Grade Stagecoach

[KWsDaddy]

What a great weekend! With the exception of a hiccup getting into El Dorado 2 on Friday night, the festival was a lot of fun. (After waiting a few hours for the registration folks who never showed up on Friday night, we just drove in and parked ourselves. Probably didn't even need a camping pass at all).

I'm just an average working Joe with GA tickets and a family. So… my quick observations:

First, the music line-up was eclectic and good. Sure, there were a couple of little nits, but it was live - so…..

While the organizers mixed it up a bit in terms of type of Music, I personally would have enjoyed some Southern Rock. Maybe Lynyrd Skynyrd or Molly Hatchet?

We pretty much stayed at the Main Stage, and were not disappointed.

The camping logistics were average, and more importantly the neighbors were nice folks and the atmosphere incredible. This was big because our 3 year old daughter was with us. The energy all night long was festive - folks partying until the morning and having a great time!

The portable showers were a good idea, clean, and about what you'd expect. I appreciated not having to worry about using my onboard water, and accumulating the grey water after the fact.

Liked the coffee booth at ED2. The little one woke up at 6:00 because she was so excited - so being able to walk over to get some quick coffee was cool. Also, truth in advertising: The sign said that they opened at "6ish." I'm not a coffee connoisseur, so can't really say anything about the quality. It was caffeine…early in the morning.

The concessions we're pretty good, too. Lot of things we don't need were available for purchase. Unfortunately, I didn't get to taste any of the BBQ Cook-off, but heard it was tasty. The other food I had was, well, fair food. Had a pulled pork and potato salad plate - probably should have selected something else.

With a little more effort, I think the organizers could have beefed up the kids' area to make it even more fun for them.

Music = B+
Food = C
Other Concessions = B
Camping Facilities = C+
Overall "fun" Atmosphere = A
Event Staff = A (didn't really interact with them, so they stayed in the background - a good thing).
Concert Goers = A
Stuff for kids to do = C

All-in-all, I give Stagecoach 2008 a respectable "B."

There were things to complain about and dwell on, but I focused on the good stuff and we had a great time. We just went with the flow and as a result had a lot of fun.

Would I go again? You bet.

[horsephotographer]

What a great weekend! With the exception of a hiccup getting into El Dorado 2 on Friday night, the festival was a lot of fun. (After waiting a few hours for the registration folks who never showed up on Friday night, we just drove in and parked ourselves. Probably didn't even need a camping pass at all).

I'm just an average working Joe with GA tickets and a family. So… my quick observations:

First, the music line-up was eclectic and good. Sure, there were a couple of little nits, but it was live - so…..

While the organizers mixed it up a bit in terms of type of Music, I personally would have enjoyed some Southern Rock. Maybe Lynyrd Skynyrd or Molly Hatchet?

We pretty much stayed at the Main Stage, and were not disappointed.

The camping logistics were average, and more importantly the neighbors were nice folks and the atmosphere incredible. This was big because our 3 year old daughter was with us. The energy all night long was festive - folks partying until the morning and having a great time!

The portable showers were a good idea, clean, and about what you'd expect. I appreciated not having to worry about using my onboard water, and accumulating the grey water after the fact.

Liked the coffee booth at ED2. The little one woke up at 6:00 because she was so excited - so being able to walk over to get some quick coffee was cool. Also, truth in advertising: The sign said that they opened at "6ish." I'm not a coffee connoisseur, so can't really say anything about the quality. It was caffeine…early in the morning.

The concessions we're pretty good, too. Lot of things we don't need were available for purchase. Unfortunately, I didn't get to taste any of the BBQ Cook-off, but heard it was tasty. The other food I had was, well, fair food. Had a pulled pork and potato salad plate - probably should have selected something else.

With a little more effort, I think the organizers could have beefed up the kids' area to make it even more fun for them.

Music = B+
Food = C
Other Concessions = B
Camping Facilities = C+
Overall "fun" Atmosphere = A
Event Staff = A (didn't really interact with them, so they stayed in the background - a good thing).
Concert Goers = A
Stuff for kids to do = C

All-in-all, I give Stagecoach 2008 a respectable "B."

There were things to complain about and dwell on, but I focused on the good stuff and we had a great time. We just went with the flow and as a result had a lot of fun.

Would I go again? You bet.

