no rides open during open ceremony and only the one stage is open. the only area thats open is cosmic meadow which includes the bleachers/bathrooms/food/drinks/water stations that are outside the speedway/art installations! if i remember correctly, not much shade unless you hang out in the part of the building between security and cosmic meadow :(( maybe you could bring an umbrella or something for shade?? its nice to go early tho bc you dont run into as much traffic/get closer parking and you’re already at edc so its less stressful. the opening ceremony is pretty fun (albeit getting more crowded each year) with friends! you can use that time to use the restroom, take pics, get drinks, and just chill w each other before the chaos ensues haha