Coachella 2024: Sahara Tent is moving locations. Here's what we know
More changes are in store for the 2024 Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival, this time involving the EDM-centric Sahara Tent.
As festivalgoers have stepped onto the Coachella grounds in recent years, they have been greeted by the nearly 100-foot tall aluminum, hangar-like tent structure that has mainly housed electronic dance performances, including those from Dombresky and Nora En Pure.
The official Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival account on Tuesday posted a video on its social media pages sharing some of the changes in store for the Sahara Tent, including a new location and whole new look.
It's not the first time that the EDM stage has had some changes. In 2013, the tent expanded and reached a height of 80 feet. Then in 2018, the Sahara Tent moved from its long-time space near the rose garden at the Empire Polo Club to a larger space next door at the Eldorado Polo Club, by the festival entrance. The structure was also built 25% larger.
The 2024 festival will take place April 12-14 and April 19-21 at the Empire Polo Club in Indio. Headliners include Lana Del Rey, Tyler, The Creator and Doja Cat.
Sahara Tent changes: New location
Jason Brown with Goldenvoice said in the video that the grounds crew is in the process of moving the Sahara Tent to a "whole new area of the venue that we've never been into before."
Based on the coordinates that were provided in the video, the Sahara Tent will now be located between Avenue 51 and Polo Road, south of its previous location and closer to the blue path parking area.
How big will it be?
Construction on the new Sahara began in December, Brown said. Crews have been putting in underground footings for the structure, which will measure 320 feet long.
In total, Brown said crews have poured in about 156 trucks worth of concrete, equaling 1,500 tons.
Construction teams have been working overnight, Brown added, so that "we didn't just completely clog up the city streets of Indio with traffic, which we don't want to do."
From aluminum to steel
The old Sahara Tent was made of aluminum, and the new structure will consist of steel. Brown said that will allow for more weight capacity and production elements.
"We're going to be more than ready for an artist like Peggy Gou, who brings whatever she wants to bring to the show," Brown said.
Organizers backtrack on new parking rule
Los Angeles promoter Goldenvoice, the owner and operator of the festival, initially announced a new parking policy admitting only vehicles with four or more passengers into day parking parking with no exceptions. Everyone in the vehicle must show a valid wristband and have a corresponding decal (which will be given to pass holders when they obtain their wristband) on the windshield. Cars with fewer than four decals would be directed to park at a nearby off-site location.
However, on Wednesday, organizers sent an email to passholders reversing the decision.
"Change of plans. While we still hope that you consider carpooling to the desert, parking 4+ people per car is no longer required to access the day parking lots this April," the email said. "Come as you are and bring a friend along for the road trip if you've got the space."
More information about parking can be found at www.coachella.com
More: Coachella 2024: Festivalgoers upset with new four-people-per-car day parking requirement
Past reporting from The Desert Sun's Bruce Fessier and Brian Blueskye was used.
Ema Sasic covers entertainment and health in the Coachella Valley. Reach her at [email protected] or on Twitter @ema_sasic.
This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: Coachella 2024: Sahara Tent new location, look
