90,000 Mile High Music Festival fans find fun in sun
Aside from traffic, Mile High event hits all right notes
By Mark Brown, Rocky Mountain News (Contact)
Published July 21, 2008 at 12:05 a.m.
Updated July 22, 2008 at 6:20 p.m.
Photo by Tim Hussin / The Rocky
Daniel Sproul of the Boulder-based band Rose Hill Drive plays guitar during the band's set Sunday afternoon.
Photo by Tim Hussin / The Rocky
During Brett Dennens's set on Sunday, Ky Widmer, 21, of Vail, holds a beer as Kailee Young, 18, also of Vail, rests. Ninety thousand tickets were sold for the two-day festival, which drew praise from both fans and performers.
Photo by Tim Hussin / The Rocky
The Dave Matthews Band, Sunday's headliner group, plays during the two-day Mile High Music Festival at Dick's Sporting Goods Park in Commerce City.
Photo by Tim Hussin / The Rocky
In a water tent meant to cool off festival-goers, Grant Overs, 20, enjoys the spray on Saturday. Temperatures hovered in the upper 90s for both days of the festival. Some fans complained that there needed to be more shade.
Photo by Tim Hussin / The Rocky
During Brett Dennens's set on Sunday, Ky Widmer, 21, of Vail, holds a beer as Kailee Young, 18, also of Vail, rests. Ninety thousand tickets were sold for the two-day festival, which drew praise from both fans and performers.
The Mile High Music Festival - with 90,000 tickets sold over two days, little trouble and, incredibly, no arrests on site - passed its inaugural test over the weekend.
Fans and performers overwhelmingly praised the music marathon that served up a 50-band lineup on the sweltering fields surrounding Dick's Sporting Goods Park.
The Sunday lineup, with headliner the Dave Matthews Band, attracted more than 50,000 fans. The Tom Petty-headlined Saturday show brought out another 40,000-plus fans, despite intense heat both days.
Still, "we have a lot of tweaking to do for next year," said promoter Chuck Morris of AEG Live, who said fans were unfamiliar with much of the layout. At times, for example, one beer line would be 60-people deep while another beer stand a few yards away would be virtually deserted.
Accidents on Interstate 70 caused some traffic snarls both days, especially on traffic-choked Quebec Street north of the interstate. But, Morris noted, "you go to a Broncos game and you get traffic."
Police and sheriff's deputies on-site reported a surprisingly low number of problems given the size of the crowd. Heat and alcohol took its toll on some fans, but according to organizers on Sunday, only one person went to the hospital, and there were no arrests. With carpooling and other actions, the 20,000 parking spots at the stadium never were full.
"It's a long-term project. I'm more concerned with the fan response and the band response. That's been nothing but overwhelmingly positive," Morris said.
AEG Live launched the festival and went to great lengths to ensure its success, including abundant workers on-site and top-flight food and accommodations backstage for the artists. Much of it was broadcast live on the Internet by AT&T.
Audience members traveled far and wide to catch this weekend's acts. Blake Mackey lingered at the gate after the Rose Hill Drive concert Sunday afternoon, hoping to catch a few minutes with the band. After driving from Alabama for the show, he said he won't go home disappointed.
"They always blow my socks off. They are beautiful and heavy at the same time," he said.
As a musician himself, Mackey said, he loved the festival venue.
"It's well-controlled and full of good people and good food. At night when the sun goes over the mountains, it's like another moment in time."
Bennett Montz said he made a weekend trip from New Orleans to see the Dave Matthews Band.
"I've loved it so far," he said.
Not every fan liked the event.
"It's actually not that great. The water situation is set up really poorly, and there is trash everywhere. It was part of their mission to be as green as possible, but I don't know if they put the word out," said Jill Krisl, of Denver.
"There needs to be more shade, but it is a better bang for your buck. Plus, things are more accessible," said Jill Lazatin. "I don't know if it is because it is the first year and less crowded, but it is great that they opened up the restrooms in the soccer stadium."
