Riot Fest, now "RiotLand," moving to Chicago suburb, reveals 2024 lineup with Fall Out Boy, Beck, Slayer
CHICAGO (CBS) — Riot Fest is moving to southwest suburban Bridgeview with the new name of "RiotLand."
The new location was announced Wednesday morning, and the venue SeatGeek Stadium comes with parking, organizers emphasized on social media.
In a YouTube clip, Riot Fest's organizer blamed the Chicago Park District for the move.
The move did not sit well with the Chicago Red Stars, who play their home games at SeatGeek. The team said it was being forced to move their home match against San Diego, which was previously scheduled for that weekend.
"It is unfair and unfortunate to have our club put in this situation, shining a light on the vast discrepancies in the treatment of women's professional sports versus men's professional sports," team President Karen Leetzow said in a statement.
Leetzow said the team was "working diligently to find a solution that will ensure our September 21st game is a success."
Some fans were also disappointed to hear the festival is leaving – including Robert Wafle, who said he goes every year.
"There was like one year it rained a lot – like the second year it happened – and it rained, and there was a lot of mud, but that was it," Wafle said.
Meanwhile, officials in Bridgeview were ecstatic.
"We're really looking forward to it, and we're far enough away. You know, you're always going to hear the music, but it's not like - again, I don't want to criticize Chicago or the Park District - but it was crowded there," said Bridgeview village spokesman Ray Hanania. "This isn't going to be crowded, and I think that's good for everybody."
Hanania also said the use of a park had drawbacks relative to a stadium.
"There's an appeal to be here. It's easier. It's made for this," he said. "A park is beautiful. I love being in a park, but it's hard to find parking."
Hanania added that he expects the festival to grow with its new location.
"RiotLand - if that's going to be their permanent name, which I think it is - they're going to grow really exponentially," he said. "I would estimate they would double the size in a few years."
Fall Out Boy, St. Vincent, Beck, The Offspring and Public Enemy will headline the festival, which starts on Sept. 20 this year. As previously announced, Slayer will headline on the final day of the three-day event. The full lineup can be found on the festival website.
The three-day music festival brings about 50,000 people each year.
For years, neighbors around Douglass Park have complained about limited access to the park and damage to the park grounds, traffic, and noise right next to two hospitals and a rehab center.
In a video message posted on social media, organizer known as Riot Mike posted in part, "allow me to be as clear as the azure sky of the deepest summer, our exodus is solely because of the Chicago Park District alluding to negotiations over the event's home."
The video continued to say, "Though our curtains may have closed in Douglass Park, another one has opened."
The Chicago Park District responded to the announcement saying the permit application or the festival had not been withdrawn and is currently pending approval by the Park District Board of Commissioners.
"The Chicago Park District has worked tirelessly to strike a balance between community interests and our Special Events organizers. Community voices are critical to our decision-making process, which is why a comprehensive community engagement process is a necessary component in evaluating a permit application," the Chicago Park District said in response to the location change. "Last year, Riot Fest organizers completed this process successfully, received a permit, and hosted their event in Douglass Park."
Riot Fest began in 2005 as a multi-venue punk and rock festival in Chicago. From 2012 through 2014, Riot Fest was held in Humboldt Park, where some residents—and then-Ald. Roberto Maldonado (26th)—complained about the large crowds and damage it brought to the park.
Many in the Humboldt Park community were not disappointed when Riot Fest announced a move to Douglass Park in 2015.
Limited three-day general admission and VIP passes are on sale now.
