Huge crowds anticipated for Garth Brooks shows; officials say "it's a challenge but we're ready for it"



MILWAUKEE -- Garth Brooks is coming to Milwaukee for the first time in nearly two decades and people are pumped! So many people in fact, that he's doing two back-to-back shows Saturday night, September 26th. The logistics of it is causing some worry for concertgoers.

One of Garth's concerts is expected to wrap up around 9:30 p.m., just one hour before the second one is set to start.

Garth Brooks



It only gives staff at the BMO Harris Bradley Center about 45 minutes to clean up all the trash, restock and reset. They say they're not worried at all.

However, concertgoers are concerned over traffic congestion and lack of parking -- and that has some getting an early start -- making plans and preparing, hopeful the night will go smoothly.

Sisters Emily Steele-Campbell and Laura Myers have both seen Garth Brooks in concert before.

"He's electric. Best show I've seen," said the sisters.

Emily and Laura aren't willing to miss a second of the show when Brooks comes to the BMO Harris Bradley Center Saturday night.

Emily Steele-Campbell and Laura Myers



"We keep changing what time we're leaving. We're at like 7 p.m. right now. We're at 7 p.m. for a 10:30 p.m. show, " said the sisters.

The sisters are worried that by 7 p.m., all the parking spots might already be full, because that's when Garth's first show of the night starts.

"The bus is the plan so far. Take us right through the Third Ward, hop off on Water Street, walk your butt to the concert. It will be fun," said the sisters.

Perhaps one of their stops will be the Red Rock Saloon on Water Street.

"We are going to be the official pre and post-party," said Jacob Wood, Red Rock Saloon bar manager.

Red Rock Saloon



The Red Rock Saloon is not only ready for the crowds, they're prepared to get those crowds to and from the concert.

"The shuttle is going to be doing consistent rounds, so if you see one leave, don't worry. It will be back there," said Wood.

The BMO Harris Bradley Center has set an extra pick-up and loading zone area for shuttles like the Red Rock Saloon is providing and others -- a little further down in front of the UWM Panther Arena.

"It will relieve a little bit of congestion around the building and allow people to move and get in and out a little quicker perhaps, but I think traffic flow will be fine," said BMO Harris Bradley Center Vice President Paul Jansen.

Although a concert doubleheader like this is a unique situation, officials say it's nothing they can't handle.

"It's a challenge, but we're ready for it," said Jansen.

Garth Brooks



Officials compare this quick turnover to that of the NCAA Tournament when it was in Milwaukee -- so they have some experience with that.

The Milwaukee Police Department says officers will be around specifically at some of those high-traffic areas to keep things safe and moving.

BMO Harris Bradley Center officials say they've been working closely with MPD.

Garth Brooks' three Milwaukee shows this weekend are as follows:


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