RAVE SITE DIRECTOR RAVES ABOUT SAFETY

Alliant Energy Center Director Bill DiCarlo contends drugs like
Ecstasy are a societal problem, not a rave problem.

The raves - also called techno dances - hosted at the Alliant Center
have attracted a total attendance of more than 45,000 since 1994. The
events are promoted as being drug-free.

"When they arrive on the property they are given a handout that says
drugs are not allowed. And when they come inside they go through a
very thorough pat-down," DiCarlo says.

"They remove their shoes, take off hats to try to dissuade illegal
substances from coming in the building. You can't bring in Chapstick,
candy, pacifiers. There is a whole list.

"As a matter of fact, the list of what you can bring in is much
shorter than the list of things you can't bring in."

Admission to a rave/techno dance is $30 to $40. Those who attend
can't even bring in water. It's for sale at $2 a bottle. DiCarlo also
notes that there are water fountains in the building.

There is an ambulance stationed at the center during the dances, and
DiCarlo says it was not needed during the last rave in late April.

Other raves average two to four emergencies per show, similar to a
rock concert, he says.Rave attendance is limited to 3,000 people. No
one under 16 is allowed. And if someone leaves, he or she is not
allowed back in.

"We are taking extraordinary steps to provide a safe environment for
the young adults who want to enjoy this music in a drug-restrictive
atmosphere," DiCarlo says.

The next such dance is scheduled for June 9.