EDM fans are counting down the days until Ultra Music Festival 2015. But ten months ago, the City of Miami wasn't sure if it would ever return.
Following the tragic trampling of security guard Erica Mack and fatal drug overdose of 21-year-old attendee Adonis Escoto, Miami Mayor Tomas Regalado and City Commissioner Marc Sarnoff put a plan into action to have Miami's only homegrown megafest exiled.
Ultimately, Ultra avoided being banished from Miami, but organizers have subsequently made a lot of changes, instituting a strict 18-and-up policy and hiring Miami Beach Police Chief Ray Martinez to conduct security reviews. Now they're banning rave staples, from pacifiers, glowsticks, facemasks, and totems to everyday stuff like opaque backpacks and purses.
Check the cut for UMF's lists of "Ultra Acceptable" and "Prohibited Items."
See also: 50 Things You See at Ultra Music Festival
Ultra Acceptable
*As listed at ultramusicfestival.com
-Yes to Hydration packs that are not backpacks (empty upon entry)
-Yes to bags made of clear plastic, clear vinyl, or clear PVC not exceeding 13"x17"
-Yes to One-gallon clear, plastic zip-top bag
-Yes to fanny packs
-Yes to small clutch bags, approximately the size of a hand, with or without a handle or strap is allowed
-Yes to cell phones
-Yes to sunglasses and hats
-Yes to illuminated or glowing jewelry or costumes
-Yes to sealed packs of cigarettes upon entry
-Yes to non-professional cameras
-Yes to action cameras
-Yes to earplugs
-Yes to flags and banners (no corporate or company branding. No hard poles)
-Yes to powdered make-up
-Yes to sealed tampons upon entry
-Yes to prescription medication (you must have the prescription in your name with you)
See also: Ultra 2014's Ten Sleaziest T-Shirts
Prohibited Items
*As listed at ultramusicfestival.com
-No Illegal or illicit substances, drugs, or drug paraphernalia
-No weapons of any kind including, but not limited to, pocket knives or self defense sprays
-No flammable items or liquids including aerosols and fireworks
-No markers, pens or spray paint
-No backpacks, purses, or bags allowed except bags made of clear plastic, clear vinyl, or clear PVC not exceeding 13"x17"
-No stuffed animals
-No facial masks
-No outside food or beverage including alcohol
-No bottles, cans, canteens, flasks, or coolers
-No opened over the counter medication or eye drops
-No opened packs of cigarettes or tampons
-No pacifiers, glow sticks
-No balloons, balls, inflatable balls, Frisbees or flying disks
-No umbrellas, chairs, blankets, sleeping bags or tents
-No bicycles, skateboards, scooters, or personal motorized vehicles
-No animals except for service animals assisting an individual with a disability
-No large chains, chained wallets or spiked jewelry
-No laser pens, laser pointers, or similar focused light devices
-No water guns, squirt guns, spray bottles or misters
-No musical instruments, noisemakers or air horns
-No whistles
-No professional cameras, flash cameras or video and audio recording equipment, or camera poles
-No poles, sticks, or "totems"
Crossfade's Top Blogs
-Ultra 2014's Ten Best Moments
Ultra Music Fesival 2015. Friday to Sunday, March 27 to 29. Bayfront Park, 301 Biscayne Blvd., Miami. Tickets are on sale now and cost $299.95 to $449.95. Ages 18 and up. Visit ultramusicfestival.com.
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