Jay-Z’s much-anticipated final show during his three-day stint at Yankee Stadium hit a snag due to prolonged delays. Fans reportedly breached security, causing the Bronx venue to go into lockdown, according to reports.
On Sunday night, crowds were left waiting outside the iconic home of the New York Yankees for over two hours, as law enforcement dealt with the security situation, WABC detailed.
Though the concert was scheduled for an 8 p.m. start, entry gates only reopened at about 10 p.m. The “99 Problems” rapper eventually made his entrance on stage at 12:15 a.m. Monday morning.
Among those unable to gain entry due to the chaos were celebrities like Charlamagne The God, A$AP Rocky, and Fabolous, reported Variety.
“We got here a bit after 8, headed to Gate 2, and watched as people forced their way through. They overwhelmed security, bypassing checks to enter the stadium,” said Rosalynn Glover, a fan who had traveled from Atlanta, as she recounted the experience to WABC. “They closed Gate 2, so we tried Gate 4, but it was the same situation.”
“We were at the suite section, they would not even let us in there.”
A group of unruly fans barged through the turnstiles and into the stadium, footage shared on TikTok shows.
Staffers in light blue polo shirts tried to stop the influx of fans from getting into the 46,543-seater stadium – but were unsuccessful.
Jay-Z, 56, apologized for the chaotic scenes when he took to the stage, the Hollywood Reporter reported.
“Let me explain the delay to you guys,” he said.
“It was like 10,000 people outside, and we closed all the doors, and somebody rushed the door. They closed the door for you guys’ safety and everyone’s safety outside.
“There’s 10,000 people outside; I don’t want to start the music and people get trampled. I’m really sorry for the inconvenience, but I had to make sure everyone was OK. I appreciate your patience.”
There was doubt over whether the concert would go ahead.
Fans booed loudly when an announcement informing them a decision over whether the concert would still go ahead was still being made, according to video filmed by WOIO reporter Ashly Holder.
Usher was a surprise guest on night three for a rendition of “Heart of the City (Ain’t No Love).”
The gig ended with a spectacular fireworks display that formed the Basquiat crown – Jean-Michel Basquiat’s famous motif, which has become a black pop culture symbol. Jay-Z paid $4.5 million for Basquiat’s 1982 painting Mecca in 2013.
Jay-Z headlined the stadium for three nights and his concerts mark the 30th anniversary of his album “Reasonable Doubt” and 25 years since he released “The Blueprint.”
On Friday, the “Empire State of Mind” star brought out his wife, Beyoncé, and their eldest child, Blue Ivy, for surprise performances.
During his performance of “Can’t Knock The Hustle,” Beyoncé took the stage to sing Mary J. Blige’s part of the song.
The longtime couple — who tied the knot in 2008 — shared a kiss before Beyoncé exited the stage.
Blue, 14, played the piano for his 1996 song “Feelin’ It.”
Jay-Z is set to play at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, England, on Sept. 4 and the Stade de France in Paris, France, on Sept. 10.
He will headline Sofi Stadium in Inglewood, California, on Oct. 23.