Sooo glad you had a great time....
I think I never got a chance to see anything 2nd year in a row...
I gotta put the camera away and have fun...:D
B grade

[koalababy]

okkkkkkkkk - I had the most wonderful of times again this year........thought friday and sunday had the best of the concertgoers - as I found several veryyyyy rude people on saturday - little too much alcohol maybe??????? LOL Thought the vendors did a bang up job - I bought a few nice thingsssss~smile~. The sound needs to be tweaked a bit next year - friday seemed better then sat/sun but overall it was awesomeeeeee so little complaint there. Believe they need a bit better staffing at the restrooms - most of the time no toilet tissue or toilet seat covers (okkkkk!!). Thought the food was decent if not a bit over priced, however, do understand the logistics and all ~smile~. If Budweiser is gonna be the only alcohol vendor I suggest they lower prices a tad - they can afford it - and I do believe alcohol sales should be cut off a bit earlier - lots of people were driving after ~smile~

Overall, I can't wait for next year.........................and the great crowds and great acts and just the fun of being there - wooooohooooooooo!!!

Thank you Stagecoach.............................and I'd also like to thank Indio for allowing this to happen - their people and police officers and fire department were tremendous........friendlyyyyyyyyy staff at the show - let alone dang girls did you see how good looking a lot of those guys are ~smile~!!!!!

[horsephotographer]

okkkkkkkkk - I had the most wonderful of times again this year........thought friday and sunday had the best of the concertgoers - as I found several veryyyyy rude people on saturday - little too much alcohol maybe??????? LOL Thought the vendors did a bang up job - I bought a few nice thingsssss~smile~. The sound needs to be tweaked a bit next year - friday seemed better then sat/sun but overall it was awesomeeeeee so little complaint there. Believe they need a bit better staffing at the restrooms - most of the time no toilet tissue or toilet seat covers (okkkkk!!). Thought the food was decent if not a bit over priced, however, do understand the logistics and all ~smile~. If Budweiser is gonna be the only alcohol vendor I suggest they lower prices a tad - they can afford it - and I do believe alcohol sales should be cut off a bit earlier - lots of people were driving after ~smile~

Overall, I can't wait for next year.........................and the great crowds and great acts and just the fun of being there - wooooohooooooooo!!!

Thank you Stagecoach.............................and I'd also like to thank Indio for allowing this to happen - their people and police officers and fire department were tremendous........friendlyyyyyyyyy staff at the show - let alone dang girls did you see how good looking a lot of those guys are ~smile~!!!!!

Yes..
Wait till my new photos are up....
I agree with ya..
The best country event in the nation...
Thank you StageCoach and all of you artist that made it possible....:D
As for the alcohol I'm sure they were sober by the time they walked back...
maybe that was a good strategy after all....:D

[Cooter]

i have decided: coachella is for me, stagecoach is for my family. there is no way i would bring my 2 year old daughter to coachella due to the amount of people there and the fact that the bands i want to see play well into the night, but stagecoach is perfect--the personalities of some of the attendee's are pretty much the same, though, some complete trash. we spent most of our time at the palomino hanging out backstage where my daughter could run around and dance, clap, and play to her hearts content. she was cracking people up the entire time with how goofy she is, even the photogs were walking by and snapping a few pics, haha, have to see where the pics show up! we showed up around 4 every day and were back at our friends' house by 10 or so, all completely worn out. didn't catch too many of the acts over the weekend, but did see/hear: nitty gritty dirt band, mike ness, john fogerty, couple songs from the bald eagles, cross canadian ragweed, dwight, and a few others. being that i don't really listen to country in my "real" life, a fun time was still had by all of us...brought the bother/sister in law and their 2 kids and about 12 other acquaintances/friends along for the ride! almost had to beat a couple kids in the haybale maze at one point...little shits were running and jumping over the bales and a couple nearly landed right on my kid. if that had happened i may still be in indio right now trying to arrange bail, these kids were out of control! they had "mane stage" bands on, oh how i wanted to march them by the ear back there and find out who their parents were...

and a big "shut the f**k up" to the trashy older lady screaming f-bombs into her phone as we walked by with my daughter, niece and nephew...hope you did mind me screaming in your face to watch your mouth around my family.

i must say, though, that an amazing thing about coachella is the attendee's. this year people came from all 50 states, all over europe, japan, australia, canada, mexico, south america, etc. that is one thing stagecoach will never be able to compare to. i missed that camaraderie of sharing something so universal that we did not need to all speak the same language, a shared smile said it all.

