Rock in Rio a financial success despite national crisis

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Rock in Rio is one of the largest music festivals in the world. The festival began in 1985, and mixes music and business like no other.

Tickets to watch rock legends, such as the iconic Alice Cooper, cost 140 US dollars. They were sold out in April, despite Brazil's economic crisis.

For music and party lovers, Rock in Rio can seem like Disneyland. It's a playground with a star-filled, musical line-up performing to a crowd of thousands.

The mega festival takes place at the 2016 Olympic Games main venue, Olympic Park. It has been transformed into a 300,000-square meter arena.

Fans of the Brazilian band Blitz attend a concert at the Rock in Rio festival in the Olympic Park, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on September 16, 2017. /AFP Photo

Rock in Rio has taken on the look and the feel of a theme park, but most fans seem to love it. For some, it is a once in a lifetime experience. It's also a big business. More than 700 products have been licensed for the festival and are being sold quickly. That's good news for cash-strapped Brazilians.

The world's biggest companies are also sponsoring the festival, with new virtual reality gaming and a super stage. It offers festival-goers the chance to be a star, even if just for a moment.

This year showcased 1,500 artists. Rock in Rio organizers have said it's a new business model and a commercial success.

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