Safety Measures Highlighted on Day 3 of Lollapalooza
As the sun rises over Grant Park, fans eagerly make their way downtown for the third day of Lollapalooza, a festival that has become synonymous with music and vibrant energy.
For many attendees, the festival experience often intertwines with substance use, prompting concertgoers to adopt various safety measures. Chicago police have established a strong presence outside the venue, complemented by EMTs stationed at six medical tents throughout the grounds. Additionally, FBI agents and newly appointed Safe Fest staff are on-site to ensure a secure environment.
Amidst the excitement, fans are vocal about their personal safety strategies. Whether they purchased tickets just hours before or have been anticipating this event for months, attendees are prepared to enjoy the festivities while prioritizing their well-being.
As they enter the festival grounds, anticipation fills the air. "I'm very excited to see Doechii," expressed Jovani Cruz, while Yasmin Celballos added, "I'm really excited to see Clairo." Cristal Blanco shared her enthusiasm for Rüfüs Du Sol, stating, "This is the first time I’m going to see him, so I'm really looking forward to that tonight."
Blanco plans to attend all four days of Lollapalooza but emphasizes one crucial item she carries: "Narcan is the most important thing that I really carry around with me." This nasal spray is designed to reverse opioid overdoses quickly.
"I do check on people just to make sure that they are safe and that they're okay and breathing," she added, highlighting a communal sense of responsibility among festival-goers.
Medical professionals at Rush University Medical Center have indicated they expect an increase of 10 to 20 additional patients daily during the festival, with some cases related to drug overdoses.
In preparation for the event, some fans received DEFENT—a device resembling a thumb drive that detects fentanyl. Unlike Narcan, which is administered post-overdose, DEFENT serves as a preventative measure.
"Overdoses have been a very common effect that's been happening at music festivals or just anywhere in general," Blanco noted, underscoring the importance of awareness.
Other attendees have packed their essentials for a day of fun. "So, I have like a water bottle, I usually get one on the way here, just like some sunscreen, my wallet, and my phone charger," Cruz mentioned.
Leaving behind any fear of missing out, Celballos admitted, "I was getting FOMO that I wasn't coming." The excitement is palpable as fans await performances from their favorite artists.
Adding to the thrill of the day is a surprise appearance by Chance the Rapper, who is set to perform around 5:45 p.m., despite not being part of the original lineup. Lollapalooza continues through Sunday night, culminating with headliners Sabrina Carpenter and ASAP Rocky.
