The U2 concert originally scheduled for September 25 at Giants Stadium in E. Rutherford, NJ, has been moved up to September 23. The band’s other show at the venue, booked for September 24, is not affected.
The change is due to the New York Jets moving their scheduled football game on September 27 from 4:15 p.m. to 1 p.m. to accommodate their Jewish fans who would be celebrating the start of the Jewish high holy day of Yom Kippur at sunset.
The earlier start would allow the fans to get home in time for the start of the holiday. When the Jets published their schedule earlier in the year, there was an uproar from fans which caused the time to be moved up.
U2, on the other hand, needs up to two days to disassemble its massive stage, and it was felt that they could not logistically accomplish the download in time for the football game day festivities.
“We regret any disruptions this may cause U2 fans,” said Dennis Robinson, president and CEO of the New Jersey Sports & Exposition Authority, and Thad Sheely, executive vice president ofStadium Development and Finance for the New York Jets, in a joint statement.
“Out of respect for the religious holiday, it was critical that the game time was changed,” Robinson and Sheely continued. “The NJSEA, along with the Jets, want to thank U2, their management staff, their fans and Live Nation for their immediate response in helping us remedy this situation.”
“The show is incredible, but physically it takes time to load in and out,” added Arthur Fogel, who is U2’s 360° Tour promoter, as well as the CEO of Global Touring and chairman of Global Music for Live Nation.
“We tried everything we could to rearrange our production logistics to ensure we were out of the stadium for the earlier game time but unfortunately, it was impossible,” Fogel added. “We want to thank our incredible fans for their never-ending support.”
Where applicable, refunds are available at the point of purchase starting on August 28 and ending on September 22. Tickets for the September 25 show will be honored for the rescheduled concert on September 23.
