Proper NYE in San Diego was meant to be a night of celebration and music, a way for attendees to ring in the new year with friends and good vibes. However, what should have been a joyous occasion quickly became a nightmare for many as overcrowding and overselling became major issues throughout the festival. Attendees were unable to access key areas of the event, facing long lines for necessities, and dealing with chaotic and unsafe conditions during the exit process. T
Attendees were shocked by the lack of organization safety at Proper NYE. The main stage being closed for most of the festival, the overcrowded bathroom lines spilling into walkways, and the chaotic exit process all painted a grim picture of mismanagement. Addressing these issues and holding event organizers accountable for their actions is important.
Overcrowding at the Main Stage
One of the most glaring issues at Proper NYE was the constant overcrowding at the main stage, which was deemed “at capacity” for most of the festival. This meant that a significant portion of attendees could not access the main stage area, missing out on key performances and experiences. The frustration among those stuck outside the main stage was palpable, with many expressing disappointment and disbelief at the situation.
Not only was the main stage closed off, but The Lot, another key area of the festival, also faced capacity issues, further limiting attendees’ options for entertainment. The lack of communication and planning by event organizers only exacerbated the problem, leaving attendees feeling trapped and isolated from the heart of the festivities. Seeing so many people unable to fully enjoy the event they had paid to attend was disheartening.
As the night wore on, the overcrowding at the main stage became more pronounced, with bathroom lines extending into walkways and impeding the flow of foot traffic. Attendees were forced to navigate a maze of people just to reach basic amenities, adding to chaos and disorganization. The lack of crowd control and proper planning was evident, creating a tense and uncomfortable atmosphere for all involved.
Chaos During the Exit Process
Once the event ended, the chaos only escalated as attendees tried to make their way out of the venue. Reports of people urinating in public near the exit, fights almost breaking out, and a general sense of unease permeated the space. The sheer volume of people trying to leave at once overwhelmed the staff and security, leading to a breakdown in crowd management and safety protocols.
In a desperate attempt to maintain order, organizers had to allow attendees to pass through VIP areas to exit the venue safely. This last-minute decision highlighted the severity of the situation and the failure of event staff to anticipate and address the potential issues with crowd control properly. The lack of foresight and preparation by event organizers put attendees at risk and tarnished the overall experience of Proper NYE.
For many attendees, the chaos during the exit process was the final straw, forcing these attendees to stop going to events from the Proper NYE promoter. The sense of community and camaraderie that should have defined Proper NYE was overshadowed by the greed and negligence of those in charge. Moving forward, attendees must hold event organizers accountable for their actions and demand better standards for future events.