Kenny Chesney 2016: Fans Flock To Heinz Field For Music, Tailgating
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- People flocked to Heinz Field on Saturday to see country singer Kenny Chesney.
Tailgaters got to work early, packing the parking lot and enjoying the hours leading up to the concert.
Tailgaters are out in full force for #KennyChesney here in #Pittsburgh... @CBSPittsburgh #KDKA pic.twitter.com/E6TWjmQUkw
— Amy Wadas (@AmyWadas) July 2, 2016
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Many were seen enjoying food, games and plenty of cold drinks. Boats were lined up along the river.
"It's my first time country concert outside and Kenny Chesney," Andrew Leclair of State College said.
That's not the case for others.
"My sixth Kenny Chesney concert it's been the best experience ever. It's the main concert we always choose to go to," Laura Hytla of Pittsburgh.
While fans were singing some of their favorite Kenny Chesney songs, others were trying to learn how to appreciate country music.
"I'm actually not a country fan at all, but they brought me in, I'm gonna experience it, hoping I'm gonna like it and I'll be back again probably," Mike Marasco of Plum said.
Those who entered the parking lots surrounding Heinz Field were given trash bags, a gesture meant to encourage people to pick up after themselves.
Ha! #PIGSburgh this is wild... #ChesneyTailgate @NewsNatasha @meganguzaTrib @MaxSiegelbaum pic.twitter.com/bccDYJoIR1
— Pump Jack (@spinal_tapp) July 2, 2016
"I feel like it's just as bad as ever. I hate that but at the same time you're always walking on garbage, it shouldn't be like that but it is," Hytla said.
While the tailgating went mostly smoothly, state police say 36 citations were issued for underage drinking in the Heinz Field parking lots. Three people were detained for possession of drug paraphernalia.
Additionally, by 9:15 p.m., police said there were 25 people transported from the scene due to intoxication. Inside the venue, there were two reports of violent trespass, one intoxication arrest, one robbery of tickets and two assaults.
One officer suffered an injury to his hand while breaking up a fight.
Chesney was set to take the stage just after 8 p.m. After the concert ends, fans will have one hour before they must clear the parking lot.
Saturday's concert is just one part of a series of events taking place Downtown over the holiday weekend.
This is a developing story, stay with KDKA and KDKA.com for more information.
