Attendees of 2023’s ill-fated Electric Zoo festival are set to receive refunds over nine months later, according to a statement released today by its organizers.
The New York-based electronic dance music festival, which took place over Labor Day Weekend, devolved into chaos on Randall’s Island after the controversial cancellation of its first day, which organizers nebulously attributed to “supply chain disruptions” that hindered the construction of its mainstage.
Chaos then ensued on Electric Zoo’s final day, September 3rd, which was plagued by capacity concerns. After organizers released a midday statement announcing they were denying entry to the festival’s venue, videos of attendees aggressively storming its gates flooded social media.
Lawsuits piled up in the aftermath, including one contentious class action suit filed by a pair of plaintiffs who cited safety issues that arose from the “oversold and overcrowded” event. Following the festival’s conclusion, Electric Zoo’s owners said they planned on issuing refunds but refrained from announcing a formal solution.
Electric Zoo in 2022 was purchased by the investment group behind Brooklyn hotspot Avant Gardner. Roughly 88,000 people attended last year’s festival, according to the NYPD, who confirmed at the time that the consortium oversold passes by roughly 7,000.
Electric Zoo has now announced its ticketing partner, See Tickets, will begin issuing refunds. All remaining eligible pass-holders will receive an email with instructions and can expect refunds to be processed by July 19th, they said.
“When we first set out to bring you Electric Zoo 2023, our goal was to create a completely leveled-up experience that included new stage concepts, enhanced production, and so much more,” reads a statement issued by the festival. “We know we let you down. As we continue forward, we will work every day to earn back your trust and forgiveness.”
Read Electric Zoo’s full statement below.
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