Concert goers encouraged to move swiftly as show set-up begins

Concert goers encouraged to move swiftly as show set-up begins

31/10/2018

Fans attending the Taylor Swift Reputation Stadium Tour are being encouraged to plan ahead and make use of free public transport for next Tuesday’s concert at The Gabba.

The first production trucks began arriving at the venue ahead of set-up for the concert.

The Gabba Manager Blair Conaghan said with such a big crowd headed to the venue, it was vital for concert goers, local residents and motorists to plan ahead.

“Taylor is one of the best-selling musicians of all time and the reaction to this concert overseas and interstate has been phenomenal, so we couldn’t be more excited to host her at The Gabba,” Mr Conaghan said.

“It’s a huge volume of people to shift in and out, so we’ve worked with Brisbane City Council and TransLink to develop a thorough Transport Management Plan, to help us do that safely and efficiently,” he said.

“We’re encouraging concert goers to get to The Gabba well before the scheduled 7:00pm start time, and make use of the free public transport included in their ticket.

“Gates open at 5:30pm with New Zealand indie-pop duo Broods and dance pop sensation Charli XCX supporting, and plenty of food and drink, so I encourage fans to get here early and enjoy all that’s on offer.

“We’ll also have changes to traffic conditions around The Gabba on the day of the concert and in the lead-up as production trucks arrive, so we ask residents to be patient and prepare for any changes to their usual route.

“We’d encourage fans, local residents and motorists who frequent the area to jump on The Gabba website to see how changes may affect them.”

Head of TransLink Matthew Longland said public transport would be the best option to get to and from the concert, with ticket holders able to travel free.

Concert goers will be able to catch dedicated shuttle services every few minutes between 4.30 and 8.30pm in the city and 4.30pm to 8.10pm from Carindale, Eight Mile Plains and Chermside.

Shuttle bus services will also run from The Gabba for an hour after the concert, linking with 17 extra trains running from Central Station.

“TransLink has worked with Brisbane City Council and Queensland Rail to ensure there will be plenty of services to get everyone to and from the concert safely,” Mr Longland said.

“We’re encouraging concert-goers to use our journey planner to plan ahead, to ensure they get to the concert with plenty of time, and know how they’re getting home.”

Deputy Mayor Adrian Schrinner encouraged concert-goers to plan ahead and ditch the car in favour of free public transport, with rolling road closures commencing from 9am.

“Getting the message out to fans was vital to the success of the Adele concerts, with crowds arriving early and leaving The Gabba within 75 minutes of the concert ending,” Cr Schrinner said.

“Planning for the Taylor Swift concert has been a team effort, with The Gabba, TransLink and Council ready to move crowds to and from the venue quickly and safely, with close to 150 extra buses on standby for the event.

“Road users will see lanes closed from as early as 9am on event day, as well as 15-minute parking and drop off zones in local streets, so it’s important residents and motorists plan ahead and pay attention to the updated signage.”

Limited tickets available through ticketmaster.com.au.

For concert information, including information for residents visit www.thegabba.com.au.

For information about event day parking restrictions in The Gabba Traffic Area, visit www.brisbane.qld.gov.au and search ‘Gabba Traffic Area’.

For public transport information, visit the TransLink website at www.translink.com.au or contact the call centre on 13 12 30.