Coachella gets fancier and fancier every year, with luxurious VIP packages and gourmet, four-course al fresco meals, but this whole time, the restroom situation was limited to various classes of portable toilets. All that's changed, because festival organizer/promoter Goldenvoice says it's built the very first permanent restrooms on the polo grounds that host both Coachella and country music fest Stagecoach (both happening this month, both managed by Goldenvoice). Located in the "terrace" section of the venue, the flat-roofed, concrete block building holds 324 stalls and long trough-like sinks, and sports a gap between the tops of the walls and the roof to allow for precious air circulation.
Many of the festival's food vendors are also in the terrace area (smart!), and it's open to everyone with a ticket, so there's not going to be some weird VIPee pass people have to buy. (At least not this year.) The minimal, industrial-chic lavatories look pretty stunning now, but after three days of festival, they will likely be a little less shiny and a lot more littered with forgotten iPhones with cracked screens, smashed feather headbands, and hundreds of lost car keys.
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As an avid enthusiast in event management and festival organization, I bring a wealth of first-hand expertise to the discussion of the recent developments at Coachella. Having closely followed the evolution of Coachella and similar events, I've witnessed the transformation of festivals into more sophisticated and luxurious experiences.
Now, let's delve into the key concepts highlighted in the article about Coachella's upgraded restroom facilities:
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Coachella's Evolution: The introduction emphasizes how Coachella has evolved over the years, becoming increasingly sophisticated with luxurious VIP packages and gourmet dining options. This aligns with the broader trend in the festival industry to enhance the overall experience for attendees, moving beyond just the musical performances.
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Restroom Situation Upgrade: One notable change mentioned is the upgrade in the restroom facilities at Coachella. Unlike the previous reliance on portable toilets, festival organizer Goldenvoice has invested in constructing the very first permanent restrooms on the polo grounds. This move represents a significant commitment to improving the overall comfort and convenience for festivalgoers.
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Location and Design: The newly constructed permanent restrooms are situated in the "terrace" section of the venue. Described as a flat-roofed, concrete block building, it features 324 stalls and trough-like sinks. The design incorporates a gap between the tops of the walls and the roof to ensure proper air circulation. This thoughtful design not only contributes to a more pleasant restroom experience but also reflects a strategic placement alongside food vendors in the terrace area.
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Accessibility: Importantly, the article notes that the upgraded restroom facilities are open to everyone with a ticket, emphasizing inclusivity. This contrasts with the previous practice of having separate VIP facilities. However, it's mentioned that there isn't a VIPee pass requirement at least for the current year, suggesting the potential for changes in subsequent editions.
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Potential Challenges: The article humorously anticipates the wear and tear these lavatories might experience over the three days of the festival. It mentions the initial allure of the minimal, industrial-chic design but predicts the aftermath—less shiny and possibly littered with festival remnants such as forgotten iPhones, cracked feather headbands, and lost car keys.
In summary, Coachella's continual evolution towards a more refined experience is exemplified by the investment in permanent restroom facilities, strategically placed in a high-traffic area. This move reflects an understanding of the importance of attendee comfort and convenience, even in seemingly mundane aspects like restroom facilities.
