GATE (COMMUNITY ACCESS)
Welcome to the Gate!
Like the cities of old, Black Rock City is secured by a perimeter fence, and participants enter through a gate. You must have a ticket to enter Black Rock City. The Gate opens in early August for pre-event traffic (only people with early entry passes are allowed in prior to the first day of the event), and is closed to incoming traffic after 8 p.m. on the Saturday that the Man burns.
What To Expect At The Gate
Here are some tips on what to expect at the Black Rock City Gate, and how to make the entry process go as smoothly as possible for you.
#1. Be On Time
No one likes an 'Early Emily'.
Please, do not plan to arrive, and DO NOT arrive at Black Rock City (BRC) until you are allowed to be there. The event opens at 12:01am on MONDAY of the event week. Showing up early may actually cause you to get into the event later than if you were to have shown up on time. Stop somewhere and take a break if it looks like you will arrive early rather than drive two hours to BRC only to be turned around. You will save yourself a lot of frustration. IF YOU ARRIVE BEFORE 12:01AM YOU WILL NOT BE ALLOWED INTO THE EVENT AND YOU WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO WAIT AT THE GATE.
#2. Be Prepared
Don't be a 'Disorganized Danny'.
When you roll up to the playa, have your ticket and any applicable paperwork (copy of mutant vehicle registration, early arrival pass, etc.) in your hand. Not your friend's hands, not in your trunk, not in your friend named Hans's trunk. Be prepared to show your ticket to the Gate volunteer as soon as you hit the gravel (heck, get it ready in Gerlach!).
Your car will be searched at the Gate. If you can pack accordingly, it will make it easier on everyone, which means you get through faster. If you have a large vehicle or a lot of stuff, we appreciate it when you help us during the search! Read the Survival Guide and know what items are not allowed into BRC!
#3. Be Aware
Don't be an 'Uninformed Ursula'.
If you need to go to Will Call/Box Office: stay in the FAR RIGHT LANE on Gate Road and look for the entrance to the Will Call Lot. Go to Will Call/Box Office, get your tickets and then get in line. Everyone in your vehicle must have a ticket in hand when you reach the Gate or your entire car will be turned around! Do not add an hour (or more!) to your wait time. Don't get searched twice! Head to Will Call, get the tickets, and get in line - but don't get in line without all your tickets.
#4. Be Realistic
No one enjoys a 'Frustrated Ferguson'.
Thousands of people arrive in the first 18 hours of opening. If you arrive during these hours, expect a long wait at the Gate. If you want a smoother and faster entry, consider arriving after the initial rush. If you are going to arrive in the hours after opening, then plan to enjoy the wait. This is also true for Exodus - avoid leaving during the peak afternoon times on Sunday and Monday if you want your best chance at a shorter line. You have been warned!
#5. Be Patient
No one likes a 'Grumpy Gateperson', just like no one likes an 'Angry Allen' or 'Mean Mary'.
The Gate folks are VOLUNTEERS. They donate their time to help you get in to Black Rock City! If you're patient with them, they will be patient with you. Remember, no one likes a 'Dishonest Denise' or a 'Fencehopping Freddy'. Please, be patient, play nice and wait your turn. Cutting in line and running through fences not only makes you lame, it will guarantee that you get into the event a LOT later than you planned.
In-and-Out Passes
In-and-out passes are available at the gate for $20 per person. You must have your pass, and your ticket stub, to return to the event. If you need to leave to make a phone call or pick up some emergency sundries, we encourage you to use our Empire-Gerlach bus service.
Volunteer For The Gate
To find out more about volunteering for the gate, click
here. 
