According to the Los Angeles Times, the city council of Indio, California just approved the proposal of Goldenvoice, the promoting company behind Coachella and the Stagecoast festivals, to keep their festivals located in the city of Indio. This agreement between the two parties will now allow Goldenvoice to stage up to five (previously three) festivals a year, and is effective until 2030.
As one of the council members, Sam Torres, stated along with the council’s unanimous 4-0 vote approving the proposal, “the potential for the music festivals to move out of the city exists, and if this should occur it would negatively impact the region”. This massive economic opportunity for the city, combined with the agreement that the city will receive $5.01 (previously $2.03) for every ticket sold for the festivals, were all reasons this proposal was quickly approved and made effective for such a long period of time.
It is very nice seeing the city of Indio supporting the long-term growth and prosperity of the festival industry, whether it be for their own economic benefit or an actual stride in keeping the music culture alive and booming in Southern Cali. Now all we can do is hope that this wonderful example of partnership between the festival industry and city council members can spread to Miami with the second weekend of Ultra Music Festival 2014 currently pending approval.