Even performers raved. Mike Gordon of Phish on Saturday called the event one of the best he has played. On the local level, Jacob Sproul of Boulder's Rose Hill Drive called it "very comparable to Bonnaroo and other large- scale festivals. The artist lineup speaks for itself, and there was nothing like this in Denver before now."
Merchants and restaurateurs who paid to have a presence also seemed pleased.
"It's going really well. I definitely feel there's been a bigger crowd today compared to yesterday," said Amir Iagher, owner and designer for the Boulder-based women's clothing stand Luna Claire. "As far as festivals go, for the first year this is a hit."
brownm@RockyMountainNews.com or 303-954-2674
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July 21, 2008
7:16 a.m.
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skystyler writes:
I found the concert to be a complete disappointment.
They failed on so many points.
The beer was way too much money at $8.
The drinking water refill stations should have been 100 feet long --- not 10.
Why was there only one location for the port-o-potties? Really, they couldn't have spent some of my $8-a-beer on additional ones and staged them on the perimeter of the venue?
There wasn't enough shade. Rent some more canopies from Wright. I'm sure they'd love the business.
The parking / traffic was awful. It seemed like there was only one entrance and exit --- a single point of failure. Some of our friends waiting nearly 4 hours on Sunday to park.
Why is there no reentry? Were we really all going to bring food and beer and party in the parking lots aka --- less money for the venue?
This would have been a way better show if there had been overnight camping. What a missed opportunity to rent camping spots for $20 a day. That would have generated 1 to 2 million more dollars for the venue, and allowed people the freedom to not drive all over Denver after drinking all day.
I'll give them one thing...the bands came on stage on time.
I think any layperson could have looked at the overall concert layout and plan and seen there were huge gaps.
I won't buy tickets next year.
Mark T.
Denver resident
July 21, 2008
9:49 a.m.
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thoughts writes:
I am 50/50 on if this festival was worth it....first of all it took us almost 4 hours to get there and we don't even live far away so we missed half of the shows we wanted to see, the stages needed to have the names of them posted on the top of the stage so you knew which one was which and only having one main area for the bathrooms was a joke you had to walk all the way accross the venue to go to the bathroom therefore missing even more of the few shows that we actually did get to see once we were there. I will say that the set up was pretty good and the bands did a great job. But for sitting in traffic for that long to see 3 out of the 7 bands...not worth the money.
July 21, 2008
10:09 a.m.
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jmkratt writes:
I had a great time at the festival.
The only beef I had with it was the traffic. I don't agree with the statement "if you go to a Broncos game there is traffic." Sure there is! But it is much more organized. I don't know whether it was the parking lots or the lights or cops not directing traffic, but that needs to be addressed if they do the show again in the future.
The stadium provided a nice restroom, short water lines, and relief from the crowd. That was nice. The outdoor restrooms were a joke towards the end of the 2nd day - full and clogged, etc.
Depending on the lineup I would go to the festival again next year, I just hope they address the traffic.
$8 Beers! Ouch!
July 21, 2008
10:26 a.m.
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Mark Brown writes:
"The beer was way too much money at $8."
I agree. It's $9 at Fiddler's Green. Promoters and venues are really sticking it to the fan. Even $6 is a lot for 30 cents worth of beer.
"The drinking water refill stations should have been 100 feet long --- not 10."
Agree, there should have been more, and on Sunday the promoter opened a few more makeshift ones around the site for fans.
"Why was there only one location for the port-o-potties?"
Agree, there should have been more and there will be in the future.
"The parking / traffic was awful. It seemed like there was only one entrance and exit"
There were three different entrances, north, south and center. Coming from the south was probably the most crowded.
"Why is there no reentry?"
Because you'd have people going to their cars and getting really messed up over the course of a day.
"the stages needed to have the names of them posted on the top of the stage so you knew which one was which"
completely agree.
