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U2 Kicking Off Summer Concert Season At Heinz Field

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- Let the summer concert season begin! The stage is in place and Heinz Field will be rocking to U2's Joshua Tree tour Wednesday night.

KDKA's John Shumway Reports:

But there are a few things fans need to know:

  • General admission seating on the floor is first come, first serve with entry through Gate 6 on Reedsdale street only. Line up for entry begins at noon.
  • The NFL clear bag policy is in effect. Only small clutch purses will be allowed. Maximum size of a clear bag is roughly the size of a gallon storage bag.
  • Fans with paperless tickets must bring: The credit card used to purchase the ticket and a driver's license matching the credit card.
  • Parking lots and ticket windows open at 3pm
  • Gates open at 5 p.m.
  • Music begins with the Lumineers between 6:30 and 7:30 p.m. U2 is expected on stage approximately 9 p.m.-ish.

Heinz Field Corporate Communications Manager Nick Sero tells the "KDKA Morning News" bringing your credit card and a valid ID are necessary to keep people safe from fraud.

"This is a Ticketmaster and Live Nation features that is helping safeguard fans from getting counterfeit tickets. You need to bring the credit card used to purchase the ticket plus a valid ID with the same name that's on the credit card. Instead of them scanning your ticket, they're just going to take your credit card, slide it through their fancy machine and you're in," says Sero.

Sero adds if your credit card has expired since you purchased the ticket, the updated card with a new expiration, "you should be okay."

The new ticketing system and tight security could mean delays in getting into Heinz Field, so fans are encouraged to arrive early.

KDKA's Kym Gable talked to the owner of the trucking company that hauls the staging equipment for the band. Michael Scherkenbach, of Shomotion, said Pittsburgh's concert venue is unique.

KDKA's Kym Gable Reports:

"It's rare to have a stadium that's in walking distance from Downtown, which I think creates more of a hometown feel," he said.

Several fans were seen walking around Heinz Field Tuesday night. Many, including Susan Perry and Jim Richardson from Toronto, Canada, weren't aware that concert-goers can't actually line up until noon on Wednesday, the day of the show.

"We were trying to get answers on the wristband policy, line-up, and when it's going to start. Check everything out and get the vibe," said Perry.

Richardson said they have only one goal: "Get as close to the stage as possible!"

Officially, here is the list from the Heinz Field website of what you can't bring to the concert:

• Any type of non-clear bag exceeding 4.5" x 6.5" in size, including purses, handbags, camera or binocular cases, backpacks, fanny packs, diaper bags, briefcases, luggage and computer bags.
• Apparel or signage displaying profane or abusive language
• Alcoholic beverages
• Balls or inflatables of any kind
• Banners/signs on poles
• Cans, coolers of any type, glass bottles or thermoses
• iPads, tablets, Go Pro cameras
• Laser pointers
• Noisemakers
• Selfie Sticks
• Single purpose video cameras or still-photography cameras with a lens longer than 6"
• Stollers or seat cushions
• Weapons/any item that may deemed to be a projective
• Any other item deemed dangerous or inappropriate

Christine D'Antonio's Report:

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