The fate of Electric Zoo was uncertain after festival organizers had to cancel the third day of last year's event due to two attendees dying from drug overdoses and another being sexually assaulted. Now it's been confirmed that the festival, which takes place Labor Day weekend on Randall's Island in New York City, will return with increased security and health measures.
According to a press release, festival organizers have "added numerous security, medical and messaging protocols aimed at providing fans the safest possible experience." Among these measures are an increase in undercover police officers specializing in narcotics and the addition of drug-sniffing canines stationed at all entrances. Electric Zoo will also shorten the length of each day and provide free water and cheap electrolytes to attendees in need of rehydration.
"The opportunity to again host Electric Zoo on Randall's Island is a responsibility we take seriously, and we look forward to expanding our safety and security measures in order to further improve the concert experience for our fans," Electric Zoo creators Mike Bindra and Laura De Palma said in the statement.
In addition to the "highly visible" security presence, the festival organizers will be conducting background checks on vendors and employees and will administer security surveys for ticket purchasers. Before attendees can have their tickets validated, they must watch a drug safety video that coincides with "a robust PSA campaign developed by a youth-culture oriented marketing firm and featuring leading artists."
Electric Zoo will take place August 29-31. Presale for the event begins April 29 on the festival's website. A lineup announcement is forthcoming.
