Wednesday, February 13, 2008

Site offers music wristband for sale with hotel booking

Once again this year, SXSW has sanctioned a site called SouthByWristbands.com to sell up to two Music wristbands with a three-night minimum stay at one of nine Austin motels or hotels. The wristbands go for $165 each and the room rates range from $92–$190 per night. There are a number of rules and restrictions detailed at the site, but this remains the only official means for non-locals to purchase Music festival wristbands.

Remember, wristbands do not guarantee admission to shows; priority is always given to Music conference badge holders. From the SouthByWristbands FAQ:

A SXSW Music wristband permits admission to the live music in the venues for music fans. A SXSW Music registration badge is a priority credential for those in the music industry (and those who want to see the industry at work). It admits the badge-holder to music industry events at SXSW such as panels, keynote speech, mentor sessions, trade show, receptions, private parties, Sunday barbecue and softball tournament. In addition, Music Fest badge-holders are given priority entry (over wristbands) to Music Fest shows when venues approach capacity.