Those who have attended ErieBank 8 Great Tuesdays concert series have noticed the wait time has increased to go through security at Highmark Amphitheater at Liberty Park.
Julie Slomski , the executive director of the Erie-Western Pennsylvania Port Authority, which runs 8 Great Tuesdays, said they understand guests' concerns but aim to keep visitors safe.
The major reason the wait time has increased is because the Port Authority has teamed up with Erie Events to add new security measures, including metal detector wands and bag checks.
“In the past we had the two entrances and security checkpoints, but we weren’t consistent with wanding," Slomski said. "... (W)e did wand in week one. We only wanded at one entrance, and now we have to wand at both. So what we're doing this week is wanding folks as they come through and making sure everyone is secure coming in.”
The Port Authority said the measures will continue through the rest of the remaining 8 Great Tuesdays series .
“I think this is pretty typical for large public events like concerts," said Anna Frantz , authority deputy executive director. "There’s always an opportunity to refine procedures, and that’s what we’re doing this summer.”
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Another delay that officials encountered was people trying to enter the park with drinks. With a second entrance located near the Sloppy Duck at 726 W. Bayfront Parkway, many people were stopped and had to finish their drink before entering the concert.
"I had a guy who waited in line for 20 minutes, got up to where I was and wondered why he couldn’t take his wine in," Slomski said. "I said 'no, but you can drink it here if you’d like.' Most folks had a beverage in line."
Feedback from the public
Port Authority officials said that as much as some people were discouraged by the wait time, many who Slomski said she spoke with were understanding and appreciative of the measures.
“There were some people standing in line asking 'why are you doing this?'" Slomski said. "Our response was that we were keeping everyone safe. It’s taking a few minutes and we apologize for the delay, but again, people just kept coming up to me and saying 'thank you, I feel safe. This is a free event I will wait an hour if I have to.'
"We have an obligation to provide access, but we had to keep people safe when they are within our footprint.”
What does the future hold for 8 Great Tuesdays?
To help make things more efficient for the next 8 Great Tuesdays concert, Slomski said the Port Authority will add additional staffing, ensure internal communication improves and seek ways to improve the lines while dealing with large crowds.
“It (the crowd size) varies," Slomski said. "With 5,000 being the max, we’re right towards the 2,500 to 3,000 mark, but it all depends on who they’re coming to see. I love that whether it’s the local bands or larger names, everyone has a following. We have this asset on the bayfront; let’s enjoy it safely.”
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Next concert
The 8 Great Tuesdays concert Tuesday is scheduled to feature opener Eaglez: A Tribute Band and headliner LGM (Lawyers Guns & Money), a rock cover band.
More: When and where to find free outdoor concerts around Erie for summer 2024
Contact Nicholas Sorensen at nsorensen@gannett.com .
This article originally appeared on Erie Times-News: Why the wait? Erie Port Authority explains reasons for long lines at 8 Great Tuesdays
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