‘Show made up for everything’: Mixed reactions from Shakira concert

FRESNO, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE) – Tens of thousands of Shakira fans flocked to Valley Children’s Stadium Thursday night to watch the Colombian singer shake the night away.

Fresno State Athletics says the venue was sold out for its first-ever concert. And with it came some hiccups.

“It was a little unorganized, but, you know, like the show made up for everything else,” said concertgoer Karina Cerros.

Fresno State Athletics delayed the opening of the gates and the concert time. While Shakira took the stage just after 9:30 p.m., several lines of fans were still waiting to get inside.

“We’re in line and we can’t get in. So, I mean, it’s kind of a bummer. What else can you do?”  Jerry Vargas said.

Afterward, the department posted on social media, apologizing for the late gate opening and long lines. The statement reads in part: “This delay was due to our own issues and not Shakira or her team…”

Attendees told YourCentralValley.com that some people were seen jumping fences to get in – others reported not being screened through security. But many fans say having Shakira in town was worth any fuss.

Shakira fan Nolan Tejada says he couldn’t believe it when he heard the ‘Hips Don’t Lie’ star was coming to Fresno.

“I thought it was fake, but then as soon as I found out it was real, I bought my ticket right away,” Tejada said.

As for safety, American Ambulance says they staffed twice the number of personnel compared to a normal football game.

“This is just a little bit of a different feel because there were so many people on the floor of the event,” said Ben Wiele, spokesperson for American Ambulance. They assessed 35 people for heat-related illnesses and removed three from the arena. “We frankly were expecting a little bit more than that,” he added.

YourCentralValley.com reached out to Fresno State Athletics for a comment about some of the concerns, but has yet to hear back.