VIPs Not Free At Ozzfest

Despite its unofficial billing as "Freefest" and its free ticket distribution system online, Ozzfest will still come at a price this year – at least for those expecting the VIP treatment.

Packages for premium seats and access recently were announced at the Ozzfest Web site, starting at $300 per person plus services charges. Packages include a top tier "platinum" that is limited to 10 via auction.

The vast bulk of tickets to Ozzfest will be free as advertised, but it was made clear from the kickoff press conference onward that sponsorships alone wouldn’t be the fest’s source of cash.

With VIP packages and ticket auctions becoming more common for major shows, Sharon and Ozzy Osbourne are just the latest to make use of an increasingly popular revenue stream. And in this case, to generate some cash for Sharon Osbourne’s cancer charity.

Of the three VIP tiers, the "Party Like A Rockstar" package is the lowest-priced at $300. Included is preferred pavilion seating (in the general admission pit or in the first few rows of seats), access to a second stage VIP viewing platform, access to the VIP area, a "behind the scenes" tour, and a "VIP host on hand to help you rock harder than you have ever rocked before."

For $666, fans can get the same treatment plus an onstage seat during Ozzy’s set with the "I’m Part of the Show" package.

With the auction-only platinum package, 10 fans can get all that plus a meet-and-greet with Ozzy and his band, and a certificate signed by Sharon for contributing to the Sharon Osbourne Colon Cancer Program at Cedars-Sinai Hospital in Los Angeles.

The minimum bid for the platinum package is $1,000.

More information about the VIP plans and platinum auction can be found at Ozzfest.com.