Thousands brave heat for Warped Tour

Despite the scorching-hot temperatures on Wednesday, thousands of fans turned out for the Vans Warped Tour in Las Cruces.

It was the 11th year for the concert held at New Mexico State University.

Fans crowded the 10 stages where 80 bands played music throughout the day.

“Every single year it’s a totally different experience. Every single year I keep coming back,” said Billy Tapia, who drove down from Albuquerque for his fourth Warped Tour.

“Exciting. I’m already losing my voice from screaming so much. It’s been really good,” said another concert goer from Albuquerque.

Five local bands got the opportunity of a lifetime: playing on one of the stages at the concert.

The Pinsetters from El Paso told ABC-7 it was a dream come true.

“Just seeing all the people and all the bands, usually when we play a show in El Paso it’s about 15, 20, 30 people tops. Here you got thousands. It’s a great opportunity to get our name out there and get more fans,” said lead singer Eamon Donahue.

To keep cool, fans took advantage of the slip and slide and water stations. Many grabbed any spot of shade they could.

“I think this is the second or third year they have the refill station. That helps so much. I bought one of those camelbacks and (I’ve been) constantly drinking. Every second in the shade is a second of relief,” said Tapia.

At the end of the day when fans go home sweaty and exhausted, they say it’s all worth it.