[horsephotographer]

i have decided: coachella is for me, stagecoach is for my family. there is no way i would bring my 2 year old daughter to coachella due to the amount of people there and the fact that the bands i want to see play well into the night, but stagecoach is perfect--the personalities of some of the attendee's are pretty much the same, though, some complete trash. we spent most of our time at the palomino hanging out backstage where my daughter could run around and dance, clap, and play to her hearts content. she was cracking people up the entire time with how goofy she is, even the photogs were walking by and snapping a few pics, haha, have to see where the pics show up! we showed up around 4 every day and were back at our friends' house by 10 or so, all completely worn out. didn't catch too many of the acts over the weekend, but did see/hear: nitty gritty dirt band, mike ness, john fogerty, couple songs from the bald eagles, cross canadian ragweed, dwight, and a few others. being that i don't really listen to country in my "real" life, a fun time was still had by all of us...brought the bother/sister in law and their 2 kids and about 12 other acquaintances/friends along for the ride! almost had to beat a couple kids in the haybale maze at one point...little shits were running and jumping over the bales and a couple nearly landed right on my kid. if that had happened i may still be in indio right now trying to arrange bail, these kids were out of control! they had "mane stage" bands on, oh how i wanted to march them by the ear back there and find out who their parents were...

and a big "shut the f**k up" to the trashy older lady screaming f-bombs into her phone as we walked by with my daughter, niece and nephew...hope you did mind me screaming in your face to watch your mouth around my family.

Good for you cooter..
Sounds like a great time and lots of great memories for you and your beautiful family....:)

[LadiesLoveCountryBoys]

Horse...do you have a website for your photos...

[horsephotographer]

Horse...do you have a website for your photos...

Yes..
PM me and I'll give it to you..
Although having fun on here is slowing the photo work down...:)

[misyg1]

On a scale of 1 - 10. Last year was a 10, this year, maybe a 3. The promoters aren't learning from their mistakes. They're just getting greedy.
We wanted to go this year because last year was great. No next year.

[sunkisses]

As far as the music goes, this year was a 5....last year was a 10. The food was great, you couldn't have asked for more beautiful weather and surroundings. Made me happy to be alive. Hopefully they'll choose their acts more carefully next year. :)

[horsephotographer]

On a scale of 1 - 10. Last year was a 10, this year, maybe a 3. The promoters aren't learning from their mistakes. They're just getting greedy.
We wanted to go this year because last year was great. No next year.

To each is own but more room for us...
Did I say that?
I must be getting punchy from working photos....:D

[horsephotographer]

As far as the music goes, this year was a 5....last year was a 10. The food was great, you couldn't have asked for more beautiful weather and surroundings. Made me happy to be alive. Hopefully they'll choose their acts more carefully next year. :)

Come on now...
Are ya losing it..
This years line up was amazing...
Tell me where in the world could ya go in SC to see this....:rolleyes:
Of course if they would have had the same line-up then ya all would complain it was the same...
Ok now I know I'm getting punchy..
Just tell me to keep my opion to my self:cool:

[sunkisses]

It's ok horse...I still like you and I really did have a good time. That Shelby lady really irked me and started me off on a bad foot. No one was awful...Tim just wasn't as good as usual. Rascal Flatts and The Judds were wonderful. I may be punchy too thus the above review...I'm am super tired today! :)

[horsephotographer]

It's ok horse...I still like you and I really did have a good time. That Shelby lady really irked me and started me off on a bad foot. No one was awful...Tim just wasn't as good as usual. Rascal Flatts and The Judds were wonderful. I may be punchy too thus the above review...I'm am super tired today! :)

I know how ya feel my friend....
Great to hear the positive so much negetive in life always look to the light...:cool:

[terisfriend]

I have to say last year was much better.What was up with Tim McGraw? $400tickets to see him and he comes out appearing completely stoned and forgets the words? Are you kidding me? I'm done with him.
Im a Trace Adkins fan now, he was fun.
Jack Ingram was hot, they should have put him on the Mane stage instead of Palamino.
They should reduce the VIP section down to last years size, it was nicer smaller, did not much help to be a VIP when the bathrooms were more crowded than GA. Also they had bathrooms inside VIP last year, that was much better!!! It almost made the extra ticket price worth it not having to run back through thousands of people to go.

