Issued at 2pm, Wednesday 14 March 2018
See original NSW Police Media Release here
THE NSW Police Force is urging music fans to plan ahead and celebrate safely ahead of multiple events at Sydney Olympic Park this week.
About 100,000 people are expected to be in the precinct each day from tomorrow evening (Thursday 15 March 2018) and again on Friday (16 March 2018) and Saturday (17 March 2018).
Ed Sheeran’s Divide World Tour will run over three nights at Stadium Australia, coinciding with concerts at neighbouring Qudos Bank Area featuring country & western singer Luke Bryan on Friday (16 March 2018) and singer-songwriter Bruno Mars on Saturday (17 March 2018).
A high-visibility policing operation involving general duties officers from across the South West Metropolitan Region, assisted by specialist police, will be in place to ensure the safety and security of ticket-holders and event staff before, during, and after the performances.
South West Metropolitan Region Commander, Acting Assistant Commissioner Scott Whyte, said police are focused on maintaining a fun, family-friendly atmosphere for everyone to enjoy.
“We’ve been working closely with event organisers and other stakeholders to ensure everyone enjoys these high-profile music performances in Sydney,” Acting Assistant Commissioner Whyte said.
“Local officers will be out and about over the three nights, focusing on crowd behaviour as well as road and pedestrian safety.
“With tens of thousands of people expected to make their way to Sydney Olympic Park this weekend, we urge fans to be patient, look out for one another and make sure you arrive early due to compulsory,” Acting Assistant Commissioner Whyte said.
“It’s important you plan your trip ahead of time. Know how you’re getting to the concert, what section of the stadium you’re making your way to on arrival, and how you’re making your way home.”
Given the significant crowds, ticket-holders are urged to leave the car at home and utilise the many public transport services available.
“Extra train and bus services will be scheduled for direct routes to Sydney Olympic Park in the lead up to and following the concerts each night,” Acting Assistant Commissioner Whyte said.
“This also an integrated ticketing event, which means the use of public transport is included in the price of your ticket,” Acting Assistant Commissioner Whyte said.
“Be sure to keep your ticket in a safe place for your journey home as you must have a valid ticket when travelling on public transport; it is valid until 4am the following day.
Acting Assistant Commissioner Whyte reminded the community that public transport is there for everyone to use and to be respectful of other passengers.
“Officers from the Police Transport Command will be patrolling the network to ensure members of the public get to and from the precinct safely,” Acting Assistant Commissioner Whyte said.
“Those who engage in anti-social behaviour will be spoken to by police so make sure you keep an eye on your friends and take care of one another as you travel to and from the precinct.”
Those who must drive are reminded to expect significant delays and allow plenty of extra travel time.
“Visit the Sydney Olympic Park Authority to pre-book parking for the night. Spaces will fill quickly so ensure you do so in advance,” Acting Assistant Commissioner Whyte said.
“Drivers and pedestrians are reminded to be aware of their surroundings and take extra care when travelling through the area, especially at the end of the night as crowds make their way home.
“Pedestrians must also only cross the roadways at designated traffic control points.”
For further information:
Visit www.transportnsw.info for the latest train, bus and ferry timetables; and,
Visit www.anzstadium.com.au/whats-on/ for event details.
