We stood back-to-chest, shoulder-to-shoulder with thousands of others in a mob ---- there was no line, only a mob. In 5 hours standing in "line," we did not see one person in authority: no police, no volunteers, no security on the ground (only security atop buildings above our heads). No one provided information of any kind. There was zero crowd control, and no signs beyond the giant Purple gate itself. this was a dangerous situation, and it was only the positive spirit and good nature of most crowd members that prevented a dangerous riot or trampling.

Shame. What an utter failure, an embarrassment, a colossal screw-up. We left not only disappointed, but also infuriated at such a prominent display of incompetence.

Here's Gregg Levine. And Marcy.

Another story:

Shame on the police chief for boasting that every ticket holder got in. Thousands of us were crushed in a mob, stuck with no information and locked gates around 1st and C NW, right behind the Jones Day law firm office. Shame on the "organizers" for failing to organize anything at the Purple gate. Our tickets were rendered meaningless, and we never even came close to getting in.

A news accounts here and here. A NOLA blogger here.

Even an Obama staffer couldn't get in:

I'm an Obama staff member who survived the madness, and I didn't get in either. My friend and I left the line because we were afraid for our safety - the crowd started surging and actually picked me up off my feet and moved me. We were up by the gate - people were yelling ' watch out, there's a baby ahead, don't push' and the crowd wasn't listening. It was a dangerous, chaotic situation.

Such a disaster. My friend flew out from California to enjoy this event with me and we spent every hour from 7AM in a crush of bodies.