On October 1, Ultra Music Festival organizers alerted its fans via email and social media that early bird tickets were on sale for $149.95. In a couple of hours, they were gone. In fact, the demand for tickets crashed the servers, forcing Ultra's reps to send out an explanation via Facebook:
We understand that many of you are frustrated, but just so you know this on sale was only announced to our fans through Email, and our Social Networks. There was no advertising of any kind. We sold thousands and thousands of early birds. The demand for ULTRA 2012 tickets literally took down an entire server farm. This year will most definitely be the most amazing ULTRA Experience that anyone could ask for. Get Ready! Miami Music Week will be here sooner than you think :)
Shortly thereafter, $229.95 advance tickets sold out as well. But don't fear, general admission tickets are still on sale at the much higher price of $299.95 plus fees. If you are looking for the VIP experience, that will set you back $599.95 plus fees. Of course, the price includes admission to all three days.
Our only gripe with this whole process, server issues aside, is the ticket price. We understand the laws of supply and demand, but Ultra should really consider adopting Coachella's layaway program if it's going to ask for this kind of money. It would give fans the opportunity to pay off their admission little by little.
Anyway, next year's festival date, which was announced just as Ultra 2011 was happening, is scheduled for March 23 to 25, 2012. No acts have been officially announced.
As far as a location, Bicentennial Park seems like a long shot pending construction of Museum Park. However, in previous conversations with founder Russell Faibisch, he insisted the festival is committed in staying in downtown Miami.
Could we see a return to Bayfront Park? Guess we'll have to wait and see.
And why are you still reading this? Go and get your tickets now at ultramusicfestival.com.
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