Electric Zoo concertgoers reportedly rushed the gate Sunday after organizers said that the venue on Randall’s Island had unexpectedly reached capacity and ticket holders would be turned away.
The chaotic scene unfolded during the final day of the three-day event, though the first night was called off just hours before the festival was supposed to get underway.
“It is with deep regret that we need to inform you that due to the challenges caused by Friday cancellation, we have reached our venue’s capacity earlier than anticipated for today, Sunday,” the organizers wrote in a post on X, formerly Twitter.
“For the safety and well-being of everyone on site, we will not be admitting any additional attendees today.”
One attendee told Rolling Stone he rushed the gate after he was informed the venue reached capacity.
“I’m never coming back,” 22-year-old Jeff Wang told the outlet. “Worse experience of my life.”
Social media footage reportedly showed droves of young adults racing to the entrance.
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Another concertgoer, Eileen Tayam told Rolling Stone her 32-year-old sister was part of the large group that couldn’t enter. The sibling decided to go home as crowds forced their way forward, Tayum said.
A security guard was miffed by the poor planning.
“Every single staff that is at Ezoo is mad at Ezoo,” a security guard told the outlet. “Why would you oversell tickets.”
No arrests have been reported, the NYPD said.
The festival, headline by some of the biggest names in EDM, said in another tweet that everyone who didn’t get in would receive a full refund.
Electric Zoo started off on a bad note when organizers had to scrap Friday’s festivities because the main stage was not constructed in time. The festival blamed it on “global supply chain disruptions.”
“On a brighter note, Saturday and Sunday are set to be truly magical,” the festival tweeted before Sunday’s mess.