We sure had a great time people watching.

[horsephotographer]

I have to say last year was much better.What was up with Tim McGraw? $400tickets to see him and he comes out appearing completely stoned and forgets the words? Are you kidding me? I'm done with him.
Im a Trace Adkins fan now, he was fun.
Jack Ingram was hot, they should have put him on the Mane stage instead of Palamino.
They should reduce the VIP section down to last years size, it was nicer smaller, did not much help to be a VIP when the bathrooms were more crowded than GA. Also they had bathrooms inside VIP last year, that was much better!!! It almost made the extra ticket price worth it not having to run back through thousands of people to go.

We sure had a great time people watching.
You have a valid point on the crazy bathrooms being moved ...
I also have many new favorites after this venue..
I'll keep my mouth shut on the rest....
I'm too punchy today...:D
Yea there was a few that no way should have been on main stage.My lip is seeled....:cool:

[mailmama]

Last year much better lineup,but this year wasn't bad. The one totally offensive thing I found both years , "Why do you let venders sell confederate symbols on anything"? Do you really think you're setting good examples of peace? I was offended and will address each of these venders individually. Peace through music is a beautiful thing , why spoil it. I didn't purchase anything from those venders who think that its worth "the buck", to promote hatred.

[Cooter]

I have to say last year was much better.What was up with Tim McGraw? $400tickets to see him and he comes out appearing completely stoned and forgets the words?

actually, it was $400 for dozens of bands, but if you spent that much for one performer then that's kinda silly. this is a 3 day event people! it is so sad to see so many people just plop down in their lawn chairs and never even think of exploring the grounds and checking out what else is going on. if you went to this thing to see one act perform then you don't deserve to bitch about anything because you were never in the spirit of the event.

[Rose]

actually, it was $400 for dozens of bands, but if you spent that much for one performer then that's kinda silly. this is a 3 day event people! it is so sad to see so many people just plop down in their lawn chairs and never even think of exploring the grounds and checking out what else is going on. if you went to this thing to see one act perform then you don't deserve to bitch about anything because you were never in the spirit of the event.


I gotta agree with you Cooter. I probably walked 15 miles each day (Friday and Saturday) trying to see everything possible and then I died on Sunday. It was so worth it though. I sure do wish I was young and could have done that all three days non-stop

My only bitch is that I feel like somebody beat the living sh!t out of me. I will recover and be back for next year! I am proud to say that I SAW EVERYTHING and EVERY SQUARE INCH of the FESTIVAL.

[sunkisses]

I agree with you on every point, Rose. Today, I'm exhausted and a little bit sore with the worst, biggest blister ever on the top of my foot!

[Countrycamper]

This was our first year. We had a wonderful time and loved everything so my comments below are not complaints but maybe can be used for improvement next year. We thought that this was a very well organized event considering it's size, length, weather (heat/wind) and that it was only the second year. We have some experience in events of this nature (but certainly not this size) and it usually takes 4-5 years to get all of the bugs out. So everyone - be patient and come out next year to support it so it will continue. Here are my comments and suggestions. I apologise for the length but couldn't trim it any shorter.

Line-Up - I have no complaints. Loved the variety. Couldn't compare it to last year so it was great for me. There was something for everyone. Looking forward to next year.

RV Set-up: I knew that there would be issues when we arrived on Wednesday night. We were in El Dorado I and had purchased electrical. They weren't prepared for the onslaught of RVs coming in that early. We got there about 7:30 PM expecting to wait until 8:00 PM which was the entrance time but the line moved on in and it took about 15 minutes to get directed in a general way to an area near the showers and the entrance to the festival. It was apparent that a lot of RVs were already in and set up even at that early time so they may have been letting folks in even earlier. There was a general lack of control as vehicles just came streaming in. The folks directing the RVs in seemed to be confused by the markings that had been set up for the Coachella festival the previous week. We found a spot and set up between blue lines, which was what the fellow directing traffic told us to do, but we found out then next day that we were supposed to between the pink marks. In the dusk it was hard to see any lines or marks at all. We lined ourselves up back-to-back with another RV that was already set up. The next morning we could see that all of the RVs in our line were slightly out of the pink lines (except for us - we happened to be between the pink marks but our neighbors were outside of their's which then was compounded down the line for about 10-15 RVs). We would have moved however many of the people were no longer at their RVs by the time this was discovered so moving so many vehicles was probably impossible. My neighbors were all very agreeable to adjusting their spots but it had to be an "all or nothing" event. We did see extra spaces being "saved" by taping off areas or overlapped by equipment. One of our later arriving neighbors said that some folks in a space near the showers refused to move their table and chairs to open up the space next to them and were quite rude about it. The rules should have been enforced as it was unfair for those that didn't get their El Dorado I spaces and electrical. I know that this would have made a huge difference in our experience if we had been unable to have electrical so this situation must be corrected for next year. Those of us that count on having it can't be told, after making the large financial commitment by coming to the festival, that "oops" they goofed and now we have to go to El Dorado II or the International lot. We have to be able to trust that we will get what we paid for and expected; otherwise we would make other arrangements. I think that this could have been avoided if there were clear instructions about the boundaries of the spaces, enough people handling the RVs as they came in and people able to enforce the rules.

