sure no one is anywhere near the car because whatever you put down will likely get shot out the back of the car with enough force to break a leg.
In case you think this is all common sense or not very useful let me share a story with you:
Last year we were camped over near family camping, which must be a lower area because it was extremely muddy. There was one particular "road" adjacent to our campsite that was trecherous and every single car that attempted to drive down it got stuck. Even the tow trucks got stuck trying to pull out the stuck cars. After witnessing this time and time again we put up a sign, which people ignored. We must have helped push about 10 different cars out of the mud by friday afternoon. Eventually we stopped trying to help altogether. Sunday morning comes and someone was leaving early and started down this road; we flagged them down and told them they would get stuck don't even try it. They went anyway and what do you know they got stuck. They then came over to us begging for help pushing them out. We instructed them to go to the pod and a tow truck or tractor would come but they kept begging so we helped them out thinking karma would come back to us in the end. They were so stuck that we couldn't get them out so we again told them to go to the pod and ask for help, which they ignored. Some how they found a peice of plywood and decided to stick it under the tire. They then begged us for help one last time, so again we helped them out. We started pushing and the driver floored the gas pedal which shot the plywood out the back of the car into my friends shin. He walked with a limp for 2 weeks and needless to say it ruined his whole day Sunday.
If they had simply headed our warnings, or advice to seek out help from the info pod (which they had to do in the end) they would have gotten out a lot quicker and my friend wouldn't have gotten hurt. So if you get stuck remember my warnings and if people won't help you push you're car out it's not necessarily because they're assholes.
I know it's a matter of opinion but I was in BFE last year and it's not as bad as you're making it out to be. I'm just throwing this out there in case any noobs are on the fence about when to go in, it was a shorter walk then from my campsite in 09 (Randolph duke by the pond). Id say it's realistically only a 10-15 minute walk. Not about 30 minutes.
In regards to everything else, however, this is a fantastic guide.
Post by xboondockx on May 25, 2011 16:06:14 GMT -5
This post has been most helpful in answering questions, but I don't see info on RV's or haven't been looking in the right place. Are they grouped in with the GA passenger vehicles or do they have their own lots? I assume the entry and search procedures are the same.
This post has been most helpful in answering questions, but I don't see info on RV's or haven't been looking in the right place. Are they grouped in with the GA passenger vehicles or do they have their own lots? I assume the entry and search procedures are the same.
This post has been most helpful in answering questions, but I don't see info on RV's or haven't been looking in the right place. Are they grouped in with the GA passenger vehicles or do they have their own lots? I assume the entry and search procedures are the same.
We had planned to spend a night in Nashville on Wednesday, and get into the line on Thursday morning ... praying to still get a choice TO spot. I'm a roo virgin, but even I can glean that the designated site isn't exactly graced with space.
The Bonnaroo announcement that they were opening on Wednesday definitely changed that plan! No hotel needed! Our flight lands at 5:45PM, hope to be out of there by 6:15/6:30PM to catch our ride.
QUESTION: would it be better to stop for a supply run in Nashville or the WalMart in Manchester? Or somewhere off the 24 like Murfreesboro (who also has a 24 hour Wally world).
I'm just worried about making stops closer to the 'roo grounds ... what with the weird road/exit blocks they're sure to post.
Post by Enlightened1 on May 26, 2011 8:48:09 GMT -5
This will also be my first roo being you are ariving early I think you should find what you want at any of the places you mentioned. However I have heard the cops are unfriendly in Murfreesboro so I plan on staying away and the Walmart in Manchester will probably run out of some supplies and more than likely will not have what Nashville has. Also Tenn. has dry counties so if you are looking for drink I'd buy in Nashville.
I'll clarify the alcohol issue: if you want to buy beer, you can do so any at gas station, grocery store, Wal-Mart, etc. BUT, these stores are not allowed to sell wine and liquor. I know, crazy. We have Liquor Stores for all of your non-beer needs. But in turn, the Liquor stores don't sell beer. So just be prepared!
Gas – Always have at least a half tank (preferably a nearly full tank) before getting in line. You will be waiting in line with your car idling for up to 12 hours, you will need the gas. You might want to start your car up to re-charge cell batteries, sit in some A/C for 5 minutes, etc, you will need the gas for this as well. You’re also going to want that gas to facilitate getting off the farm and on the road quickly and smoothly.
Not just the gas issue - know your car BEFORE you go - if your car has a tendancy to overheat when idleing for long periods - DON'T - turn it off - sit in line with the windows down - crank it back up when the line moves - make sure you have coolant and/or jugs of water with you.
Nothing sucks more than having to push your car out of line to the side because it overheated.
Thanks, guys. Figured Murfreesboro would be a safe bet. I'm sure things (even by Wednesday evening) will be a bit hectic near Manchester. We are planning to beer/water - but definitely appreciate the info on the liquor stores!
Another quick question ... if a (non-Bonnaroo) shuttle is dropping us off, what's our best bet to get dropped off closer to TO areas? Is there a particular road that shuttles/taxis etc. get funneled through? Trying to get an idea on how far we should anticipate to walk ... and whether or not we would need to pick up a cheap dolly type thing for our misc. supplies. (virtually all of our camping gear fit in my framed pack - thank you, REI!)
^^You could be walking for a mile or two... I guess it depends on where they let the shuttle drop you off. I would suggest investing in a wagon (like a kid's wagon) or a fold-up dolly.