With Freakfest fast approaching, city officials met with local business owners and residents Tuesday to outline the details of this year’s event, with ticketing and stage set-up among the changes attendees will see.
Madison’s Central Business Improvement District met to discuss changes designed to better handle safety issues created by the event. 2013 marks the seventh year of Freakfest being held as a ticketed event, a quality that has “dramatically reduced” arrests, vandalism, violence and property damage, Executive Director of Madison’s Central Business Improvement District Mary Carbine said.
Unlike last year, there will be no VIP tickets sold, which previously reserved the area nearest to the stage for those willing to pay extra. This was due to a variety of restrictions regarding platforms and the overall setup of the VIP areas, that prevented viewers from having a good view.
“We couldn’t provide a good enough experience for those who purchased VIP tickets last year,” Frank Productions spokesperson Charlie Goldstone said.
For those who are still seeking a VIP experience, Frank Productions will be offering an “exclusive” party at the Orpheum Theater with performances by DJ 3LAU and Dirty Disco Kidz beginning at 9 p.m, Goldstone said. Tickets can be purchased in advance for $20 or on the day of for $22 via Ticketmaster, Goldstone said.
Goldstone said he predicts around 30,000 general admission tickets to be sold, most within two weeks of the event. Combined with the 5,000 to 10,ooo tickets in circulation the night of the event, the numbers could rise to anywhere around 40,ooo tickets.
With such high numbers expected, police will be taking extra precautions to ensure the safety of all those participating, Madison Police Department Sgt. Carl Gloede said.
Gloede said police will be implementing changes in the setup of the Gilman Street and Capitol stages. The stages themselves will be split in order to allow for easier access to crowds in case an emergency presents itself.
There will also be police on patrol in the areas surrounding the gate running to Library Mall in order to prevent any “preloading” of alcohol, Gloede said. He added the event will not interfere with the University of Wisconsin Homecoming football game this year.
“I think we’re all glad there isn’t a football game that day,” Gloede said.
The headliners drawing the most attention this year are alternative duo Matt & Kim and hip-hop artist Chiddy Bang. Other artists set to perform include Lucius, Sexy Ester, Watsky, F. Stokes, Lord of the Fly and Fort Wilson Riot.
This will be the first year that WSUM 91.7, one of Madison’s student radio stations, will have their own stage intended specifically for local artists, such as Boy Blue and The Living Statues.
The gates will open at 7 p.m. the night of the event. This year the Gilman Stage will close at 1 a.m., while the Capitol and Frances St. stages will close at 1:30 a.m.
Tickets will be sold at $8 before October 26 and $12 the day of. They can be purchased online through Ticketmaster or at certain businesses along State St., which can be identified with the Freakfest logo or found listed on the event’s website.
