The r/electricdaisycarnival subreddit recently dove into a heartfelt discussion about the Circuit Grounds stage at Electric Daisy Carnival (EDC) from 2012 to 2015 — widely called the "GOAT" version by longtime fans. This stage stood out for its immersive megastructure design and innovative production features.
Highlights from the thread include:
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Production and Visuals: The stage’s concentric, telescoping rings hung overhead, lined with video panels and lighting that shifted to create asymmetrical and trippy visuals. Fans described the setup as “insane” and unlike anything seen before, elevating the live experience to new heights.
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Stage Size vs. Crowd Experience: Compared to today’s larger, open Circuit Grounds, the old design was more compact and enclosed. This made for an intense experience but sometimes cramped and hot inside, leading to mixed feelings about comfort.
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Nostalgia and Memorable Sets: The discussion called out iconic artists like Calvin Harris (2014) and Fatboy Slim, emphasizing how lineups and stage vibes from the early 2010s feel uniquely nostalgic and unlikely to be replicated in the current festival landscape.
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Practicality and Evolution: While the old Circuit Grounds was unforgettable, many acknowledged it doesn’t fit the necessities of today’s massive crowds. The growth of EDC demands bigger and more accessible spaces, making the original megastructure impractical for current capacity requirements.
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Dreams of a Modern Revival: Some fans floated ideas about recreating the megastructure’s visual grandeur on a larger scale that fits today’s crowds. However, skepticism remains whether such an ambitious build is feasible given current festival logistics.
This Reddit tribute underscores a bittersweet balance of admiration and nostalgia for the "GOAT" Circuit Grounds, while recognizing EDC’s evolution toward larger productions and space-conscious stage design. It’s a testament to how festival culture cherishes its past while pushing forward into the future.
Source: r/electricdaisycarnival