JAY-Z’s epic three-day residence at Yankee Stadium is the biggest story over the weekend. But a security breach during his final performance caused massive delays for fans attempting to enter the venue.
According to Eyewitness News (WABC-TV), “a large group breached security, pushing and shoving their way through checkpoints.” The commotion caused law enforcement to lock down the stadium.
JAY-Z took the stage to address the delay.
“New York City, what’s up? So, let me explain the delay to you guys,” JAY-Z said. “It was like 10,000 people outside. And they closed all the doors, then somebody rushed the door. They closed the door. But [for the sake of] you guys’ safety and everybody’s safety outside—there’s 10,000 people outside—I didn’t wanna start music, and people get trampled.”
During the peak of the lockdown, officials completely halted all entry and exit while working to resolve the situation. Around 10 p.m., fans were finally permitted inside through a slow, meticulous screening process. Heightened security measures continued all night, with officers posted at every gate. Even celebrities like LeBron James and A$AP Rocky were stranded outside. Consequently, the concert—originally set for 8 p.m.—was severely delayed, and JAY-Z did not take the stage until roughly 12:20 a.m.
In response to the extreme delay, Roc Nation and Yankee Stadium released a joint statement following the show.
”The Yankees, Roc Nation, and Live Nation express our deep gratitude to the NYPD and to Yankee Stadium security personnel for their leadership and direction throughout the evening, putting the welfare of attendees above all other considerations.”
When JAY-Z reached the stage, he was at his best. Guests included Beyoncé, Rihanna, Usher, Fat Joe, Jeezy, Pusha T, Pharrell, and Jadakiss.
Jay-Z’s highly anticipated, three-night summer residency at Yankee Stadium celebrated the 30th anniversary of Reasonable Doubt and the 25th anniversary of The Blueprint. Performing to consecutive venue-record crowds of over 45,000 people each night, JAY-Z dedicated each performance to a different era of his discography.
The first two nights went off flawlessly as a star-studded hometown celebration. Beyoncé, Blue Ivey, Nas, Slick Rick, Eminem, and Alicia Keys all hit the stage on the first night.