http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/glasgo...est/8205149.stm

 

 

Free buses laid on for U2 concert

 

Celtic's home match against Arsenal clashes with U2's concert at Hampden

 

Free shuttle buses are being laid on to help fans attending the U2 concert in Glasgow on Tuesday in a bid to ease traffic congestion.

 

Strathclyde Partnership for Transport (SPT) said 20 buses would run from Buchanan Bus Station to Queens Drive, near Hampden, in the city's south side.

 

The concert is taking place on the same night as Celtic's Champion's League home match against Arsenal.

 

Both events will see up to 110,000 at Glasgow two largest stadiums.

 

SPT said the buses would run from 1700 BST onwards from four dedicated stances at Buchanan Bus Station.

 

'Busy night'

 

They will return to the city centre from Queen's Drive after the concert.

 

SPT chair, Alistair Watson, said: "We're in for a very busy night on Tuesday and it's vital that Glasgow's transport runs as efficiently as possible.

 

"We wanted to ease the strain on the roads and were advised by Strathclyde Police traffic management to focus on the Hampden event for our free bus offer.

 

"We're glad we can play a small part in keeping Glasgow moving and hope it's a beautiful day."

 

Strathclyde Police has asked people attending both events to leave early, use public transport where possible and allow plenty of time to reach their destination.

 

My My. They've realised there might be a transport problem.... :rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes:

http://www.theherald.co.uk/news/news/displ...Celtic_fans.php

 

Game on: Glasgow braced for 120,000 U2 and Celtic fans

CHRIS WATT August 18 2009

 

 

Glasgow's transport network will be stretched to the limits tonight as the city hosts two major events on the same evening.

 

More than 120,000 fans are expected to clog transport arteries as they descend on Hampden for a gig by Irish superstars U2 and travel to Celtic Park for a Champions League qualifying match against Arsenal.

 

Rail and bus operators have been forced to put on extra services to cope with the demand, and Strathclyde Police have issued a plea for fans to plan in advance and allow extra time for their journeys.

 

Despite the scale of tonight's events, however, the city's council officials remain confident that Glasgow's infrastructure will be able to cope with the increased congestion, and that any problems that do arise will not be repeated at the Commonwealth Games in 2014.

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A spokesman said: "While the spectators attending the Celtic-Arsenal match and U2 concert do not offer a like-for-like comparison to the spectator profile for the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games, what will be shared by both are significant demands on the city's transport infrastructure.

 

"We are confident that Glasgow's transport system will handle these demands. By 2014, two of the largest outstanding pieces in this infrastructure - the M74 and the East End Regeneration Route - will be completed, giving greater capacity and flexibility."

 

In addition, he added, Ibrox Stadium - one of the main venues for the Games - is served by the Subway system, further increasing capacity.

 

Police patrols have been stepped up around the city tonight and officers will also be monitoring road networks to minimise disruption and congestion.

 

Assistant chief constable Fiona Taylor from Strathclyde Police Operational Support Division, who is in charge of policing both events, said: "Having these two big events on the same day is a challenge for the force and for local communities.

 

"However, we will have the resources in place to minimise disruption and we are aware of the impact such events have on local residents.

 

The one-night-only appearance at Hampden by U2 is the only Scottish date on their 360 world tour, which is set to break previous records as the highest-earning music event of all time.

 

An innovative stage design allows organisers to cram in up to 15% more fans than venues would normally allow, with the band playing on a circular centre stage surrounded by a sea of audience members.

 

Billed as one of the most ambitious sets ever, a gigantic claw-like structure will tower over the heads of concert-goers, rising 164 feet above the Hampden pitch and belching clouds of dry-ice smoke over southern Glasgow.

 

Twenty free shuttle buses will be laid on to help ferry an estimated 60,000 fans between the city centre and Hampden, and Strathclyde Partnership for Transport (SPT) and police said people should aim to take public transport in order to minimise disruption during the rush hour.

 

Free buses will run from Buchanan Bus Station between 5pm and 7.30pm, with a return service after the concert.

 

SPT Chair Alistair Watson said: "We're in for a very busy night and it's vital that Glasgow's transport runs as efficiently as possible.

 

"We wanted to ease the strain on the roads and were advised by Strathclyde Police traffic management to focus on the Hampden event for our free bus offer."

