Held on April 26–27, 2003, the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival returned to the Empire Polo Club in Indio, California, spanning two outdoor stages and three tents and drawing an impressive crowd of 60,000 attendees, a new record at that time. This edition of the festival featured headliners like the Red Hot Chili Peppers and Beastie Boys, with a standout reunion performance from Iggy Pop and the Stooges.

Ticket prices were set at $75 per day, or $140 for a two-day pass. For the first time, festival-goers had the opportunity to camp on-site, with 2,252 camping spots approved by the Indio City Council, each allowing up to four people. This new addition made the festival experience even more immersive,…