Free Concert For CFP Weekend Cancelled Due To Harsh Weather
SAN JOSE (CBS SF) -- Officials from Sunday's free AT&T Playoff Playlist Live! concert in San Jose said that the event was cancelled due to "inclement" weather. They said the show will not be rescheduled ahead of Monday's CFB Championship game.
The event's organizers and local authorities were worried about the safety of both audience members and performers in the midst of the ripping wings and heavy rain conditions that swept the Bay Area on Sunday.
"Of course, safety is the primary consideration for the College Football Playoff and its sponsors, and the cancellation of tonight's show is consistent with that priority," said Bill Hancock, Executive Director of the CFP.
At Discovery Meadow, the site of the concert, high winds of up to 30 mph and standing water were present.
ALSO READ: Several San Jose Streets To Close For CFB Playoff Week
The concert's gates were supposed to open at 6 p.m. Sunday evening, featuring performances by The Regrettes, One Republic and Ellie Goulding.
The stars took to social media to express that they were sorry the weather cancelled their performances.
Many fans didn't find out about the cancellation until they were turned away at the venue by police.
"I flew over from Indianapolis, Indiana to visit cousins and visit family, and we just came out to see what the hype was all about. And we were kind of disappointed that the concert was canceled," said Sarthak Neema.
"We were driving up here and there was so much rain coming at us, I mean I'm not super surprised, but it's kind of a bummer," said Makenna DeGeronimo of Palo Alto.
Some fans who shelled out a lot of money for tickets to Monday's championship game were especially disappointed with the conditions.
"It's awful, it's really awful. We figured California would be nicer. It's 70 and sunny in South Carolina today," said Amy Chapman, who, along with her roomates, spent $580 to attend the game.
Meanwhile, some families took advantage of the recent drop in ticket prices. Cristy Perez and her family from Modesto got upper level tickets for $166.
"They were $650 around Christmas time and we just checked two days ago, and we were able to get some good seats," said Perez.
Regardless of the concert cancellation, fans like Chapman remained optimistic.
"You make your own energy. We're going to a bar, we're going to have a good time!" said Chapman.