July 21, 2008
10:48 a.m.
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westside writes:
How absurd was it to have to peel off the labels of non-coca cola water bottles before entering? Most ridiculous thing I've ever heard of. Not a briliant marketing move by coca cola.
July 21, 2008
12:32 p.m.
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arvada_mark writes:
I didn't go because the line-up was horrible. Tom Petty aside, who are these guys? I've seen Petty at least 8 times, he's my favorite, & I will generally pay as much, put up with as much doo-doo as necessary to see him, but 100 degrees, 40,000 people, horrible other bands (in my opinion), & I am not tall enough to stand behind anybody really & watch a concert. So, move it to the stadium so I could see, tell me what time exactly Petty will be on, & I will be there. For now, I will just have to go to Phoenix to see Petty play how he should, with the Heartbreakers, & only the Heartbreakers.
July 21, 2008
1:25 p.m.
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hikingartist writes:
I hope those who went had fun. It was too much for me: too much money, too much traffic, too many people and even too many bands to really sit back and enjoy. I like music but I don't think this was about music; 85 dollar tix times 90,000 people equals, what, 7 million 650 thousand dollars? I suppose the 8 dollar beers padded that figure quite nicely.
Personally, I won't spend more than $60 (less service fees) for a show and I am seeing roughly 10 shows this summer.
July 21, 2008
2:17 p.m.
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cterryr2 writes:
$8.00 a beer! They can kiss my anus. $4.00 is almost fair. They treat us like IDIOTS and SHEEP.
Gouging your customers is not a good thing. EVER.
Why does the concert industry have an attitude like; "If we can charge $150.00 to fools for a 2 hr concert event then we can over charge the same fools for beer!"
July 21, 2008
2:24 p.m.
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coloradolyon writes:
10 shows at $60 + fees . . . . equals a lot more money than $175 to see all of the bands at the festival. You would spend $175 just to see Tom Petty and Dave Matthews . . . . . not bad to get all of the others for free.
To the people whining about one row of bathrooms, you should have looked 50 feet around the corner. There were at least 150 more bathrooms. And if you put a little more effort into your day, the stadium was open, had three separate bathrooms, and I never saw more than 5 people in the bathroom at a time, meaning 25-35 urinals were always open. There was plenty of shade at the stadium when the bad bands were playing. And as far as traffic, if you took 64th Avenue, you could take Quebec north, hit 74th west, and catch I-76 to take you back south into Denver, over to Boulder, or north to wherever. I made it back to Lone Tree in under 45 minutes . . . . . try that during the day without a concert.
People whine to much and expect everything to be spelled out for them. Grab a map, take a chair and cooler, and enjoy watching all of the idiots this region has to offer.
My only complaint was $8-$11 beer . . . . . what a rip-off, and no camping. If they want this festival to get big, compete with the likes of Bonarroo, you need to have camping. It cuts down on the traffic, and ads to the atmosphere.
July 21, 2008
3:59 p.m.
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goAvs writes:
People are whining way too much. Traffic was nothing worse than any reasonable person can expect at such a large event. I made it from the carpool lot to the capital in about 30 minutes both nights. The entrance / exit did get a little jammed, especially on day 2, but the wait was never that long. The beer and food was overpriced, but that seems to be the way things are at events like this. Good old corporate greed at its finest. There could have been a bit more shade, but all you needed to do was bring an umbrella or watch the bands in the tents for awhile. People complaining about lack of toilets just followed the rest of the sheep in line at the closest toilets. Not once did I wait anymore than a few seconds to use one.
Really, the only thing I didn't like was the lack of camping. All in all it was a great festival.
July 21, 2008
4:28 p.m.
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musicman80 writes:
Tom Petty who?
The Dave Matthews Band is the BIGGER and better band in the lineup! They are musically great and they put on the best shows!
July 21, 2008
6:21 p.m.
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westsidechan writes:
It was all good.
Show up early, no problem getting in.
