Travis Scott Concert Postponed, Causes Traffic Chaos near PNC Arena
RALEIGH, N.C. – Friday night marked the start of a chaotic traffic situation near PNC Arena as the second night of the State Fair collided with a highly-anticipated Travis Scott concert. Roads were gridlocked, crowds grew restless, and tensions ran high. However, Saturday’s traffic nightmare came to a sudden halt when PNC Arena announced the postponement of Travis Scott’s show scheduled for that night.
No specific reason was provided for the sudden change of plans, but PNC Arena assured fans that their tickets would still be valid for the yet-to-be-announced rescheduled date. The announcement left concert-goers disappointed but hopeful for the chance to experience the rapturous energy of the renowned rapper.
“I accidentally turned into the fair parking lot but it was all good after that,” shared Dylan Coulillard, who drove all the way from Clayton in anticipation of the concert. Despite the initial confusion, Coulillard, like many others, managed to redirect himself and make the most of the situation.
However, the overwhelming crowd of concert enthusiasts and fairgoers was certainly hard to ignore. Lines stretched for what seemed like miles, weaving their way around the entrance of PNC Arena, as thousands eagerly awaited the venue’s doors to open. Kas Rosen and Patrick Byrne made a long journey from Richmond, only to realize upon their arrival in Raleigh that the Travis Scott concert was not the only event causing the commotion.
“We saw the Ferris Wheel on the drive,” Rosen explained. “We knew that traffic afterward was going to be terrible, but we’ll deal with it.”
Unfortunately, Rosen’s prediction came true. Tens of thousands of people flocked to the area, resulting in a crawling traffic situation on Hillsborough Street and Blue Ridge Road. However, the Department of Transportation (DOT) took quick action to alleviate the congestion in West Raleigh. Full access in both directions of Hillsborough Street from I-440 to the new Blue Ridge Connector was opened, providing some relief for frustrated drivers. Additionally, the Wade Avenue merge on I-440 saw changes as well, with the DOT urging motorists to carefully follow new signs and directions from law enforcement officials.
For those planning to visit the fair on Saturday, park-and-ride shuttles were made available as an alternative to driving. Despite the inevitable inconvenience, fairgoers like Deanna Bradshaw and her cousin from Burlington managed to make it to the event with a positive attitude.
“It was a little bit of a hike, but it was alright,” Bradshaw said, smiling. “Traffic was congested, but we made it.”
As fans eagerly await the rescheduled date, local authorities and transportation officials will continue to work towards minimizing traffic issues and ensuring a smooth flow of events in the Raleigh area. In the meantime, concert-goers are advised to hold on to their tickets and stay tuned for updates regarding the new date for Travis Scott’s highly-anticipated performance near PNC Arena.