TACOMA, Wash. — There was almost airport-like security during the first night of FreakNight at the Tacoma Dome. Long lines brought people slowly closer to ID checks, pat downs and shoe removal.
At the 2014 event in Seattle, 16 overdosed and one died. Molly, a form of ecstasy, is believed to be the cause.
This year, there are about 200 security people, 20 Tacoma FD personnel, 82 volunteers trained in first aid.
However, people in line said it is really up to the rave-goers themselves to be safe so the show can go on. Last year’s second night was canceled after all those overdoses.
“I mean you just have to be really smart about your own safety with what you’re going to be doing here,” said one woman in line.
“I don’t want it to get cancelled like it did last year,” another said. “I paid too much not to get two nights out of this.
The organizer USC Events did put on a much safer event around St. Patrick’s Day. Staff on hand said they hope freak night 2015 goes as smoothly as that one earlier this year.
KIRO
