A major issue at large shows in the Valley is that there tends to be too many people in a small area, with lots of alcohol, at live shows that promote high energy. These shows bring in many tourists as well as locals. Lone Star Security was hired to maintain the peace, control alcohol boundaries and access, and for general safety and security. They were also there as a visible deterrent to trouble makers.

The Snoop Dogg show was the first show held at the Ford Amphitheater parking lot. There were several issues at this show. First, all tickets were sold the day of the show, at the venue. With limited, low-priced tickets, there were bound to be many unhappy people. Ten to fifteen thousand people wanted to purchase a limited supply of 7,500 available tickets. Those thousands of people who were unable to acquire tickets loitered all day around the venue, which was bordered by plastic orange fencing. Proper initial control of the boundaries was difficult.

As the show began, people without tickets were trying to sneak in. As there were only two access points to enter the venue, there was a constant bottleneck for those who did have tickets. There were approximately 1,000 people outside the gate, most of whom had tickets, but many who did not. As the bottleneck grew, the people outside the venue, rushed the fence and knocked it over.

Under the guidance of the Vail Police Department, Lone Star Security extended the perimter, allowing them better control of the area. Once that issue was resolved, they were able to go through the internal crowd and confiscate illegal alcohol, and escort those with no tickets outside the area.

As this was the first event of this magnitude in Vail, it enabled Lone Star Security to better prepare for future events. They now require stronger barriers; no day-of-show ticket sales at the venue; and bag and body searches several hundred yards from the gate, which removes those without tickets and those not able to pass a search from the gate area. Events are now well controlled from before people arrive.

When Kid Rock came to town, the show was very high energy, but Lone Star Security was well prepared. There were no surprises the entire show. The only problems that occurred with the normal concert issues, such as overdrinking, overzealous crowd, and people trying to get close to Kid Rock and backstage. One such attendee, a gentleman 6’7”, got into the VIP area and was giving VIPs a hard time. Rick Adams received the call. He arrived on the scene with a group of security officers, and they detained and removed the man. He was brought to the Vail Police on site, who dealt with him from there.