The 2023 Electric Zoo Festival Was Overbooked, Police Say
Following the contentious 2023 edition of Electric Zoo, police have reportedly confirmed the festival on Randall's Island was overbooked.
According to PIX11, the NYPD said on Tuesday that passes to Electric Zoo were oversold by 7,000. After organizers announced they were denying entry on Sunday due to capacity concerns, videos of ticket-holders storming the festival's gates circulated on social media.
Electric Zoo ultimately cited unforeseen challenges that arose from the controversial cancellation of the festival's first day, which they attributed to supply chain issues.
"It is with deep regret that we need to inform you that due to the challenges caused by Friday cancelation [sic], we have reached our venue's capacity earlier than anticipated for today, Sunday," reads a statement posted to Electric Zoo's social media. "For the safety and well-being of everyone on site, we will not be admitting any additional attendees today. If you are on your way or were planning to come later, we kindly ask that you refrain from coming to the festival site."
Roughly 88,000 people attended Electric Zoo this year, according to the NYPD. Organizers said they are issuing full refunds to holders of the festival's Friday ticket as well as those who were denied entry on Sunday.
