Photo credit: Jose Francisco Del Valle Mojica / CC from 2.0
A three-piece rock concert in Saratoga, New York was canceled due to a bomb threat before Noel Gallagher took the stage.
The performance at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC) on Saturday night was canceled due to the threat and the audience was asked to leave the room. Police at the site issued a statement on Sunday morning about the incident.
“New York State Park Police, New York State Police, City of Saratoga Springs Police, Troy Police and the Saratoga Co. Sheriff’s Department responded to a bomb threat at SPAC Saturday,” the statement begins. “As a precaution, the concert was suspended at 9:40 p.m. and the concert-goers were evacuated without incident. K9s searched the venue after audience exit with negative results.” The closure and evacuation came just as headliner Noel Gallagher was due to take the stage.
On Sunday evening, SPAC chief Elizabeth Sobol released a statement on the bomb threat. “The safety of our guests, employees and artists is our top priority. We are grateful for the collaboration between the 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 safety procedures at our venue. After the all-clear was given last night, tonight’s show will continue as planned.”
Information on refunds for those affected by the cancellation was not immediately available. The organizer Live Nation has not dealt with the evacuation. Metric and Garbage went through with their sets as planned, however concertgoers were told the show was not going ahead due to “circumstances beyond our control.” We ask that you proceed calmly and 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 must evacuate the venue. We ask that you proceed calmly to the nearest exit. Please follow the instructions of the staff and the police. To ensure everyone’s safety, we ask you not to rush or to urge. Thank you for your cooperation.” According to Jim Shahen, a journalist for the Saratoga Times Union, the bands’ tour buses could be seen immediately exiting the venue.
Another writer says LiveNation security forces at the scene pushed people out of the building.