GEORGE, Wash. — Many people who attended The Lumineers concert at the Gorge Amphitheater Friday night were frustrated when security check-ins caused massive headaches due to traffic backups.
Concertgoers took to social media saying they had to wait in line for hours in order to get in.
“The traffic into the venue was 3.5+ hours to go 7.7 miles! What is up with THAT, Gorge Amphitheater? Trying to make the best of it!,” one concertgoer said on Facebook.
Some people missed the concert altogether.
“We missed the entire concert. We didn’t move for over three hours and still weren’t close to the parking lot. Really disappointed,” another person commented on Facebook.
We spoke to Shelly Stoddard who drove from Spokane to the concert.
“It was horrible! We had no food, we had no water,” said Stoddard.
The increased security checks are a new addition after the deadly mass shooting that happened during the Beyond Wonderland music festival earlier this summer.
Since the backup, the Grant County Sheriff issued an apology saying they would review the security plan.
“Clearly, trying to move that many vehicles both in and out of the area simultaneously was not a good idea. Live Nation’s stronger security measures at the campground entrance added to the delays,” said Sheriff Joe Kriete. “This week, we will review plans with Live Nation and Grant County Public Works to ensure this problem doesn’t happen again.”
On Monday, the Gorge announced that it would be handing out full refunds to any ticketholders for the Lumineers who missed any part of the performance.
“We are committed to ensuring fans visiting The Gorge Amphitheatre have a great experience and that was not the case on Friday,” they said in a written statement. “Refunds will be processed to purchasers by Ticketmaster within the next five business days.”
However, Stoddard said she won’t be going back.
“We have been many times and like we, we’re done,” said Stoddard.
This is a developing story. Check for updates.
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