A threat of severe weather, that never hit Pittsburgh, prompted the cancellation of the second Morgan Wallen concert Saturday at Acrisure Stadium.
While some rain did come through the North Shore in the mid-to-late afternoon, bringing the nearby Pittsburgh Pride Festival to an early close, the widespread severe weather did not materialize and instead was south of the city.
In a social media post at 1:03 p.m., Wallen said weather forced the cancellation.
“After talking with local officials and my team, there is no choice but to cancel tonight’s show due to severe adverse weather conditions expected throughout the rest of the day and night,” the post said. “Safety for my fans and crew is the highest priority. Refunds available at point of purchase.”
WTAE meteorologist Jill Szwed had told TribLive earlier Saturday morning that scattered thunderstorms were in the cards for the Pittsburgh area.
Tailgaters undeterred
“It is what it is. You can’t control Mother Nature,” said Nate Lynch, a concert-goer from Monessen who was tailgating Saturday afternoon. “It’s fortunate we’re going to be able to get our tickets refunded.”
Lynch and his group of 10 to 15 friends, including some still on their way, were among those who opted to stay and tailgate despite the concert being called off — and before rain arrived shortly before 3 p.m.s
For $12, they were able to set up their tailgates in the Gold Lots, where they could enjoy the food and drink they had brought, play games and listen to music — recorded music.
“We’re still going to make the best out of a crappy situation,” said Jim Panichella, of Oakmont. “The beer is on ice. The food is warm and ready to go. We’re still going to have some fun.”
His friend, John Wilson, of McCandless, was of the same mindset, if a bit surly.
“I cut my sleeves off for nothing!” Wilson said. “At least they’re letting people in the lots to tailgate. Half the fun is the tailgate. I feel bad for the people from out of town.”
The country music superstar, known for songs like “Last Night” and “Whiskey Glasses,” had performed a career-spanning, 2-hour, 20-minute concert to a packed house Friday night at Acrisure Stadium.
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Wallen had been slated to perform with Ella Langley, Gavin Adcock and Zach John King on Saturday, with Langley taking the place of Brooks & Dunn, who performed Friday.
King wound up playing a set at Tequila Cowboy on Saturday afternoon.
Staff writer Brian C. Rittmeyer contributed to this report.
