Kenny Chesney concert draws thousands to North Shore

PITTSBURGH — Over 40 thousand people were drawn to the North Shore for tailgating before the Kenny Chesney concert at Heinz Field.

Another 15 thousand made their way onto the North Shore, not for the concert, but for the party,

Channel 11’s Amy Marcinkiewicz reported there was a large amount of traffic, tailgaters and long lines at the stadium.%

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When gates opened at 4 p.m., fans were given trash bags and were told “No shoes, no shirt, no litter,” a play off of Chesney’s 2003 hit single, “No shoes, no shirt, no problems.”

Chesney’s “Spread the Love Tour” performance started at 5 p.m. in the main bowl. Special guests include Old Dominion, Sam Hunt and Miranda Lambert.

Pittsburgh police said 36 people were given citations for underage drinking and three people were detained for drug paraphernalia during the tailgating festivities.

According to authorities, garbage wasn't the biggest issue, it was alcohol consumption.

"We have become more aggressive with that," said public safety director Wendell Hissrich. "That solves a lot of problems, if not fights."

According to officials, there were 57 medical crew requests that resulted in 37 transports due to intoxication or intoxication related incidents. 99 people were treated by emergency medical services.

Police said there has been two defiant trespasses, one person arrested for intoxication, one robbery of tickets, one person arrested for simple assault and one non-traffic defiant arrest made all from inside the venue.

Officials said there have been several fights and that one officer's hand was injured while trying to break up a fight.

A 2013 concert by the country artist in the city drew national headlines after 73 people were arrested and patrons left behind more than 30 tons of trash.

Despite the arrests and citations given, Pittsburgh Police Chief Camron McLay was happy with the work of the public safety crews.

"(I'm) Proud of the way the officers were able to maintain public order despite an incredible amount of alcohol being consumed by people having a hard time controlling it," McLay said.

Public safety officials are now working to make more improvements for the next big concert, which is Guns n' Roses.

Cox Media Group