Enforcement Teams Keep SXSW 2014 Partygoers Safe And Sound
The Public Assembly Code Enforcement - or PACE team - is patrolling the SXSW festival in Austin, Texas to make sure parties and events don't get out of hand. The team is on the lookout for problems including overcrowding, permitting issues or even the safety of temporary structures at South by Southwest.
"We usually respond to requests from other agencies or citizens about things that they feel might be unsafe," Lt. Vincent Hernandez with the Austin Police Department, who also heads up PACE told Kxan,"[The] Public Assembly Code Enforcement Team will be out for the whole duration 9of South by Southwest). We're working a lot of hours, putting in a lot of hours. But again, it's for the safety of the party-goers."
As of 8pm on Tuesday, the PACE team did not shut down any events or issue citations in what has been an exemplary first few days of the festival.
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The team may well be forced to spring into action on Thursday when thousands of revellers descend on Stubb's BBQ to see Lady GaGa perform. The venue holds around 2,000 people and the pop-star is said to be performing in a giant vending machine.
Other high profile shows include Kendrick Lamar headlining Apple's iTunes Festival on Wednesday (March 12, 2014), with Soundgarden performing Thursday, Pitbull on Friday and country star Keith Urban on Saturday.
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The NPR showcase on Wednesday will be headlined by Blur frontman Damon Albarn while also featuring performances from St. Vincent, R&B star Kelis and young punk band Perfect Pussy.