Stadium owner boosts security
The owner of Wild Things Park said Tuesday he will greatly increase security measures for an upcoming concert, in response to a deadly suicide bombing at a concert in England Monday night.
Stu Williams said in a news release that security for the June 10 Rick Ross hip-hop concert will be tripled, and dozens of metal detectors will be installed at entrances to the North Franklin Township venue. Williams said concert planners are working closely with local law enforcement groups for the additional protection.
The increased security measures are a response to a concert in Manchester, England, in which 22 were killed and more than 50 injured in a terrorist attack carried out by a suicide bomber.
British authorities said the bombing, which occurred while people were leaving a venue after an Ariana Grande concert, was the deadliest terror attack on British soil in more than a decade.
Greater Manchester police announced Tuesday they had arrested a 23-year-old man in the south of the city in connection with the attack.
According to Williams, organizers of next month’s event at the local stadium are taking no chances as they plan for the safety of thousands of young people who are expected to attend the concert featuring Ross, Lil Uzi Vert and other artists. More than 5,000 people attend the annual hip-hop concert.
Williams, who said more than 1,000 people have already bought tickets for the event, said he was taking the extra precautions for the safety of those attending.
“The health and well-being of those attending the upcoming concert is our number one priority,” he said in a statement. “We are taking every step possible to provide the highest degree of safety and state-of-the-art security to ensure a fun and exciting night.”
Williams, an attorney, has organized a variety of events and concerts at the stadium since its opening in 2002.