Officials Have Plan For Grateful Dead 50 Crowding Issues

Tonight marks the second of three Fare Thee Well -Celebrating 50 Years Of Grateful Dead performances at Soldier Field in Chicago featuring Trey Anastasio, Phil Lesh, Bill Kreutzmann, Bruce Hornsby, Mickey Hart, Bob Weir and Jeff Chimenti. While last night’s show was a phenomenal success many attendees experienced overcrowding issues leaving the venue. A Soldier Field spokesman talked to DNAinfo about anti-crowding measures and more in place for the final two shows of the run.

[Photo by Chad Smith]

DNAinfo notes attendees can expect higher temperatures both tonight and tomorrow as compared to Friday. Spokesman Luca Serra told DNAinfo “CTA cooling buses will be available at both ends of the stadium” in case any concertgoers experience overheating or want to avoid the high temperatures for a few moments. The spokesman shares the important advice that those heading to Soldier Field should be sure to keep themselves hydrated.

Serra addressed those who experienced issues as they exited Soldier Field last night. “Our goal is to make everyone feel safe as best as possible. … Sometimes, with 70,000 people exiting the building all at once, there is difficulty,” the spokesman said. Serra explained to DNAinfo that “many people attempted to go to the east side of the Field Museum last night, creating overcrowding in that area, and that event officials will be directing more people to the west side of the Field Museum tonight to avoid that problem.” So bear the west side exit in mind when leaving the venue this evening if you’re attending the show.

If you’re not attending the show, here’s a handful of ways to share the experience from a far.

[Hat Tip –@TheDeadBlog]