No satisfaction: Stones yet to sell out
WITH just two days to go until one of the biggest gigs of the summer season, the Rolling Stones’ date in Croke Park has yet to sell out.
More than 70,000 fans will descend on the home of the GAA on Thursday as the legendary rockers open the European leg of their tour in Dublin.
However, Aiken Promotions event controller Jim Clarke said yesterday that tickets were still available.
Previous performers who have sold out Croke Park, such as U2 in 2017 and Ed Sheeran in 2015, had audiences of 80,000. But it is understood the capacity is different for each act, depending on staging.
“There are not very many tickets available,” said Mr Clarke.
“The nature of the stage here requires a number of areas to be kept from sale. Rather than open seats, which would potentially cause sight-line problems, those are all closed off.
“Anyone buying a ticket should have a tremendous view of the stage. There are lots of areas where there may be some seats available and the Ticketmaster website will tell you exactly where they are available,” he added.
The doors of Croke Park will open at 5pm and concert-goers are advised that early queuing on the streets around the stadium is not permitted.
The opening act, The Academic, will be on stage at 7pm.
Terror attacks at concerts have become a concern in recent years but organisers insisted the stadium will be secure.
“We have a robust police presence in the stadium. We have different components of our plan that will address any risks that might be present,” said Inspector Tony Gallagher of Mountjoy Garda Station.
Fans are being warned that there are strict rules for what they can and cannot bring into the stadium and everyone is encouraged to carry only the essentials with them. Only small A5-size bags will be allowed inside the venue. “One of the major changes is the size of the bag you can bring. Nothing bigger than what we would term A5. Half an A4 sheet. It’s quite small, a small novel,” said Mr Clarke. “Enough to bring the essentials of life. Telephone, credit cards, money.”
Music fans are also strongly advised to use public transport to get to Croke Park if possible.
Under-16s attending the concert must be accompanied by a parent or guardian while under-14s are not allowed on the pitch under any circumstances.
Mr Clarke said that all going to plan, the concert would be a night to remember for all.
“The big picture is that the Rolling Stones are coming to Dublin and it is going to be a tremendous night. We are looking forward to a great night here at Croke Park,” he added.
Mick Jagger, Ronnie Wood, Keith Richards and Charlie Watts touched down at Dublin Airport on Sunday.
Jagger was spotted later at the Ireland-Pakistan cricket match in Malahide.