First Day of ACL draws big crowds

AUSTIN (KXAN) -  

Kanye West and Coldplay attracted thousands under a clear sky on the first night of Austin City Limits Music Festival.

ACL Fest is a decade old and music fans say it just gets better with age.
 
Julia Mariano came for the first time from Denver.

"They have a good line up every year, and I've always heard really good things just from friends and other people that live here," said Denver visitor Julia Mariano.

On the first day of the annual festival a brief shower gave way to warm sunshine, and this will be one of the warmest ACL festivals in years. UT student Chazz Robinson says misters and water stations will help.

"Just drink a lot of water you know, trying to stay cool, making sure I do stuff like this, kick back in the shade every once in awhile, you know," said Robinson.

There's energy at every stage and in every corner of Zilker Park.

"It's the live music, it's the people, it's the food, it's the drinks, it's just the place to be," said Austin resident Elaine Brown.

South Austin resident Rick Garcia has come since the first year.

"It's fun, and it's in our backyard," said Garcia.

Garcia has seen changes over the years though.

"A lot more people.  The first one was relatively small, and it was a lot cheaper, and as time went on--it really grew," said Garcia.

As it grew, word spread and brought Mark Spiegel down from Indianapolis. 

"There's a rythm and life out here that I enjoy, and I can echo it.   So, it's been fun really fun," said Spiegel.

"He came to visit me, well, I think he came for me and not ACL... not really sure," joked Spiegel's girlfriend, Natale Meengs.  "No, it's been great,"  she said.

Day one down--two more great days to go.