After the insane mudfest of the previous two years, Lollapalooza organizers have learned a few lessons – and are preparing accordingly, given that rain is on the forecast for the Lollapalooza 2013 weekend in Chicago’s Grant Park.
The Midwestern weather is never entirely reliable, as unexpected thunderstorms can roll through and devour a sweltering, sunny Summer day in a matter of minutes, sending tens of thousands of festivalgoers scrambling for shelter – as we saw in both 2011 and 2012 incarnations of the festival.
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In 2011, the festival’s last day was met with a mid-afternoon downpour that resulted in attendees being shin-deep in muddy water for the final acts – including a magnificently epic set from headliners the Foo Fighters. In 2012, however, things got downright scary as a sudden and severe thunderstorm caused the evacuation of 60,000 fans from the festival grounds.
Though most found their way to safety from the elements last year, the vast majority received no information about designated city shelters — the three underground Michigan Avenue garages listed in a severe weather plan. The garages stood largely empty while Lollapalooza fans scrambled to hotels, bus shelters, restaurants and storefront awnings.
This year, city officials promise that city workers will be in place to direct people to the garages as they’re leaving Grant Park. Visible public signs will direct people to designated extreme weather shelters as well, with the three primary emergency evacuation shelter sites being as follows:
Grant Park North Garage – enter through vehicle entrance on Michigan Avenue
Grant Park South Garage – enter through vehicle entrance on Michigan Avenue
East Monroe Street Garage – enter through vehicle entrance on Michigan Avenue
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Lollapalooza organizers told the Chicago Tribune that video screens at the festival will also broadcast information in case of emergency weather.
Photos: Johnny Firecloud
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SET TIMES: Find Out When Your Favorite Bands Hit the Lollapalooza Stage
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MUST-SEES: Take a Look at Some of the Lolla Sets You Just Can’t Miss!
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PLAYLIST: 16 Tracks of Summertime Lollapalooza Goodness
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AFTERSHOWS: Check Out All Your Chicago Options Beyond the Lolla Stage
