Fans warned on security for Ariana Grande concerts
SECURITY will be ramped up at US singer Ariana Grande’s three Dublin concerts in September.
Two years ago, 22 people, many of them teenagers, were killed by a suicide bomber at one of her UK shows.
Salman Abedi (23) detonated a bomb inside a rucksack shortly after Grande finished a gig at the Manchester Arena on May 22, 2017.
One of his victims was just eight years old.
Earlier this week, his brother, Hashem Abedi (22), was extradited from Libya to face charges in the UK relating to the attack.
He later appeared at a court in London where he denied any involvement in the horrific attack.
Grande kicked off her ‘Sweetener’ world tour in New York last March and every effort is being made to ensure fans at her concerts feel as safe as possible.
Consequently the 3Arena has issued an advisory calling on all fans to take extra precautions at the three scheduled Dublin gigs.
Each ticket holder will be allowed to carry only one plastic bag, which must be 100pc clear and must measure no more than 12in x 6in.
Attendees also have the option of using a one-gallon, clear, resealable plastic Ziploc bag.
If anyone has a medically necessary item, it will be allowed into the arena only after a thorough inspection by security staff.
No cameras or recording devices will be permitted, except for camera phones.
The 3Arena said that while fans are encouraged to bring their own plastic bag, they can also buy any of the three official see-through ‘Sweetener’ world tour bags for €7.13 available at the gigs.
Grande, who is one of the biggest stars in the world, sold out her first two Dublin gigs – on September 22 and 23 – within minutes of tickets going on sale.
A third date was then added, on September 25, although only a handful of tickets remain.
For those with deep pockets, VIP packages start at €281 and go up to €406 for premium tickets.
Grande spoke recently about the new measures being imposed for her gigs and thanked fans for their co-operation.
“We’re sending out emails soon encouraging you to order a clear bag to bring your things into the venues as security is going to be very precise and smooth but for sure super strict,” she said.