 

Fans attending Celtic Park were warned that while the stadium is only two miles from the city centre, road works and rush-hour traffic could cause delays for anyone who leaves their journey to the last minute.

 

Arsenal supporters attending the match will be directed from the M74 to the "away" car park on Millerfield Road, and there will be parking restrictions in place on London Road.

 

However, despite the expected congestion the stars themselves are unlikely to experience any problems.

 

The Arsenal team and their manager Arsene Wenger last night checked in to the exclusive Mar Hall hotel, 15 miles from Celtic Park in Renfrewshire, from where they will be escorted to the ground by a police convoy.

 

U2 are travelling by private jet throughout their tour, and are expected to stay in Glasgow for less than 12 hours before departing for their home city of Dublin.

 

The band this week dismissed claims that their tour would leave a carbon footprint equivalent to flying the band to Mars and back.

 

I expect no less than total gridlock. I am leaving at 3pm. :)

I have purchased a yellow rain poncho thing for tomorrow. I am prepared. -_-

 

Just hope Bonio has bought one as well. They are only £1.50 out of Semi-Chem in Larkhall. ^_^

The stage is 164 feet above the Hampden pitch, see, no need for a roof, it wouldn't close anyway.

Nobody will see the top half of the stage for the low cloud, mist and rain. :(

:cry: I take it the weather forecast hasn't changed then ?

Oh yes. It changed today. It went from light rain to moderate rain. :rolleyes:

http://www.netweather.tv/index.cgi?action=...;sess=#forecast

 

 

Suppose they could be wrong.... :unsure:

well, at least there's no snow forecast

 

 

you're gonna have a brill time no matter what the weather is Jups

I'm just rather concerned about Larry's hair. :blink:

 

 

:P

:rofl: :rofl: :rofl:

Just got a text from Jups, she's at Hampden :dance: :dance: :dance: :yahoo:

 

 

and not stuck in traffic!

Just got a text from Jups, she's at Hampden :dance: :dance: :dance: :yahoo:

and not stuck in traffic!

 

Yay, so great news! :yahoo:

*sings*

 

I still haven't found what I'm looking for :dance: :yahoo: :dance: :yahoo: :yahoo:

 

 

Jups just phoned, and I listened :wub:

 

It sounds very loud there, very very loud :lol:

http://entertainment.stv.tv/music/116933-f...ement-about-u2/

 

U2's Scottish fans anticipate Hampden gig

We spoke to some fans of the band before their show in Glasgow.

 

Excitement reached fever-pitch on Tuesday as U2 rolled into town to play their 360° Tour at Hampden Stadium.

 

This is the band’s only Scottish date on their world tour, which is set to break records as the highest-earning music event of all time.

 

We caught up with some fans who were heading to the concert to hear what they had to see about seeing the legends live.

 

One female fan, who proudly showed off her Bono tattoos, commented: "Bono, he is my hero. He has been my hero for 30 years."

 

 

Another male admirer, complete with Bono sunglasses, said: "You go to concerts, you see Oasis, other bands. But this is huge. You don't get anything like this."

 

Fans are in for a treat at the concert which includes various interesting features.

 

For example, the band are playing on an innovative circular stage, which allows the audience to surround them, and a claw-like structure will tower over the heads of concert goers, rising 164 feet above the stadium and throwing out clouds of dry-ice smoke.

 

U2’s 360° Tour visits 14 cities across Europe, before moving to North America.

 

To find out more about the band, visit www.u2.com

 

Last updated: 18 August 2009, 20:41

 

:dance: :dance: :dance: :yahoo:

 

 

Jups :heart: thank u

Oh God. What a great concert. :yahoo: :yahoo: :yahoo:

 

But I'm like a half shut knife today. Just as well I took the day off work. :lol:

 

I'll post my full review later. But in the meantime here are some photos of the amazing 'Claw'. :cheer: :cheer: :cheer:

http://i31.tinypic.com/of3qs8.jpg

 

Glasvegas on stage

 

 

http://i29.tinypic.com/6nwpbq.jpg

 

Larry :wub:

 

http://i28.tinypic.com/33wa4c7.jpg

 

 

http://i29.tinypic.com/117z2ir.jpg

 

http://i27.tinypic.com/243ku8z.jpg

 

http://i29.tinypic.com/20ud7j4.jpg