An Insider's Guide to Coachella

Officially called The Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival, but known simply as Coachella, the festival provides a raucous feast for the ears, not to mention the other four senses.

This year’s installation builds on its previous success, selling out in six days back in January. For those fortunate few (and by “few” I mean 75,000 per day) lucky enough to have scored a ticket at almost $300 a pop, the festival promises to be a non-stop, sensory stimulating blast of rock – both musically and artistically.

But maneuvering the colossus can, for many, be a daunting experience. How does one get the best out of Coachella, not burn-out, and go home happy?

For sage advice on surviving the festival, I asked an expert - in this case, Coachella veteran, Anheuser-Busch Director of Marketing, Clay Seddon. He has weathered five previous festivals and had one important word of wisdom to share.

"Chapstick … and hydration,” he said.

Seddon is responsible for providing the million bottles of drinking water from the event sponsor, Crystal Geyser.

“It’s going to be a hundred degrees,” he said, “so, pace yourself. I’ve seen a lot of people come here from Europe, or other places, and they just start drinking beer. Next thing you know, they’re on the way to the hospital.”

No joke, each year 30-50 attendees are treated for heat stroke. So take the necessary precautions.

Here are several other “Insider Tips” to make your Coachella the best one yet.

DON’T BUY TICKETS NOW!

If you don’t have tickets, forget it. The festival is sold out. Anyone offering you tickets is a scammer. The only authorized form of identification is the electronically chipped wristband issued to each attendee. Keep it on at all times.

GET THERE TOGETHER – AND WIN!

Traffic is a snarl leading to the Empire Polo Grounds in Indio, so carpool. It will make the journey more fun and you just might be tagged by the “secret spotter” on the look-out for groups of four or more carpooling together and displaying a sign with the word “carpoolchella” somewhere visible on the car. The lucky winners will receive VIP tickets/passes for Life for everyone in the car.

HAVE A GAME PLAN

You and your friends should make a “home base,” somewhere easy to find again if you get separated. Cell phones, of course, should have everyone’s number dialed in. Wear identifiable clothing so your pals can find you in a crowd.

MAP OUT THE POTTIES

There are some nicer ones, find those.

BRING A PURSE

Or a messenger bag, something light-weight with a shoulder strap to free your hands – you’re gonna be clapping – and stash all the important stuff you need, like:

• remember that chapstick?

• sunscreen … use it!

• your water bottle (buy a cool Coachella keep-sake water bottle for $10 and get free refills all week-end)

• a hat with a brim (we recommend a goofy one)

• cash … there are a couple ATMs, but they charge $5 plus, in fees.

• sunglasses

• cell phone

• a jacket … it’s cooler at night.

GET YOUR SHUTTLE PASS

Shuttles will run regularly to and from hotels and the local supermarket.

VISIT THE SIGNING TENT

And meet your favorite recording artists. Check the list of which performers will be there and when.

BE PEACEFUL - TAKE YOGA

There is free yoga offered every morning at 9 a.m. before the music starts.

RECHARGE YOUR BATTERIES, PLUS FREE WIFI

Go to the Hyundai Base Camp located next to the Down & Derby. You can recharge and cool-off in the AC.

GO ROLLERSKATING

Down & Derby, located in CAMPING, provides the skates. You sign the Release form.

CHECK OUT THE GREAT ART INSTALLATIONS ... AND THE MUSIC

There are over 190 performing acts.

For a complete list of performers and DJs, go to: http://www.coachella.com