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It’s official, ravers.
Over the weekend, we here at Crossfade, like the rest of the EDM world, were surprised by the sudden revelation that Ultra Music Festival seemed to be adopting a strict 18-and-over policy for its 2015 edition.
The rumor began to spread after a flier (which read “you must be 18 years of age or older to attend this event”) was handed out to fest attendees at this past weekend’s Electric Zoo in New York.
At the time, there was some dispute about the authenticity of this alleged Ultra handbill with the “18+” disclaimer. But now UMF organizers have confirmed “we ultimately believe that Ultra Music Festival is a premium event geared towards adults.”
Check the cut for Ultra’s full statement.
See also: In Defense of Ultra Music Festival
Ultra Music Festival’s Statement on 18-and-Over Policy
For the first time in its history, Ultra Music Festival is introducing a minimum age of attendance to its flagship festival in Miami.
Beginning with its 2015 edition, confirmed for March 27, 28 and 29 2015, Ultra Music Festival will now only allow those aged 18 years and older to attend the event.
In an official statement made today, Ultra Music Festival organizers explained the change:
“While we sincerely value the incredible ongoing support from our younger fans, we ultimately believe that Ultra Music Festival is a premium event geared towards adults. This decision has been made to reinforce and promote the safety of all Ultra Music Festival fans and to ensure the overall enjoyment of all future attendees. We are extremely grateful for all the support we have received from our younger fan base to date, and we encourage them to attend the festival once they reach the appropriate age. Until then, our free YouTube stream, ‘ULTRA LIVE’ is available worldwide for everyone of all ages to enjoy and share in the Ultra experience.”
Newly hired Ultra Music Festival Security Director and former Miami Beach Police Chief, Ray Martinez, further expressed his optimism towards the decision:
“The first step to having fun is feeling safe,” Martinez said, “We have chosen to adopt several new measures during next year’s festival to ensure our event is safe and secure. The first step to preserving the unique atmosphere that Ultra is famous for is to be proactive in attracting the right crowd.”
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Ultra Music Fesival 2015. Friday to Sunday, March 27 to 29, 2015. Bayfront Park, 301 Biscayne Blvd., Miami. Preregistration for tickets begins September 15, 2014. Visit ultramusicfestival.com.
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