Industry News

UK venues in warning to ticket holders after Manchester attack

Ticket holders are being told to arrive early for major events in the UK as venues increase security measures in the wake of the bombing that claimed more than 20 lives at Manchester Arena on Monday.

The incident, which took place after a concert featuring US star Ariana Grande, has led to concerns over security at other events around the UK. The terror threat level has been raised to ‘critical’ following the attack, meaning that another incident could be imminent, and armed forces will be deployed to help the police.

Wembley Stadium is due to host football’s FA Cup final this weekend, as well as the Championship and League Two play-off finals, and a spokesperson for the English Football Association (FA) said venue staff will work with police and local authorities to help ensure the safety of fans.

Read: Live Nation offers condolences to those affected by the Manchester bombing

“Fan safety is of paramount importance and we have robust security measures in place at Wembley Stadium,” the spokesperson said, according to the Daily Mail newspaper.

“In collaboration with the Metropolitan Police and the local authorities there will be an enhanced security operation for all upcoming events.

“All supporters are encouraged to arrive for events at Wembley Stadium as early as possible for security checks and to avoid any delays in entering the stadium.”

Twickenham, which will host rugby union’s Premiership final on Saturday, is also set to increase security, although police in Cardiff have said that plans are currently unchanged for the Uefa Champions League football final, which will take place in the Welsh capital on June 3.

AEG told The Ticketing Business that it did not want to comment on its own security provision ahead of tonight’s Uefa Europa League final between Manchester United and Ajax at Stockholm’s Friends Arena.

Meanwhile, events and ticketing groups have seen their share prices affected by Monday’s terror attack. Live Nation, which is promoting Ariana Grande’s tour, saw its share price fall by 31 cents to $33.61 (€30.07/£25.90) on Tuesday and was flat today, while Madison Square Garden shares were down to $196.61.

Joe Reinartz, news editor at concert service Pollstar, told the New York Post that although venues will look at how they can increase security, there is only “so much that can be done” to prevent attacks.

Reinartz said: “The industry will look at more security and other concerns immediately. In the long run, only so much can be done.”