Seems like Ultra Music Festival organizers took our suggestion to heart, because today the festival has announced it will let allow festival-goers to purchase a limited number of tickets via a payment plan.
See also:
- Ultra Music Festival: It's Time for Ticket Layaway
- Ultra 2014 Early-Bird Tickets Sell Out! Angry Ravers Say: "Worst Ticketing Experience Ever"
Ticket buyers can either choose to pay in full or have the amount broken up into five payments of $98.95. There are only a limited number of payment plan tickets available on a first-come, first-served basis. (Why a limit? We're not sure. Ultra, we think all tickets should be available via the payment plan.)
The move is likely due to calls from Ultra fans saying tickets, which topped out this year at $399.95 for general admission and $849.95 for VIP plus fees, are too expensive. Many are blaming Ultra organizers' greed as a factor, but those same critics are forgetting that production, security, and rental fees have increased dramatically every year. Other festivals like Coachella and Bonnaroo charge less for admission; however, the number of people their grounds can hold is considerably larger.
Let's also not forget that DJ fees have gotten out of control since the festival's inception, with top-billing acts often requesting six figures.
The question remains: Can Ultra remain financially viable at Bayfront Park? We think it's time to consider a move.
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