Jay-Z's final concert of his three-day residency at Yankee Stadium was significantly delayed on Sunday night after a security breach led to the venue being placed on lockdown. The incident caused hours-long waits for thousands of fans attempting to enter the stadium.
The concert, originally scheduled to begin at 8 p.m., did not start until after 12:15 a.m. Monday. Gates reportedly did not reopen until around 10 p.m., with law enforcement addressing the security scare. The delays prevented numerous attendees, including celebrities like Charlamagne Tha God, A$AP Rocky, and Fabolous, from entering the venue on time.
Witnesses described a chaotic scene where groups of fans rushed security barriers and turnstiles without being checked. Rosalynn Glover, who traveled from Atlanta for the show, told WABC that fans bypassed security at multiple gates. "People went past security, were not checked and got into the stadium," she stated. Staff members attempted to prevent the influx but were unsuccessful.
Once on stage, Jay-Z apologized to the audience for the delays, explaining the situation. "It was like 10,000 people outside, and we closed all the doors, and somebody rushed the door," he said. "They closed the door for you guys' safety and everyone's safety outside."
He expressed concern that starting the music with a large crowd still outside could lead to people being trampled. "I had to make sure everyone was OK. I appreciate your patience," Jay-Z told the crowd.
Fans reportedly booed when an announcement was made about a decision still being deliberated regarding whether the concert would proceed. The evening also featured a surprise performance by Usher, who joined Jay-Z for a rendition of "Heart of the City (Ain’t No Love)." The concert concluded with a fireworks display that incorporated the Basquiat crown motif, a symbol associated with the artist Jean-Michel Basquiat, whose painting Jay-Z purchased in 2013.
This residency marked the 30th anniversary of Jay-Z's album "Reasonable Doubt" and the 25th anniversary of "The Blueprint." Previous nights of the residency included surprise appearances by his wife, Beyoncé, who performed a part of "Can’t Knock The Hustle," and their daughter, Blue Ivy, who played the piano during "Feelin’ It."
Jay-Z is scheduled for upcoming international performances, including dates in London and Paris, and a performance at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California.