Kenny Rogers

Miranda Lambert

Brad Paisley

Amid rough times for the region and music industry, booming Stagecoach Country Music Festival adds third day for 2012
1999: The
first official Coachella draws about 25,000 fans. The event is peaceful but fails to turn a profit. earns a nationwide reputation. After a couple of years on the drawing board, its country-music partner, Stagecoach, is added. Its policies are tailored to the market, such as stoking up the barbecue foods, allowing lawn chairs, free admission for kids and expanded RV camping. Headliners: George Strait, Alan Jackson, Brooks & Dunn.

CASHING IN ON COUNTRY
2008: Stagecoach expands to three days to accommodate one of the biggest names in country rock The Eagles, at left. Other headliners: John Fogerty, Rascal Flatts, Tim McGraw, The Judds.
2005 2006 2007 2008 2009

2007: Coachella rock fest grows stronger and

2009: As the recession rocks

Americans disposable income, Stagecoach scales back to two days and adds a successful layaway plan. Soap opera stars are added to the bill, headlined by Kenny Chesney, at left. Other headliners: Brad Paisley, Reba McEntire, Kid Rock.

1999

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2001

2002

2003

2004

2010

2011

2012

2010: Organizers say they've established their market as the Inland region, Orange County and San Diego. Soap opera stars invited back. Layout changed to try to ease site nagivation. Headliners: Keith Urban, Toby Keith, Brooks & Dunn, at left, Sugarland.

Goldenvoice adds five acres to the festival site and 110,000 fans come out over two days for the most successful Stagecoach yet. Headliners: Kenny Chesney, Carrie Underwood, at left, Rascal Flatts.

2011: Festival promoter

2012: Organizers add a third day of music and set Stagecoach for April 27-29, after Goldenvoice wraps up twin Coachellas on April 13-15 and April 20-22. Headliners: Brad Paisley, Jason Aldean, Miranda Lambert, Blake Shelton, at left, Kenny Rogers.
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