Expensive stuff is the norm, like it or leave it.
No arrests? Well they easily could have, but choose not to. That said, very mellow crowd.
I don't even know why they tried to pretend smoking only in designated places. 0 enforcement.
"Lots" of snuck in hard alchohol, did they even try to find it? :)
Really, the only real problem? It was frikin hot.
July 21, 2008
6:50 p.m.
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Bear writes:
ColoradoLyon was spot on.
"People whine to much and expect everything to be spelled out for them. Grab a map, take a chair and cooler, and enjoy watching all of the idiots this region has to offer."
You would pay well over $175 dollars to see Tom, John, and Dave on their own. To see those three plus another 45+ acts, including some very up and coming local talent is a steal. Not to mention the ability to buy single day tickets which is not always the case at multi-day festival's
All those people who are complaining about the bathrooms, beer, parking, etc. etc. Clearly haven't been to enough concerts, or only attend the ones that require wearing a tuxedo, a pompus attitude, and demand you stay seated and quiet till the end.
Bathrooms at concerts have been gross since the very first concert in history, get over it. If you took 2 minutes to look or ask the stadium bathrooms were empty, clean, and centrally located to all the stages.
The price of beer was comparable to that of any major sporting event in town. It's simple economics that demand dictates price. Considering the weather they could have charged ten dollars and still had lines, speaking of lines you could completley avoid them by walking about 10 yeards away from the central area, I didn't wait once. Tailgate and bring a camel back filled with your mixed drink of choice, 'nuff said.
Getting 20,000 cars in a parking lot is never going to be quick. We were stuck on Quebec for 45 minutes but had planned to be there early and didn't miss any acts. The fact that D***'s only can be accessed from the west side didn't make things easier and should be addressed next year. All things considered though compared to other concerts or festivals I've been to where you either wait in line for a shuttle to take you to the venue or have to walk 30-45 minutes. This was a breeze.
There are defintley things to work on that have previously been mentioned. For me camping is one of my favorite aspects of music festivals, the friends, food, drinks, impromptu jam sessions and the thousands of other people all doing the same thing make for a great time. If they can consistently produce a comparable line-up of acts to this year's and allow camping this could become one of the best festival's in the country.
Some people like to hate anything and everything. If the small things like the bathrooms, beer, and parking kept you from having a good time enjoying the amazing music and vibe, then I truly feel sad for you.
July 21, 2008
8:24 p.m.
Suggest removal
TheDenverB writes:
the state poopers and local police did nothing to direct traffic. that is the one thing they could really improve on for next year... actually put the cops lingering around to work.
otherwise, if you got stuck in i-70 coming from denver... it's your fault. there are plenty of other ways to get to the festival area (brighton to 56th...) that didn't involve sitting on i-70.
as for $8 beer... have any of you complaining been to a concert or sporting event lately? thats pretty much par for the course. you should have taken advantage of lax security and brought in a flask like a non-rookie.
and i will quote this because it needs to be said twice:
"All those people who are complaining about the bathrooms, beer, parking, etc. etc. Clearly haven't been to enough concerts, or only attend the ones that require wearing a tuxedo, a pompus attitude, and demand you stay seated and quiet till the end.
Bathrooms at concerts have been gross since the very first concert in history, get over it. If you took 2 minutes to look or ask the stadium bathrooms were empty, clean, and centrally located to all the stages.
The price of beer was comparable to that of any major sporting event in town. It's simple economics that demand dictates price. Considering the weather they could have charged ten dollars and still had lines, speaking of lines you could completley avoid them by walking about 10 yeards away from the central area, I didn't wait once. Tailgate and bring a camel back filled with your mixed drink of choice, 'nuff said."
can't WAIT for next year. lets hope for some widespread panic and yonder mountain string band...
July 21, 2008
10:20 p.m.
