U2 concert-goers get an early start at the Rose Bowl
Crowds began gathering as early at 4 this morning at Rose Bowl Stadium, where nearly 100,000 people were expected for tonight's sold-out U2 concert.
About 1,600 people with general admission tickets were in line to snatch up good spots on the stadium floor when gates open at about 5 p.m. Concert-goers were reading magazines, watching streaming U2 videos and playing games.
Randy Madden, a musician from Moorpark, was in line at about 4 a.m.
“I knew it would be absolute chaos,” said Madden. “I just wanted to make sure I got here early.”
Heavy traffic is expected before and after the event, and Pasadena police are urging residents in surrounding neighborhoods to get home early to avoid getting caught in backups. Concert-goers are advised to carpool or take public transportation to the Rose Bowl.
Pasadena Police Cpl. Julie Finney said concert-goers should arrive in the area by about 4 p.m. so they have ample time to walk to the stadium.
“They need to leave a little bit earlier," Finney said, "and they can come here and enjoy the festivities.”
The Rose Bowl will be open at noon for a “Picnic in the Park” event, with food and drinks available for purchase.
Finney said before noon that parking spaces were still available, but they're expected to fill up in the afternoon.
Click here for information about special late-night Metro service.
--Anna Gorman
Irfan Khan reporting from Rose Bowl Stadium
Photo: Kevin Gray, 40, of Rancho Cucamonga shows off his car license plates while waiting in line to attend the U2 concert at the Rose Bowl. Credit: Irfan Khan / Los Angeles Times
I camped out for the U2 concert in Atlanta, it's a blast! You spend all day with fellow U2 fans then end the night with the best concert EVER! I wish i was there! Hope they all have the time of their lives !
Posted by: Robert | October 25, 2009 at 01:16 PM
Sounds like fun except for the waiting all day long then watching the most pretentious band ever..
besides that.. a blast!
Posted by: Ken | October 25, 2009 at 03:04 PM
Jesus is alive! I hope U2 are genuine Christians.
Posted by: Joshua | October 25, 2009 at 05:46 PM
JESUS LIVES!
Posted by: Joel | October 25, 2009 at 05:47 PM