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 BonnarooDetective on Feb 20, 2014 15:00:05 GMT -5
Okay, old man rant time ...
Over recent years, the wait time to get into Centeroo during peak hours has become absolutely ridiculous. A few years ago they started the RFID system, which was supposed to make to process faster, but that hasn't been the case. The last two years in particular I've spent what I consider to be "excessive" time waiting in line for Centeroo (45+ minutes) on multiple occasions at various times of day. I don't remember having anywhere nearly as grueling of a wait in earlier years and supposedly the technology has gotten better and the population has stayed the same.
It has gotten so bad that I actually avoid going back to camp at all costs. It used to be that if I had two hours between shows, I could walk back to camp, restock, change clothes, grab a snack, chill for a bit, then head back in. These days two hours is barely enough time to walk back to camp, grab more water, and immediately head back to wait in line (during the afternoon, at least).
I've been to other festivals with similar setups and never had problems like those of the last 2-3 years at Bonnaroo. Moreover, I know they're capable of managing the line, as they've done it much better in year's past.
I'm sure there are a lot of factors, but the "searches" are certainly more stringent than in the past. I'm all for safety, but searching people's wallets is excessive. I mean, seriously, last year I watched security search a guy's wallet while thousands of people waited in line behind him. If they're dead set on searching people wallets and rifling through every pocket of their backpack, then they need to establish more tollbooths. I shouldn't have to leave camp at 1:00 pm in order to make sure I'm at This Tent by 3:30.
Also, stop screwing the people in Pod 1 with an entrance that is only open half the day. I know they have to close down the area surrounding What stage, but how hard it is to put up a barricade inside the walls (instead of outside).
Post by itrainmonkeys on Feb 20, 2014 15:02:52 GMT -5
It can be annoying at certain times but I just do my best to avoid rush hour and leaving Centeroo.
I also didn't think the searches were "worse" based on my experience. I doubt they were looking in every person's wallet and being super-thorough with every attendee. Sounds like that guy searching the wallets was just being an ass or on a power trip. Typically I would get a quick pat down (if that) and a glance in my bag.
Post by memphis1979 on Feb 20, 2014 15:03:11 GMT -5
Well everyone on the side entrance kept jumping the fence to get in line. So people behind where the gate started, beside the wall, had to wait forever due to thousands upon thousands of line jumpers.
We never had more then a 15 or 20 minute wait. I was closer to the bathrooms at the other tent then I was for my pod.
I've always stayed in Pod 1, so it's a pretty decent hike to get to Centeroo. What makes it worse is having to wait in line so long and the entrance at the What stage is always a mess. Depending on what time of day it is when I walk over I will bring two beers from camp. One for the walk and one for the wait to get in. I'm not sure if the wait times will ever get any better, but, that takes the sting out of it a little.
Well everyone on the side entrance kept jumping the fence to get in line. So people behind where the gate started, beside the wall, had to wait forever due to thousands upon thousands of line jumpers.
We never had more then a 15 or 20 minute wait. I was closer to the bathrooms at the other tent then I was for my pod.
The Ferris Wheel entrance is definitely the money entrance, but it is still a gamble to hike up there from the other side of the campground, particularly Pod 1.
Well everyone on the side entrance kept jumping the fence to get in line. So people behind where the gate started, beside the wall, had to wait forever due to thousands upon thousands of line jumpers.
We never had more then a 15 or 20 minute wait. I was closer to the bathrooms at the other tent then I was for my pod.
The Ferris Wheel entrance is definitely the money entrance, but it is still a gamble to hike up there from the other side of the campground, particularly Pod 1.
Except when the two lines are both so backed up that they merge and creates a giant clusterfuck.
Post by JohnnyRebel on Feb 20, 2014 15:37:07 GMT -5
That's why I've been bringing a few beers with me on the walk then when I get to the line chug the rest of what I have left over from the walk...old school say of making the line go by quicker but it works for me!
That's why I've been bringing a few beers with me on the walk then when I get to the line chug the rest of what I have left over from the walk...old school say of making the line go by quicker but it works for me!
Post by hookersnblow on Feb 20, 2014 15:58:36 GMT -5
The lines are what they are. I don't think Roo has any real motivation to change the way they handle people entering Centeroo, as it does not affect profits. It's been this ways for years and certainly they could have improved things by now by simply adding a few additional searching stations. I simply accept it and plan accordingly.
FYI - The RFID has nothing whatsoever to do with speeding up lines. Its about 1. eliminating fake wristbands and 2. gathering data for business intelligence.
Just be observant for ten seconds and you can easily determine which line will get you a gatekeeper that isn't a dickhead. I've gotten everything from a quick look and "ok you're good" to a firm pat down on my badass cargo short pockets and my camelbak peeked into, but never seen anybody get worse treatment than that.
Last Edit: Feb 20, 2014 18:28:22 GMT -5 by nate - Back to Top
Emoney serves more of a purpose than any of you, especially Nate, whose incessant, garbled ramblings are so mindless and pointless that I get depressed just seeing them.
