Goldenvoice proposes 18-year Indio contract, plans more events on expanded grounds

Last time we heard about Coachella, its organizer Goldenvoice was mulling a move out of its home in Indio, California i

n response to a potential tax hike. Fast forward a few months, and now The Desert Sun reports that Goldenvoice is in it for the long haul. According to the paper, organizers have proposed a plan to hold “up to five annual events for 18 years” in the Indio valley — up from their current two-year contract. The proposal reportedly includes two events in the fall, and three over consecutive weekends in the spring. Hopefuls have posited that it could mean a third weekend for Coachella, but a more likely scenario is the same two weekends for Coachella, plus one for Stagecoach.

As if that wasn’t enough, Goldenvoice hopes to enlarge the festival grounds to accommodate up to an additional 10,000 people. Of course, Goldenvoice will have to provide an environmental report proving that the surrounding areas will not be damaged by the addition of more festival space. Residents of Indio are welcomed to “provide feedback” until October 1st, but many are willing to deal with two more weekends of congestion for the economic benefits that come along with hosting a festival of this magnitude. Last year, the city made $800,000 from ticketing fees and camping taxes alone.

We’ll keep you posted as the story develops. But what do you think: Should Coachella expand to three weekends?

Source: The Desert Sun, Via: SPIN