Metallica Concert Expected to Draw Huge Crowd to Blacksburg

BLACKSBURG, Va. – On Wednesday, Metallica will perform at Lane Stadium, attracting nearly 100,000 fans to the area. Local businesses are bracing for a substantial surge in customers due to the concert.

Rhino Sports, the event-staffing provider for Virginia Tech events, has hired around 500 staff members to assist with security and safety protocols. Operations Manager Brittany Schulz highlighted that this staffing effort is larger than typical for football game days.

Schulz explained their preparations began in January, with a mass hiring event held last week. Staff roles will include parking, gate security, ticketing, VIP experiences, ushering, and operating concession stands. She shared some advice for concertgoers, urging those with pre-purchased parking passes to have them ready upon entering campus to facilitate smooth access. “We do have a clear bag policy,” Schulz stated, reminding attendees that clutches are allowed but Lululemon belt bags are not.

Concertgoers should arrive early, with parking lots opening at 1:30 PM and gates opening at 4 PM. The concert is set to begin at 6 PM.

Local businesses like Mellow Mushroom are preparing for the influx of visitors. General Manager Kristen Chavarria indicated, “We’re expecting more business than we would on a game day typically.”

J.H. Bards, another popular local establishment, plans to open on Tuesday, a day they usually close, to accommodate early concert attendees. Co-owner Jason Hardy mentioned a special pop-up bar they are setting up in Kent Square to coincide with Metallica’s own merchandise shop.

Hardy emphasized the significance of this event for the community, noting the excitement of having a major band like Metallica perform in a small town setting. Both businesses look forward to engaging with concertgoers and making the most of the bustling atmosphere leading up to the event.

As preparations continue at Lane Stadium, local crews are busy ensuring everything is ready for Wednesday’s performance. Many in Blacksburg feel this concert will be a memorable experience that resonates throughout the community.