Complaint Review: Balboa Music Festival - Encino California

I bought my ticket when the show first advertised. I bought Golden Passes for myself and one other person and drove 2 1/2 to attend the show. When I exited the freeway there were no signs directing traffic. After circling the area I was able to find a parking spot but had to walk 6 miles (to and from car) to get to the concert and was then advised we were in the wrong area.

I arrived at the gate in which had a very long wait. There were broken alcohol bottles along the walk way, security was not checking bags nor tickets. While waiting in line to provide my ticket there were others walking up in which the security gave them a hand full of wristbands to allow them into the park without paying. One security guard told a fellow goer if he gave him that watch he will allow him and his family in without paying. Another guard stated "I told you I would hook you up with Gold passes because no one is up there and you will be right by the stage, just give me a minute" in which he then gave him a few free Gold Wristbands.

After the wait and going through the gates I was a little erie but proceeded because of my money and travel. It was overly crowded and the porter potties were beyond disgusting, the line was longer then a new ride at an amusement park.

The walk way to our seats had people just standing around. When we finally arrived to the gate to try and obtain our seats the security advised to sit anywhere. I advised him we had Gold passes and it specify a row and seat in which we were to sit. He stated there aren't any seats he was the only guard at this gate but on the other side of the park there is no gate, anyone can come sit wherever they would like; in which most people did. The seats were folding white chairs in which did not indicate seat, section nor row.  

The smoke in this heat was so heavy, I almost passed out and the fact that I paid $218 to attend this concert and they were giving wristbands to attend, free, I had no seat and did not feel safe because no one was being searched I did not stay for the show. I waited, walked in and walked right back out; I did not see not one performer. There were several times while walking and waiting where the commentator would come on the mic and appoligize stating that this was the first ever event. From parking to finding a seat it was beyond chaotic. I did not get into the venue until 3pm but could not bring myself to stay. 

I went to speak with someone at the ticket booth about obtaining a refund a was approached by someone telling me, "I wasn't getting my money back, period." After several people walked up to complain and ask for a refund they then referred us to site.

While standing in line I had gotten very faint. My limbs gotten very weak which caused me to drop my bags, vision went completely black and I began to dry heive. Had it not been for the ATM machine I would have gone down. I told the lady at the box office I needed help, she advised me to speak with the men on the cart (because I could not walk), who told me to walk to a building to get help. I tried to explain to him I could not walk. Needless to say I did not receive medical attention. I was left in the sun with no help.

After sitting in the sun for 20 minutes my friend helped me by getting me water and snacks out of our bag in which allowed me to stand and walk again. I could not get assistance on grounds nor getting to my car. The add stated there will be handicap parking, preferred parking and a shuttle in which did not happen.