Suggest removal
thewickman2112 writes:
All I can say is that I can't believe I'm hearing bad reviews from whining babies about water, traffic, parking, beer costs etc... I've been to festivals all over the country and this was one of the best. I had a fantastic incredible time and will be back next year. It was a great time and everyone was having a great time partying listening to great music and good food and meeting nice people. If a few of the 90,000 people didn't like it, don't go next year and stay home in the AC and watch TV on your butt and eat donuts with some Old Style and complain about how hot it is outside.
We'll take care of the rest.
Peace Up!!
July 22, 2008
10:38 a.m.
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arvada_mark writes:
Dave Matthews has sold maybe 25% of the albums Petty has, & I'm probably giving him more credit than deserved. Come at me with a real band next time. Petty is one of the all time greats. Numbers back up my claim. You & a room full for 12 year old girls is what has kept Matthews even on stage. Petty did this show to help the show, Matthews did it because he needs the exposure. He's just not that good. Petty is time tested. His Greatest Hits is one of the top 25 selling albums of all time. Nobody will know who Dave Matthews is in 20 years. So next time, at least give me some AC/DC or Pink Floyd if you want a leg to stand on.
July 22, 2008
10:42 a.m.
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arvada_mark writes:
Also, if beers were $8, then that's roughly 20% more expensive than at say a Rockies game. That's actually not very comparable at all.
July 22, 2008
10:45 a.m.
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musicman80 writes:
Arvada_Mark- You don't know what you speak of. Shut up and drink your cheap beer.
July 22, 2008
2:02 p.m.
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TheDenverB writes:
"Dave Matthews has sold maybe 25% of the albums Petty has, & I'm probably giving him more credit than deserved. "
lol.
hardly man. petty is great, dont get me wrong... but he only has the dinosaur rock crowd folliwng him now. DMB, ,like it or not, has been touring and selling albums for the past 15 or so years strong.
And unless you can point to pollstar facts proving otherwise, i'd likely bet he's sold more ablums and grossed way more in touring revenue over the last 10 years than petty has. also, judging simply by the crowds at MHMF, DMB is a much bigger draw.
really mark, just stay home next time and crank up the vinyl. 90,000 of us will be glad to fill your spot.
July 22, 2008
2:05 p.m.
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Thatsquacktastic writes:
Get a clue, musicman80...Why you would mention DMB in the same breath as Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers is beyond me. I don't think you will ever see DMB creating an album that would crack the top 500 of all-time, that's for sure.
July 22, 2008
3:11 p.m.
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Geo_ox writes:
My favorite was getting reprimanded by one of your youths for smoking a cigarette (apparently outlawed in CO.) Then seeing her smoke a joint directly behind me 2 minutes later (apparently mandatory in CO.) Guess your police were too busy accosting people for throwing ice on the ground like they did my girlfriend. I also enjoyed the Coca Cola vs. Other Water debacle.
Traffic Complaints- Go try Bonnaroo. A couple years ago it took my party 14 hours to get in.
Beer $$$ Complaints- Don't drink you might actually enjoy yourselves more and remember the experience.
All in all worth the flight from Minneapolis and I hope ya'll can just appreciate that you have an oppurtunity to enjoy a festival of this magnitude in your backyard.
July 22, 2008
3:47 p.m.
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Ahab337 writes:
I had a blast at the show. I'd never been to anything like this. I love to hear live music, artists I'm familiar with & ones I've never heard of, new music as well as old. I enjoyed Tom Petty more than Dave Matthews, but I think they both put on a stellar show. Steve Winwood was amazing, and Andrew Bird was a pleasant surprise, just to name a couple of the bands I saw. Nobody in their right mind wants to pay $8 a beer, but that price is to be expected. It was definitely the highlight of my summer so far, and I'll definitely go again next year if they plan another great line-up.
July 22, 2008
4:46 p.m.
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musicman80 writes:
I'm wasting my energy. DMB was the highlight of the day. THE END- moving on!
July 22, 2008
11:35 p.m.
