A three-act rock concert in Saratoga, NY, was canceled before Noel Gallagher took the stage due to a bomb threat.
The performance at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC) was canceled on Saturday night following the threat, with the audience asked to exit. Police for the grounds issued a statement on Sunday morning concerning the incident.
“New York State Park Police, New York State Police, City of Saratoga Springs Police, Troy Police, and Saratoga Co. Sheriff’s Department responded to a bomb threat at SPAC on Saturday,” the statement begins. “Out of an abundance of caution, the concert was suspended at 9:40 pm, and concert attendees were evacuated without incident. K9s completed a sweep of the venue after the crowd exited, with negative results.” The shutdown and evacuation happened right as headliner Noel Gallagher was due to take the stage.
On Sunday night, SPAC CEO Elizabeth Sobol released a statement addressing the bomb threat. “The safety and security of our guests, staff, and performers is our utmost priority. We are grateful for the collaborative effort among Live Nation staff and the State Park Police, State Police, county and city police, and sheriff teams for their professionalism, vigilance, and continued attention to security measures at our venue. After giving the all clear last night, today’s show will continue as planned.”
Information about refunds for those impacted by the cancellation was not immediately available. Promoter Live Nation has not addressed the evacuation. Metric and Garbage played through their sets as planned, but concertgoers were told due to “circumstances beyond our control, the show will not continue. We ask that you please move calmly, safely to the nearest main gate exit.”
A projected message on the screen addressed the crowd with a more urgent message. “ATTENTION! At this time, we will need to evacuate the venue. We ask that you calmly proceed to the nearest exit. Please follow the directions of staff and police officers. For the safety of everyone, please do not rush or push. Thank you for your cooperation.” According to Jim Shahen, a journalist for the Saratoga Times Union, the bands’ tour buses could be seen departing the venue immediately.
Another writer says LiveNation security guards on scene were pushing people away from the building.