MADISON, Wis., Saturday
Coldplay brought its vibrant sound to Camp Randall Stadium, marking the venue’s second major concert in nearly three decades. Thousands of fans from across the Midwest flocked to the stadium, eager to experience the global band live.
For many, attending the concert was a long-held dream. “She asked me, ‘If you could go to any concert, what would it be?’ And I said, ‘Coldplay,’” one concertgoer shared. “Within a week, she found out they were coming to Madison.”
By late afternoon, the streets surrounding Camp Randall buzzed with activity. Fans arrived early, transforming the pre-show hours into a full-day experience. Kerry Fischer and her friend journeyed from Sussex, Wisconsin, setting up a spontaneous tailgate on the sidewalk after facing difficulties finding parking. “We saw a parking spot, pulled over, and there was a nice little spot to pull out our chairs — and we made a little tailgate on the sidewalk,” Fischer explained.
Parking costs were a point of surprise for some attendees, with homeowners charging up to $100 for driveway spots. Alessandro Fredrickson, who traveled from Chicago with his father, Ken, noted the steep prices. “They’re charging people like $60 to $100 just to park on grass,” Fredrickson said. Ken added, “Kind of last minute. Yeah, they weren’t inexpensive by any stretch of the imagination.”
Despite the logistical hurdles, the excitement for Coldplay’s performance was palpable. “We’re really big Coldplay fans,” Alessandro expressed. “Like we’ve been having dance parties in the house.” His favorite track is “A Sky Full of Stars,” which he is learning to play on piano.
The music resonated deeply with many, evoking strong emotional responses. Fischer shared her anticipation for “Fix You,” calling it one of her favorites. “I’m already anticipating crying during that one. And ‘A Sky Full of Stars’ — that’s kind of always been our song. I’m a mom of three boys, and they love that song.” Her friend echoed this sentiment, recalling how the song was her daughter’s senior choir ballad. “Every time I hear it, it’s that ‘hair standing up on your arms’ kind of moment. That’s when I really fell in love with Coldplay.”
Securing tickets involved a significant effort, with Fischer and her friend spending hours in the online queue. “We heard about it through social media,” Fischer said. “Coldplay had posted they were coming, and we got online the very first day. We didn’t think we’d get tickets, but finally, we got in. And here we are.”
The concert was a standout event for even those who don’t frequently attend live shows. “I haven’t been to one in a long time,” Fischer’s friend remarked, mentioning a Jimmy Buffett concert years ago. “But this year I said, ‘I want to do more live entertainment.’ So this is what we’re doing.” The evening was a blend of street tailgates, drive-up dinners, shared dance parties, and tear-jerking ballads, highlighting that Coldplay’s Madison stop offered more than just music.
Nearby kids cash in with Coldplay crowd
As Coldplay fans filled the streets around Camp Randall, three young entrepreneurs, Cam, Zac, and Colby, set up a lemonade stand across from the stadium. Teammates on a local baseball team, they aimed to raise funds for their end-of-season party.
Business was slower compared to game days. “It’s a little less friendly with the concert,” one of them observed. “People are rushing to get in, and there’s a lot more cars.” Despite the initial challenges, the trio remained optimistic, emphasizing the importance of customer engagement. “Always be enthusiastic to the customers and be friendly,” one advised. “Even if you don’t get it in the first few hours, keep going. Because it picked up closer to start time.” When asked about the band, one boy admitted, “I never knew who they were before this. I think they’re like an eighties or nineties band.”
