Concert cancelled after ‘credible security threat’
A concert by US singer Sabrina Carpenter was cancelled as a result of a “credible security threat”.
Carpenter had been scheduled to play the 2,992-cap Keller Auditorium in Portland, Oregon on Monday (10 April), but the show was called off “out of an abundance of caution” about an hour after the 23-year-old was due on stage.
Promoter AEG Presents tells Rolling Stone the decision was taken after a “credible threat” was made to the city’s 1,500-cap Crystal Ballroom – where Carpenter had originally been set to perform before the show was switched to the larger venue.
“Employees with the Crystal Ballroom called after they received a phone call from an anonymous person claiming they were going to blow up the venue,” says lieutenant Nathan Sheppard of the Portland Police Bureau.
Police conducted extra patrols around both venues following the threat.
“Sabrina and event organisers agreed that out of an abundance of caution, the show be called off”
“While the threat was not directed at Keller Auditorium specifically, Sabrina and event organisers agreed that out of an abundance of caution, the show be called off,” adds an AEG spokesperson. “Steps were taken to ensure that the audience exited the venue calmly, quickly, and safely.”
Earlier in the evening, gig-goers had been able to attend Carpenter’s VIP soundcheck and watch support act Spill Tab.
Carpenter addressed her fans on social media, tweeting that the show was pulled due to “unforeseen circumstances”. Full refunds will be offered, while an alternative date is being lined up.
“I can’t tell you how much it breaks my heart, this is the last thing I wanted to do,” she says. “Refunds will come at point of purchase and we are doing our best to reschedule at a later date.”
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Live Nation to open new venue in Portland’s Lloyd Center
Live Nation Entertainment has announced details of a new mid-size venue coming to Portland’s Lloyd Center. The move is the next step in a multi-million dollar renovation of the shopping mall, which so far has included a new food court and a revamp of its historic ice rink.
The new venue will add to Live Nation’s already extensive portfolio, which includes the Fillmore and House of Blues clubs across the US. Concertgoers in Portland can expect state-of-the-art lighting and sound technology inside the venue, whilst the surrounding spaces will see the creation of communal bars and lounge areas. A box office will be located on the first floor of the mall.
“This mid-size venue will fill the gap between the smaller-club venues and larger arenas already present in Portland, bringing fans even more entertainment offerings,” explains Liam Thornton, executive vice president of development of Live Nation’s Clubs and Theatres.
“This is the first step in Lloyd Center’s evolution to become a true lifestyle entertainment centre”
“The mall’s central location and convenient access to extensive transportation options will only elevate the concertgoer’s experience.”
The Live Nation deal is part of phase two of the renovation project, which aims to see the 1.2 million-square-foot Lloyd Center transformed into a leisure destination in its own right, with offerings for guests of all ages. “This is the first step in Lloyd Center’s evolution to become a true lifestyle entertainment centre,” says Bob Dye, general manager of the Lloyd Center.
“Our restaurants and retailers are thrilled about the thousands of concertgoers who will walk by their stores every day.”
As well as a venue on its top floor, the Lloyd Center is also in talks with additional family-friendly entertainment companies, restaurants and bars, in the hope of creating an entire entertainment wing in the mall.
Work on the new venue will begin in the coming months.
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