VIP Area - I was surprised by the sheer volume of people in this area. I guess I thought that by purchasing the reserved seats the area reserved for the ticket holders would be less crowded than other areas but sometimes it seemed like there were more people in the VIP section than out (not really - but it was very tight). I also vote with the other writer that suggested two VIP areas; one for the reserved seat ticket holders and connected to the reserved seating area (so the bathrooms are close and we don't have to go through multiple in/out check points); and another VIP area for everyone else that has been given a VIP pass for whatever reason. I met all sorts of nice folks that were employees of vendors, friends of so-and-so, etc. But most had received everything as a gift for some kind of business reason and had not purchased any tickets at all. I have no issue with those that have those special passes; they are necessary for doing business.

Access to reserved seating: It was hard to get in and out of the reserved seating areas, which was helped on Saturday with the lanes and fencing, but still we found ourselves just unwilling to encounter the sheer crush of humanity (even as nice as they were) so we often didn't go to our seats until later in the day. It was also too hot to sit in the seats until about 4:00. We are older and just don't have the stamina for that kind of heat. We noticed that there were others in our age group that stayed away too so that may have been an issue for them as well. There were ample opportunities to find shade so this was not really a problem for us but probably explains why some of the early performers did not have many people sitting in the reserved seating. It wasn't due to lack of interest, we were just too hot.

People sitting in our seats: Every time we went to our seats someone was sitting in them and we had to ask them to move. They didn't appear to have seats elsewhere; no lanyard, no wirstband. They just moved to other empty seats. Where did these people come from? To fill empty seats maybe? That's the only logical answer but it would be nice if we knew that there would be "seat warmers" and not feel like we had to be on guard for these folks every time we left. Our seats weren't that close to the front so it doesn't seem like this was a good reason to have non-ticket holders wandering around. I think that many of these people were also the ones hanging out in the aisles or standing in the large horizontal aisle directly in front of people sitting in their seats. I kept wondering why don't these people just go sit down? Maybe someone can enlighten me.

Bathrooms - these were plentiful and spread out so that they were accessable and uncrowded at most times. They were clean and well stocked up until Sunday night, which is probably understandable. Maybe an extra supply of toilet paper in a container nearby would let folks help themselves rather than run from biffy to biffy looking for paper. Having the option to stand in line for a flushing toliet or use a biffy was a good idea.

Food: Loved the roasted corn but the line was so long - need more corn sellers!

Vendors- They were great and we found some nice things to take home. I enjoyed the selection. T-Shirts: Ran out of the cute ones too early. I'll remember next time to buy mine early. Also would be nice if there were flags for sale. I guess the only ones were given away early in the event and we missed out. I'd like to put it up on our RV flag pole.

This is only the second time that I have posted. I've been a lurker for many months and I have learned a lot from all of you. Thanks! :)

[Lizzy]

My grading of StageCoach:
Artists/Lineup: A, Lots of great bands playing, got too see a lot in three days.

Vendors: A, Stocked way better this year, most had enough for all weekend, last year most were surprised by the attendance and sold it real quick.

Camping: C-, Eldorado one spots so small. Employees did not know crap, went in Wednesday night dropped off fifth wheel and parking attendants didn't know anything, asked how is the raffle going to work? Do we have to go see a counsler? Answer: I don't know... Where are the camp counslers? Answer: I don't know, I just know parking.... Friday people were using grills, Saw some on Saturday as well. They guy next to us said his friend was not allowed to use his grill.. I think the employees and security guards pick and chose what and to who to enforce rules to. not very organized.

