Beyoncé concert stop in Pittsburgh canceled

PITTSBURGH, Pa. — For month, thousands were planning to gather at Acrisure Stadium to see “Queen Bey” Beyonce, but now those fans are scrambling to make other plans after the stadium announced her Pittsburgh stop is canceled.

“This is a mistake,” said Ashley Comans when she first got the notification.

On Wednesday just after 9 a.m., Acrisure Stadium posted that due to” production logistics and scheduling,” Beyonce’s August 3 concert will not be taking place and refunds would be issued.

“At first I thought it was a joke,” said Evan Williams, who was planning to drive across the state from Lancaster for the concert.

Many fans were confused and thought it was a hoax, but reality quickly sunk in; there would be no Beyonce in the Burgh.

“It was truly just like wow, I don’t get to have this summer experience that I have been looking forward to since March,” Comans said.

Comans bought tickets months in advance, booked a party bus and catering, and was looking forward to seeing Beyonce at home in Pittsburgh.

“It makes me feel like my business in the city isn’t appreciated,” Comans said.

Photos: Beyonce through the years

Now, all these fans must cancel their plans less than a month before the show.

“It’s a massive blow. I have canceled my hotel reservation and got the reimbursement,” Williams said.

Many had planned to drive, take a bus, or fly to Pittsburgh. And fans aren’t buying the stadium’s explanation after Seattle and Kansas City were also impacted by “production logistics,” but were able to reschedule, not cancel.

“As fans who bought tickets, we deserve some sort of clarity and transparency,” said Shatrieka Smith, who was traveling in from New York City to see the concert with her big sister.

But Acrisure Stadium and the Steelers are not providing that transparency – and would not answer questions.

We asked Visit Pittsburgh what impact this will have on tourism, and they said with other mega-concerts scheduled they believe the loss will be offset. Fans told Channel 11 the disappointment will linger.

“It was supposed to be a really big celebration this was going be my first concert ever,” Smith said.

On Wednesday, the mayor’s office told us that they are disappointed in the decision, and said the city was not only prepared but looking forward to welcoming Beyonce.

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