ORLANDO, Fla. – Thousands of hip-hop fans packed the area near Camping World Stadium Friday night as Rolling Loud officially began its three-day festival in Orlando.
The music festival, which organizers describe as the world’s largest hip-hop festival, is expected to bring about 65,000 people to the venue through Sunday.
Crowds steadily poured into the stadium grounds Friday evening despite the extreme heat and heavy traffic around the area.
Festivalgoer Lucy Farha said she came prepared for the temperatures.
“Water in hand, electrolytes, hat on top, some sunscreen,” Farha said before entering the festival.
Others said the energy and excitement surrounding the event made the conditions worthwhile.
“First of all, the vibe is hot. It’s hot outside. We are sweating,” attendee Marlanda Menerd said. “It seems really lively. I’m really excited to go inside and see what everything is really about.”
Menerd said she bought her tickets months ago as soon as Orlando was announced as a stop for the festival.
“As soon as they said Rolling Loud was going to be in Orlando, I was like, I got to get a ticket,” she said.
Fans also pointed to the festival lineup and crowd atmosphere as reasons they keep returning.
“I think the people and the lineup,” one attendee said. “The lineup is always amazing.”
With tens of thousands of people expected throughout the weekend, Orlando police activated a special event zone around the venue area extending from State Road 408 to Parramore Avenue.
Police said there will be an increased law enforcement presence throughout the weekend, and fines inside the designated zone will be doubled.
Police Chief Eric Smith said officers are especially focused on people gathering in parking lots and outside the venue after concerts end. Officers will remain stationed nearby throughout the festival.
“It’s beautiful, man,” one attendee said. “First time here in Orlando for Rolling Loud.”
Another festivalgoer described the atmosphere as “energetic, amplified, new, innovative.”
The festival continues through Sunday near Camping World Stadium.