Security: D-. Everyone needs to be on the same page. I think some of their problems were there were too many types of wristbands. Some knew which gave you access to and then there were the ones who guessed and said ok you can go here, but guess what they don't know..

This is the second year you think that between that and the fact that Coachella was the week before all the employees would be on the same page, and if they didn't know they would ask their boss.

[horsephotographer]

My grading of StageCoach:
Artists/Lineup: A, Lots of great bands playing, got too see a lot in three days.

Vendors: A, Stocked way better this year, most had enough for all weekend, last year most were surprised by the attendance and sold it real quick.

Camping: C-, Eldorado one spots so small. Employees did not know crap, went in Wednesday night dropped off fifth wheel and parking attendants didn't know anything, asked how is the raffle going to work? Do we have to go see a counsler? Answer: I don't know... Where are the camp counslers? Answer: I don't know, I just know parking.... Friday people were using grills, Saw some on Saturday as well. They guy next to us said his friend was not allowed to use his grill.. I think the employees and security guards pick and chose what and to who to enforce rules to. not very organized.

Security: D-. Everyone needs to be on the same page. I think some of their problems were there were too many types of wristbands. Some knew which gave you access to and then there were the ones who guessed and said ok you can go here, but guess what they don't know..

This is the second year you think that between that and the fact that Coachella was the week before all the employees would be on the same page, and if they didn't know they would ask their boss.
Nope bands and stage SO different at cochlea very simple....
Maybe they need to have it like coachella...
I think there was to many premadonna's to tend to on this venue....:)

[Lizzy]

Don't get me wrong I love StageCoach I bought tickets the minute they came on sale. I got all my family and a bunch if friends to buy tickets for this year. Some were offended by guards at vip entrance, there were no signs visible that stated vip only, the guards were just rude and said you can't come in here, no explaination, no sorry you don't have the required wristband. Just no.

[IheartMillerLite]

My complaint about the Forum camping....the showers were closed when I actually NEEDED to take a shower--like after the show. Instead, I had to go to sleep filthy. Not fun!

[Kymery]

Don't get me wrong I love StageCoach I bought tickets the minute they came on sale. I got all my family and a bunch if friends to buy tickets for this year. Some were offended by guards at vip entrance, there were no signs visible that stated vip only, the guards were just rude and said you can't come in here, no explaination, no sorry you don't have the required wristband. Just no.

Yes, we were let in most of the weekend, then a winner of a chick, who thought was tough, said we cant go to our seats (they were the row right next to the gate) and we were gonna have to stop over 40 people to get to our end seats, row 2!!!! NO WAY, she finally let us go.

no consistancy..and I thought VIP or not, it was not worth the walk, to get food or drinks, that VIP area was a joke to us...tooooo crowed and far. I had a feeling it was gonna happen this year,

Maybe next year it will die off a bit due to the unhappiness this year.

[snappyjoy]

for it being the second year in attendance it was ok. I think that the VIP, Gold circle stuff was a joke. we had great seats, always someone in them,
that did not have a ticket, wrist band or any proof of why they should be there. then to give attidude when you want your seat. No matter how low the tops were, short the shorts were, or how big the breasts were, there was no sweet talking me to allow them to sit in my seats... LOL but how in the hell did they get there??? Also parking our RV, some guys did not even speak english, how were they going to help me??? bag checkers at the gates were nothing more than Carnies, taht were wearing shirts.. LOL . Last year we had milartary folk, where did they find these people. A couple were homeless i swear LOL . needless to say they could not stop me from sneakin in my special stuff for drinks.. LOL
loved the line up.. for the most part.
Toilets were pretty far away and under stocked for the most part.
what was up with the big area by the lockers,..that was a waste of space in my opinion.. could of been better used....
Maybe more gates to exit.. or something.

overall it was a B grade. next year hopefully some of these things can be worked out.

[Kymery]

.

what was up with the big area by the lockers,..that was a waste of space in my opinion.. could of been better used....
Maybe more gates to exit.. or something.

I agree that was wasted space...we said the same thing when we walked thru there, that was the entrance area last year.

I comented last week when I saw the map that it seemed strange, who cares about some overbuilt "thing" in the middle. No tables etc.