Doritos Giant Vending Machine Stage Becomes SXSW Landmark
The Doritos BoldStage is returning to SXSW 2013, cementing its position as a festival landmark at 5th and Red River in downtown Austin. The 62-foot vending machine-themed performance stage has become a symbol of SXSW's evolution toward corporate partnerships.
Giant Doritos ad on building wall
This year's lineup features hip-hop legends including LL Cool J, Public Enemy, Doug E. Fresh, and Ice Cube. The stage opens March 14th with an interactive twist - fans can influence the show through Twitter, from selecting LL Cool J's opening act to controlling stage effects.
Doritos Stage at SXSW Austin
The entire experience will be live-streamed on Facebook, emphasizing the event's focus on digital engagement and social media integration.
Illuminated Doritos stage at SXSW festival
While some longtime festival attendees express concern about increasing commercialization, the Doritos stage has pioneered a new era of brand involvement at SXSW. Its success has paved the way for other major advertisers, suggesting that such corporate installations may become a permanent fixture of the festival landscape.
The stage balances commercial appeal with musical discovery, featuring both established headliners and emerging artists throughout the weekend. This mix reflects SXSW's broader evolution from a purely independent music showcase to a multifaceted entertainment and marketing platform.