ONE Million people will have seen Bruce Springsteen play in Ireland by the time he takes to the stage at Croke Park on May 19.
The phenomenal figure was announced today as organisers and Gardai outlined the safety and security arrangements for the gig, with gates opening at 5pm for a show that starts at 7pm with no support act.
“The Boss” will also play three sold-out nights in Belfast, Kilkenny and Cork between the 9th and 16th of May and people are being reminded to check they have the right tickets for the right gig.
The 74-year-old American rock star and his E Street Band have been performing concerts in Ireland for nearly 40 years, playing his debut Irish concert in front of nearly 95,000 people at Slane Castle in Co Meath on June 3rd, 1985, and promoter Peter Aiken says Springsteen’s Irish fans are among the youngest in the world.
“I think young people listen to him with their parents. They are in the car and then eventually they do like it. I said that to my kids when they were listening to Bob Dylan, that one day you will like it, and they do now. There are people my age at the concerts but there’s a lot of young people who go too, it’s great. It’s just the way we are here. It will be amazing.”
Early queuing will not be permitted in the streets around Croke Park and concert-goers are also being warned about the dangers of unofficial ticket sources and tour operators and that the only official reseller is Ticketmaster.
Residents around Croke Park raised issues about outdoor toilets being put in place for the concert and and met with officials in recent weeks to voice their concern.
Croke Park Stadium Director Peter McKenna says there will be a hotline available to residents on the night and, “a big concert like this is great for the city but it’s very important to stress to fans when they come up to the (concert) that they are coming into a local area and to show respect to the local community. We’re really looking forward to seeing one of the greatest acts. He is starting at seven o’clock, there’s no back-up. The man, I don’t know where he gets his energy from, but he’ll give it everything, that’s for sure. So it will be a great night for all those who are here.”
Shane Mates, head of operations at Aiken Promotions, said Springsteen and his band will play for around three hours.
More tips from Aiken Promotions for those heading to see Bruce Springsteen include:
- Please make sure your phone is fully charged before you leave the house.
- Please allow yourself plenty of time to get to the venue so as to get in well before the start of the show.
- Please check your tickets in advance for entrance, routes etc.
- Please remember to download your tickets from your Ticketmaster account to your iPhone wallet / Google Pay wallet in advance of show day. Screenshots or printouts of digital tickets will not be accepted. Do not wait until you arrive at the venue.
- If you have any queries regarding your tickets, please contact Ticketmaster via MYACCOUNT help section and they will be able to assist you.
- No Under 14s will be allowed entry to the standing/pitch area and will only be permitted in seating areas and all under 16s must be accompanied by a person 18+
- This is an outdoor event and Ireland has its fair share of rain and cool wind, so please watch the weather forecast prior to the show day and dress accordingly.
- Do not bring a bag unless it is absolutely necessary. People without bags will be fast-tracked. If you must bring a bag it needs to be less than A4 size. Bags under A4 size will be subject to a search which will result in queueing. NO bags larger than A4 size will be allowed into the venue, nor will you be allowed to leave them unattended anywhere in or near the venue so please adhere to the above advice.
- When leaving Croke Park please take your time, please walk slowly. Please remember to protect the privacy of the residents and respect the local community when arriving at and leaving Croke Park.
- An Garda Siochana will have a traffic management plan in operation. For full details please visit www.garda.ie.
- Croke Park is well served by public transport. Bus, Rail, DART and LUAS transport options can all bring you within walking distance of the venue. Plan your journey online from anywhere in Ireland to the venue via www.transportforireland.ie
- We strongly advise you to plan your journey in advance allowing yourself sufficient travel time to and from Croke Park. Plan your route in advance on www.transportforireland.ie and check the AA Roadwatch website for reports on traffic, road works, delays on your route www.theaa.ie
- There is no parking available on the streets in the immediate vicinity of Croke Park. Croke Park is situated in a residential area with resident only parking. The area will be monitored by Dublin City Council’s Parking Enforcement and illegally parked cars will be clamped or towed away. We would strongly encourage concert goers to use public transport.
- The FAQs list prohibited items. In particular NO SEATING OF ANY KIND OR UMBRELLAS WILL BE ADMITTED.
- For more answers to frequently asked questions click this QR code
- Keep an eye on these sites for more information
www.facebook.com/aikenpromotions
www.twitter.com/aikenpromotions
www.instagram.com/aikenpromotions
