Bruno Mars Concert Causes Traffic Chaos in Santa Clara

A sold-out crowd of thousands spilled onto Santa Clara streets after Bruno Mars' performance at Levi’s Stadium Saturday night, leading to widespread traffic chaos. The pop star was performing two shows at the stadium over the weekend, marking the final two U.S. stops of The Romantics Tour.

Traffic gridlock, multi-hour delays, and major road closures are a recurring issue around the venue following large events. "Traffic took like a maximum of two hours getting out," said Alyssa Ariel of Fremont to NBC Bay Area. Another resident, Gizelle M. from Oakland, expressed frustration, stating, "It’s horrible," and noted she had packed extra batteries anticipating a long wait.

The Santa Clara Police Department had issued a traffic advisory ahead of Mars’ performances, warning drivers to anticipate significant delays and street closures across the South Bay. The advisory noted that heavy congestion was expected on Highways 101, 237, and 880, as well as on Lawrence, Great America, and San Tomas expressways. Tasman Drive was scheduled to remain closed from 1:30 a.m. Saturday through the end of Sunday’s event. Authority-directed detours were also expected to affect vehicles, bicycles, and pedestrians, including a closure of the San Tomas Aquino/Saratoga Creek Trail at Agnew Road starting at 8 a.m. on both days. Parking lots opened at 4 p.m. for pre-purchased permit holders only, and rideshare pick-ups were restricted to Red Lot 7.

One social media user shared their relief after selling their ticket, posting, "I saw what that Levi Stadium crowd looked like last night … Never been happier to sell a ticket in my life."

Mars was scheduled to perform again at Levi’s Stadium on Sunday evening for his final Santa Clara show before concluding his tour the following weekend in Vancouver, British Columbia.