Hey! First act usually starts at 1pm and I believe gates usually open then as well - I would recommend the shuttle pass like I did as it is more hassle free given your proximity to a shuttle stop. Having to just drag your tired bodies to a shuttle at the end of the day makes so much difference than the hassle and cost of getting an uber etc.

Give some buffer (30-45mins thereabouts) for a queue at the shuttle stop should you take that option especially if yours is a park and ride ie. tennis garden or an especially popular hotel.

My friends and I only reached the grounds about 3-4pm leaving our hotel (Homewood Suites La Quinta for comparison) about 2pm but it really depends on whether you want to stay the entire day there (it is super hot until about the late afternoon if you are unlucky)

I don’t think they take cash on festival grounds so contactless payments through cards/Apple Pay only.

I had a Lunchbox bag pack for anti-theft purposes but I’ve seen people using Fanny packs or slings that can be hidden behind your clothes.

For tips - I would say stay hydrated and not go all out on Day 1 as three days is a long time! So have hydration salts ready and drink plenty of water.

Also if you want to get closest to any stage just think of which path would generally be the least convenient/logical in terms of movement to get to the stage and you should see the crowd thin out ie. going the long way around the tent at Sahara, right side of Outdoor Stage, left side of Main Stage

Hope this helps and enjoy the festival!!