Post by ColorsAndShapes on Feb 20, 2014 18:30:31 GMT -5
The lines are always getting filled up from the sides so you are kinda fucked if you wait in the back. I am the last person to cut in a line, but these are not lines, these are people trying to rock at any cost. So here is a tip;
If you are in a crew separate into solo people, act like you are tripping out or super confused, and mold into line somewhere near the front. Act out of it for a while and then you will just blend in. Or say OMG my fav band is about to play and my friends are all inside can I jump in with you guys, I am so sorry #positivevibesbra. Just don't go in a group or people will get mad. It's a really screwed up thing but its dumb to wait in a line that doesn't work as a line.
The lines are what they are. I don't think Roo has any real motivation to change the way they handle people entering Centeroo, as it does not affect profits. It's been this ways for years and certainly they could have improved things by now by simply adding a few additional searching stations. I simply accept it and plan accordingly.
FYI - The RFID has nothing whatsoever to do with speeding up lines. Its about 1. eliminating fake wristbands and 2. gathering data for business intelligence.
I agree with you about the RFID chips, but that isn't what we were told. When they initially rolled them out, the festival promoters touted them for their ability to speed up the entry process. In fact, the company that produces the RFID chips actually claims that they have "limited the size of queues at the concert area or campground", which certainly hasn't been the case in my experience.
I actually don't fault the RFID chips at all, but I do think it is noteworthy that lines have gotten worse since they introduced something that was supposed to improve the process.
It makes no sense to me that the festival population has stayed the same, but somehow the lines have gotten significantly worse.
Also, does anyone else remember the days when they would do a "push"? It has been years since I've seen them do it. Basically, when the line started to get backed up, they would let a big way of people through unimpeded. It was wonderful.
Post by hookersnblow on Feb 20, 2014 19:11:12 GMT -5
^^ My first Roo was 2007 and I remember the lines being the worst of all the years I attended. 2010 and 11 were better, while 2012 and 13 were bad again. It may simply be a matter of randomness (the time and gate I decide to enter Centeroo). In my opinion, searches have become more thorough in the last couple of years. I think the longer lines could easily be attributed to this rather than the RFID.
I remember the "let us in" days, too. That was before they introduced the portable metal rails to organize the lines of people.
My advice to newbies is to expect a 45 minute wait in line during peak hours. Peak hours can be defined as noon to the start of the unopposed headliner on Friday and Saturday, as well as the 30 minutes before LN sets start.
Also, does anyone else remember the days when they would do a "push"? It has been years since I've seen them do it. Basically, when the line started to get backed up, they would let a big way of people through unimpeded. It was wonderful.
I also recall the push. But now that they heard us like cattle through the arch those days are gone. I really don't like those gates they make us funnel through! Ruins the experience of wanderin' up to and through the arch en mass.
This really is something that needs to be looked into. The wait really can be excessive at times (over an hour). Couple that with that fact that the "line" doesn't really work and it can be frustrating. I can't really bring myself to cut the line, but you can be sure I'm navigating the stream of people efficiently.
There are two basic solutions:
-More tollboths -Less stringent searches
I also remember in years past when they'd just let a big wave through during peak hours. They could see the line was quickly becoming chaotic, and just waved a large group through in order to combat it. Hopefully they figure something out.
That's why I've been bringing a few beers with me on the walk then when I get to the line chug the rest of what I have left over from the walk...old school say of making the line go by quicker but it works for me!
Old school way*
Is there any other way to do the walk???? Always bring beers with for the walk, and the line up to the arch. My thought process always goes like this...the more I drink now, the less I will need in there. However, it never works that way.
That's why I've been bringing a few beers with me on the walk then when I get to the line chug the rest of what I have left over from the walk...old school say of making the line go by quicker but it works for me!
I always do that. It makes the wait so much more pleasant.
I've never had a problem getting in. Except in 2009 the initial entrance, the party bus I was on was torn to pieces while they looked for "bad things." They found a bag of benadryl. Not mine, I swear.
Post by memphis1979 on Feb 21, 2014 21:21:37 GMT -5
Security was really no better or worse then any other festival I've been to. Hell I was sneaking in a plastic flask full of whiskey and a flash light full of corn twice a day sometimes.
The lines were pretty bad. But you had to time it right. I'd get in around 9 am, basically no line at all, even the first day. Between 10 and 1, always bad, even on the last few days.
Really what's the point of all of the security anyway? No one is there to be a dick and bring in a weapon. A lot of people are sneaking in "illicit" substances.
Is the main goal to try and force folks to buy the 6 to 10 dollar beer? Hell the girls in front of us would sneak an entire bladder of wine in between their ample breasts. Spill the wine....
I'd put my flask low, and under my camelback bladder. I had a hiking pack with a hard bottom so no pat and feel would work. Of course I'm in my 30s and don't exactly look like I'm put for trouble, so most security is going to mess with kids, from what I saw.
