Yes, but they are probably hedging their bets with a boat load of $. Which would be why they want to sell tickets so early, so they can afford to promise bands enough to hold them for a week+.

Of course, a lot of bands schedule dates in and around the SoCal area prior to Coachella weekend, so I imagine a lot of those dates will end up happening between the two weekends (either instead, or in addition to), so bands can still make a good trip out of it.

To add to BTD's post the article I read earlier also stated that Coachella as a part of their contracts with the bands don't let them play any nearby venues for a period of time before/after the festival. So are bands going to be willing to give up that week in between?

I also wonder if it will really make tickets more available as I can guess that a large number of people will then want to go both weekends so they fit in the acts they miss the first go round.

Plus it totally messes up Polo season ;)

A large number of peoe might want to see both, but as it is 3 days is already a costly commitment once you add food & lodging into the picture. Of course they've been selling VIP passes and luxury tents for a couple years now so maybe there are enough people to drop several grand into the event.

Hmm, I thought I'd always seen the bands playing in the area, but maybe that was further from the date than I realized.

Usually some of the bands end up doing stealth shows at the Glass House (Goldenvoice venue) right before or after Coachella. I suspect well see more of that, especially if there are sell outs.

I'm just glad I never went to Coachella and have never had much of a desire to.

Despite what other festivals may do, I would never be interested in buying tickets before I knew what bands were playing. Something like EDC is, I imagine, completely different - in that I'm not sure if attendies of that event even care who makes the music. I could be wrong, but in any event - no line-up, no money from me. I'm glad my music festival days preceded this development.