Fresno gears up for Shakira’s Valley Children’s Stadium concert

FRESNO, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE) – Tens of thousands of fans are expected to pack Valley Children’s Stadium Thursday night for Shakira’s highly anticipated concert. 

Security will be tight, medical teams are on standby, and nearby businesses — including one local church — are preparing for the surge in crowds.

Among those excited for the show are Fresno State soccer players Genevieve, Katie, and Averee, who scored tickets at the last minute.

“I think it’s just going to be so cool having it on the football field,” said fan Averee Campos.

Katie Morris, also a fan, said having the concert right in their stadium adds to the excitement.

“I think it’s something to be excited about. I mean, it’s in our stadium, so it gives the athletes a little bit closer connection to the event,” she said.

And as for the heat? Katie says they’re used to it.

“Honestly, it’s always hot in Fresno, so we’re always used to it,” she said with a laugh. 

“Once the sun sets, everything will be fine — just hydrate.”

Emergency Teams on Alert

For American Ambulance, tonight’s show means a full-scale operation.

“It’s a pretty big event — we do all of the Fresno State games at the same stadium,” said Public Information Officer Ben Wiele. 

“But it’s just a little bit different dynamic — stadium concerts bring different energy, lots of alcohol.”

To prepare, American Ambulance will have more than 20 paramedics and EMTs stationed throughout the venue.

“We treat this as basically just a mini city,” Wiele said. “Any type of medical emergency that can happen in the normal day-to-day can happen here.”

Church Turns Concert into Fundraiser

Just down the street from the stadium, members of Wesley United Methodist Church are taking advantage of the event to raise funds for their congregation by charging $30 for parking spots.

“We’ll have people out here at the two driveways letting cars in and charging $30 a car,” said church member Andy Hansen-Smith.

With about 350 spaces available on a first-come, first-served basis, Hansen-Smith says the fundraiser will benefit the church’s community programs. 

He even had a playful marketing idea in mind — a donation jar labeled “Tips Don’t Lie” — but says the rest of the congregation wasn’t on board.

Concert Tips

Hansen-Smith says church parking opens at 5 p.m. Wiele adds that fans with floor seats should be ready for higher temperatures.

“It will be around 10 degrees hotter down there,” he said. “So remember to drink plenty of water and stay hydrated.”