A security staffer who worked both Coachella and Stagecoach this year shared a gritty firsthand look at harsh working conditions and chaos behind the scenes. According to their Reddit post, triple-digit heat led to widespread heat exhaustion among campers on Day 1, exacerbated by poor meal support from Goldenvoice. They also criticized CISS security teams as ineffective and noted injuries like a broken ankle at the Oasis ice bath area.
The conversation has sparked a clear contrast between the two festivals’ challenges:
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Coachella: Heat-driven medical emergencies, including signs of heat exhaustion and drug overdose calls, dominated security demand. However, fights and violent incidents were reportedly minimal compared to Stagecoach.
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Stagecoach: Crowd volatility was significantly higher with multiple physical confrontations and assaults on bike patrol units, in line with the festival’s reputation for heavier alcohol consumption.
Comments from other festival workers and fans have amplified concerns about:
- Insufficient security staffing levels
- Alleged drug use among security personnel on duty
- Stagnant wages despite escalating risks and workload
External reports back up the extreme heat and long delays Coachella attendees suffered, though some specific injury claims and management failures remain unverified. What’s clear is that these insider revelations highlight ongoing operational and safety woes faced by security crews as festivals battle scorching weather and rowdy crowds.
Stay tuned for further updates as the festival community digests this candid look behind the velvet ropes.
Source: r/coachella