A huge crowd showed up for the Canalside concert on Thursday night. More than 25,000 people flooded into the outdoor venue, and a metal barrier used by police to control the crowds was overwhelmed by fans hoping to get in to see the rap star T-Pain. No one was injured, but Tom Dee, president of Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation, says that issuing tickets for the shows could be a means for controlling the size of the crowds.
"And then another alternative to that is that you charge five dollars, or so, and then the five dollars will give you five dollars worth of food coupons. So, we're looking at different options to figure out how to keep the crowds manageable and keep the place safe."
Crowds for the concerts have averaged 10,000 people. Dee said that everything went well on Thursday, and he considers the high turnout to be an indicator of the success of the concert series.
He added that any changes made to the concerts will be made in an effort to continue the success of the series.
