Louder Than Life Festival Cancelled: How To Get Refund For Tickets, Accommodation

Louder Than Life, a popular rock festival set to take place this weekend, was canceled Monday due to rain-related flooding at the venue, Champions Park in Louisville, Kentucky.

According to a statement released by the organizers of the event, a full refund for all ticket, official hotel, and camping package purchases were initiated.

“Delivering a great experience for our fans will always be our top priority — but that great experience starts with safety,” Danny Hayes, CEO of festival promoter Danny Wimmer Presents, said.

The festival which was supposed to run Friday through Sunday was canceled by the company citing safety issues due to flooding.

In a statement released on the website of the festival, the company said it came to a decision after inspecting the ground and infrastructure of the park.

“It is with deep regret that we inform you that this weekend’s Louder Than Life festival has been canceled due to unsafe conditions resulting from ongoing rain and flooding at the festival site — Champions Park,” the statement said. “After carefully inspecting the grounds and infrastructure this evening, the City and we have determined that it is no longer possible to make the festival site safe in time for this weekend.”

In the statement, the organizers appreciated the support of fans who offered to come out and help with the cleaning of the park and acknowledged the efforts of the Louisville administration for trying to make the festival happen.

“The one thing we will never sacrifice is the safety of our fans, bands, staff, and patrons,” the statement said adding the company looked at every other option, including changing the location to breaking up the festival to smaller events in several other locations.

“Unfortunately, it’s not logistically possible, and the weather is just not cooperating. It is not safe to attempt to move equipment, and replacement equipment is not available,” the statement read. “We are so proud of this year’s festival experience that included incredible music, a showcase for Louisville’s great food scene, and of course an unparalleled offering of Kentucky bourbon, and more. We’re so disappointed to not get the chance to share all of this with you. This year’s Louder Than Life was going to be the momentous experience you all deserve.”

The organizers added, “We will be back next year even bigger and better, and look forward to continuing our relationship with our incredible fans and this great city.”

Tickets purchased through the Front Gate Tickets, or through phone or internet will be automatically processed, the statement said adding it might take up to 3 weeks. Anyone with further inquiries can mail the organizers at info@dwpresents.com for further information regarding the refund.

The recent heavy rainfall has caused the cancellation of another music festival, Bourbon & Beyond, at the same venue. On Sunday, producers of the festival canceled the second day of the festival. The first day was held amidst the heavy rainfall.

Earlier reports said the Los Angeles-based entertainment company producing both the music festivals tried to clear the park before Louder Than Life festival after the cancellation of Bourbon & Beyond.

“The real issue is how to make these grounds safe for next weekend,” Hayes said at the time, according to a report on the Courier Journal. “We’re trying to pump water out now ... but until it stops raining, we won't be able to fully assess."

The River Road between Frankfort and Zorn avenues was closed due to flooding Saturday night. The road was a major access point to Champions Park. On Sunday morning, the venue was declared unsafe by Marty Storch, the city's director of special events.

“The city’s special events coordinator was on the scene throughout the night and into Sunday morning with the promoter, when it became clear that flooding was getting worse and creating unsafe conditions," Jean Porter, the city's deputy director of communications, said in an email to the Courier Journal.

"There was, and still is, standing water, mud and drainage challenges," Porter said. "These conditions are not conducive or safe for patrons, staff or performers.”

Including headliners Nine Inch Nails, Alice In Chains and Godsmack, Louder Than Life was to have 51 bands playing in three stages. More than 100,000 fans were expected for the fifth consecutive year of the festival.