MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Beale Street Music Festival organizers have announced changes in hopes of easier access to the festival.
Organizers believe what has attributed to the longer wait times is that both entrances are not being used by concertgoers. Randy Blevins said the changes are based on previous experiences.
“We made adjustments based on what happened last night as far as what you can se what the usage is like,” he said. “Until you really put it on the ground and start rolling with it, you don’t know exactly how it’s going to flow.”
As a result, they changed the drop-off location for shuttles to the south entrance to try to prevent congestion. The drop-off location of all shuttles, including MATA and University Park & Ride shuttles, will be at Southern Avenue and Early Maxwell Boulevard at the South Entry Gate.
Organizers said shuttles will no longer have a drop-off location at the North Gate near Central Avenue.
Another one of the changes attendees will notice are more shuttle buses from downtown and University of Memphis to Liberty Park. This comes after reports of long wait times.
“It’s a music festival,” one attendee said. “You expect a little wait, probably wait longer for food or beer.”
Will Call will be moved to Southern Avenue and Early Maxwell Boulevard at the South Entry Gate.
Organizers said in a statement:
“The changes were made immediately following the first night of Beale Street Music Festival at the Fairgrounds in Liberty Park in an effort to make arriving to the new festival site easier and alleviate congestion at the more popular North Gate.“
Advanced single-day tickets for Sunday are now on sale for $75 at www.memphisinmay.org/bsmftickets and Front gate tickets.
Tickets at the gate and for Saturday are $90.