TAMPA, Fla — The Sunset Music Festival is this weekend in the parking lot of Raymond James Stadium and with temperatures expected to be in the mid 90’s all weekend, festival organizers say they have made changes to help keep people hydrated and cool.
In 2016,two people died from overdoses and dozens of people were hospitalized. In 2017, despite additional efforts to help keep people hydrated, even more people ended up in the hospital on day one compared to the previous year.
Tampa Fire spokesman Jason Penny says emergency crews transported 32 people to hospitals in 2017, nearly 10 more than the same time in 2016.
In addition to hospitalizations,there were 30 felony arrests and 16 misdemeanor arrests in 2017.
The festival was canceled in 2018 due to bad weather.
This year there will be 15 water stations throughout the lot which is three more than last year.
They will also have two large cool down tents that will have music playing to “entice fans to stay in the structure longer.” There are also four large shade structures, high velocity misting fans, and sunset ambassadors that will be walking around the event to help direct people to the water stations and cool down tents.
The event is scheduled for Saturday and Sunday from 3 p.m. until midnight.
The organizers sent this info about the festival:
For years, Sunset Events has dominated the dance music industry with top events, festivals, and promotions in Tampa Bay and Central Florida. Sunset Events values fans and their experience – that is why Sunset Events goes above and beyond with productions, events, service, and safety. Additional information is available at www.sunsettampa.com.