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cdmmetro writes:
I think the lineup was fantastic! Thus, my biggest complaint is not getting to see everybody. Why in the world with the cost of those tickets do they not give you a chance to see everybody? The traffic on Sunday was terrible-we'll plan better next time. The beer was expensive-that's why we drank water all day and actually REMEMBERED the concert. I NEVER waited for a bathroom, I did not get lost finding any of the stages, I knew food would cost a pretty penny. People always smoke pot at these concerts and I've learned to deal with it. There were PLENTY of places to Recycle/trash your stuff, some people were too lazy/drunk to do so-hence the large amounts of garbage. The water tower was awesome, there was adequate shade. If the lineup is even half as good next year I will buy more tickets.....However, shouldn't an event of this magnitude stand for something? Something charitable perhaps? All that money went straight to corporate pockets. Maybe next year, they'll give a little back.
July 23, 2008
9:20 a.m.
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westside writes:
DMB & Petty are nostalgia acts. My first DMB concert was in 91 that's *17* years ago. Been there done that. There were some great up-and-coming acts on the line up. Too bad you all have closed the door on new musical experiences.
July 23, 2008
3:23 p.m.
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musicman80 writes:
westside stop it you jerk.
July 24, 2008
6:40 a.m.
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jmkratt writes:
Westside, you're lying. You didn't see DMB in 1991. You fail.
July 24, 2008
3:07 p.m.
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msm writes:
I find it interesting that people are quick to pass judgment on those who’ve complained about the event. I understand that some complaints/concerns could have been avoided by being “smart” and finding different routes to the venue or finding different bathroom locations. But the key word is Finding. Since I was paying almost $100 a day to experience the festival, the last thing I wanted to do is spend all day trying to beat the system. My complaint lies in the fact that I felt neglected as a customer. There should have been signs on the stages, more water available, more shade, more time in between sets, and better routes to the venue/bathrooms and above all, camping. Just because it’s an outdoor music festival doesn’t mean you don’t have to cater to the customer. I feel like the venue was out to make their money and run. The bands were great, but AEG Live overlooked all kinds of aspects (that if done right) would of left a better taste in my mouth.
July 24, 2008
8:29 p.m.
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Mark Brown writes:
Westside, if Petty and Matthews are nostalgia acts, why were the fans going nuts for newer songs like Petty's "Saving Grace?"
msm, I agree, and I put a lot of your questions (and others) to the promoters. They for the most part agree with you as well. Their responses will be in print in Saturday's paper, and that article should be live on this website by this time Friday night. You can post more questions there -- organizers will see them, and they want to hear every complaint.
Glad so many people had a good time, despite the heat.
July 26, 2008
1:49 p.m.
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mileHIGH writes:
i don't know why everyone is whining. the bill was absolutely fantastic! and sure beer was $8 but that is kind of to be expected. beer is expensive at coors field and invesco but i don't hear people complaining about that. if you go to an event like that you have to expect that prices are going to be high, thats how the vendors make a profit. i was impressed with how well behaved and respectful everyone was but i believe that's because everyone was too busy having a good time to create drama. and the traffic was kind of a bummer but all you had to do was turn up the radio and wait it out. you know that it is a great show when you hear people talking about next year while they are walking to their cars. i will totally be there next year and i hope all of the complainers leave the tickets for those of us who actually enjoy having a good time
July 26, 2008
2:53 p.m.
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phatpapa writes:
I also agree the bill was fantastic. And it's always nice to hear new bands. I understand the reason the traffic was backed up on Sunday was because there were 3 accidents in the area on I-70. Plus, if you have ever been to a music fest, you know the traffic can be bad. On that same note, you can't see all the bands that play a fest. Try going to the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage festival. They have 10 different stages and you have serious FOMS (fear of missing something). Overall, good time and will be back next year. Oh, and jmkratt, I saw Dave back in 91 too. In a frat house at James Madison University in VA. Get your facts right.