Country music fans saddle up for Stagecoach 2013 changes

Saddling up for a wild weekend, country lovers rode into the Empire Polo Grounds in Indio on Thursday to kick off three days of Stagecoach 2013. This year will feature headliners Toby Keith, Lady Antebellum and the Zac Brown Band.

The highlight for some fans is camping out.

“I know it’s just a big tailgate party everywhere you turn,” said Shelly Lujan, of La Quinta.

Before festival goers get too rowdy on the camp grounds, Goldenvoice, the producer of Stagecoach, hopes to get the show on the road and keep things in order.

Here are some changes this year to keep in mind.

Tent and car camping are not permitted.
No rental RVs are allowed.
The RV owner must be present for check-in with a festival pass.
All guests are limited to 6 people per RV.
Each camper must have a festival and camping pass. Those festival goers without won’t be allowed into the camping area.

Debby Helm attends the festival every year and says the changes are for good reason.

“I’m all for it. Those people who rent (RVs) only want to party and stay up all night, which is fine as long as you don’t do it next to me,” she said.

Some country music faithful say the new rules aren’t steering them away.

“Everybody’s out there to have a good time and that’s what I like about it.” said Lujan.

For more information on the festival, go to Stagecoachfestival.com