March Madness Music Festival goes on despite rain
INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — The NCAA March Madness Music Festival kicked off at White River State Park Friday under rainy skies. But that didn’t dampen the enthusiasm of those lined up for the free concerts.
The gates opened at 3 p.m. but music fans started lining up early to make sure they had a good spot to catch all of the music.
Jordan Wells of Westfield was first in line, arriving at 8 a.m.
“There was no one here but we thought it was gonna be loaded,” he said. “Because you know Weezer, Cold War Kids, Imagine Dragon – it’s like they’re huge bands and it’s free.”
When the gates opened, it was a mad dash to get as close to the front of the main stage as possible.
For 9-year-old Morgan Spurlock, it was a two for one deal. It is her very first concert and she is seeing her favorite band, Imagine Dragons.
“And try to get a t-shirt with their names on it,” she said.
And while many were here to see all the featured groups, it was Imagine Dragons who was the big draw.
“They just came out with a new album that’s pretty good,” J.T. Hiquet said. “We figured it would be packed soon and we knew the doors opened at three so we’re just here to have a lot of fun.”
And even the rain didn’t deter anyone.
“It’s just water,” Andrew Collins said. “Not like I’m gonna melt.”
Weather did shut down the Ferris wheel, however, for about 90 minutes after an order by the Fire Marshall when a severe weather alert was issued but it was back up and running by 6 p.m.
The concerts continue Saturday with Rihanna as the main draw. The evening will also include a semifinal viewing party at 6 p.m.
The weekend of free concerts wraps up Sunday with Lady Antebellum and the Zac Brown Band. The concerts will be followed by a fireworks show.
The events at White River State Park are slated to go on rain or shine.