I'd get in around 9 am, basically no line at all, even the first day.
Also false. Centeroo doesn't open until 12 noon on Thursday.
I meant going in line early on the first day. Old lady and I would rotate getting drinks and just hop the fence and spot guard till they opened. Still no line. My bad.
Post by BonnarooDetective on Feb 22, 2014 14:57:09 GMT -5
Don't get me wrong, it isn't like every time I try to get into Centeroo I've had an hour long wait. But it has happened enough, and with increasing frequency and duration, to cause me to rethink my entire festival strategy. Instead of feeling free to pop back to camp at my leisure, I now have to plan my trips back and forth carefully. Last year I found myself packing a bag for the entire day simply because I didn't want to gamble on having to reenter Centeroo. On at least one occasion I planned on going back to camp, but decided not to do so after seeing the line for reentry.
I've been considering VIP solely for the purpose of avoiding the Centeroo (and general entry) lines. I feel like it would be worth it just to have the extra hours at Bonnaroo not wasted waiting in line. It might very well be worth the money, but it is hard to justify knowing this wasn't always the case.
Then again, maybe the last two years have just been anomalies. Maybe I was a little bit lucky in my earlier years and a little bit unlucky in my recent ones. Maybe the schedules were a little more conducive to bottlenecking. Maybe I'm just getting old.
That's why I've been bringing a few beers with me on the walk then when I get to the line chug the rest of what I have left over from the walk...old school say of making the line go by quicker but it works for me!
We figure out how many "beers" long our walk from the campsite is. Definitely the way to go (it's almost always been a "two beer walk")
I haven't been since '09 but a few tips based on my festival going experience:
1) Try not to leave the concert grounds as much as possible -- this means bring snacks, water bottles to refill, and plan your back-to-campsite excursions accordingly (tips 2 and 3 will relate to this last point) 2) Give yourself enough time to walk there, and back, and wait in line without missing the next act. This means you want to overestimate how long it will take you, by a lot 3) Know the times when lines will be the longest (e.g. rush hour)
I've NEVER waited so long that I missed the start of the act I wanted to see. Don't try to cut it close, you will lose.
An additional tollbooth means increased volunteers and equipment needed. That is extra expenses without any chance of revenue so I doubt it happens.
I personally would expect these lines to get worse. Terrorism concerns and general legal liability will force Bonnaroo to increase these searches over time. Remember the searches are for the safety of everyone at the festival. They may be a buzzkill but once your through the checks, you completely forget about it.
I've got to disagree. I think they could add more individual booths within the existing entrances. The way I see it, the only expense is additional security personnel to man each booth. They wouldn't have to keep them staffed all day and night, just peak hours. What would it cost to hire an additional two dozen security douches? Once you're through the pat down, there's never really a line at the RFID tollbooth, so they could probably get away with their existing resources there. Meanwhile, shortening the lines for Centeroo definitely has a payoff for the promoters. Foremost, your providing a better overall experience for your patrons, making them more likely to return or recommend the festival to friends. Additionally, keeping the crowd churning is (at least in theory) better for business. People who are standing in line to get into Centeroo aren't spending money. The faster we get in Centeroo, the quicker we get back to buying food, beer, etc.
The goal of this thread isn't aimed at changing the search policy, although I'd love to believe that the searches are solely for the purpose of safety. If it were about safety, they've got their priorities out of whack. I know this is the most extreme example, but (again) I saw a woman search a dude's wallet last year. His wallet. He was right in front of me and I can assure you he didn't do anything to warrant it. Last year security looked in the tiniest of pockets on my backpack; in previous years these pockets haven't gotten a second look. I can assure you that no weapon (other than chemical) would fit in those pockets. If we're concerned about terrorists and weapons and shit, then they should be more worried about these "Rage Sticks" that have become ever so popular. You know how many pipe bombs you could smuggle in with one of those? I mean, the whole thing could very well be a giant pipe bomb and security would let them right on through.
And honestly, I don't care how hard they search me, I just don't want to wait in line for 45 minutes before they do it.
Post by Jake Jortles on Feb 22, 2014 20:02:20 GMT -5
I noticed that thursday when it opened was the absolute worst. Saw the line and turned back to camp for another 4 hrs to wait for a slower time.
Its pretty damn bad. Just another one of those fixable situations (ditch) that won't get fixed. Leave camp an hour and change before any set you want to see just in case. I flew through the line a couple times but also waited 45+ mins 2 times. It really does make going back to camp a pain.
Post by ludovico62 on Feb 22, 2014 23:34:48 GMT -5
Last year i didn't wait for more than 10 minutes any of the times I went in, I would go in before the rush or after. I was in tent only so I could just stand up on my chair and see how the line was, When it was ridiculous I just waited, and the few times I had to wait 5 minutes, I would just bring beer and drink them while in line, also my experience with the pat downs were almost non-existent. The line seemed to move pretty fast. But yea it would suck if you had to walk a mile then wait in line. Another reason tent only is the only way to go.
