Jay-Z's third and final Yankee Stadium concert Sunday night was delayed nearly four hours after a large group of fans rushed the gates, forcing a full lockdown of the Bronx venue. The show, scheduled for 8 p.m., didn't begin until just after midnight.
Police say a large crowd broke through security checkpoints without being screened, prompting officials to shut down entry points for roughly two hours while thousands of ticket holders waited outside. Gates reopened shortly before 10 p.m. with police stationed at every entrance, and Jay-Z ultimately took the stage around 12:15 a.m.
Addressing the crowd once the show began, Jay-Z said he delayed the concert to keep fans from being trampled, telling the audience he wanted everyone inside safely before starting. No injuries were reported.
Sunday's show, billed "Extra Innings," capped a three-night stand at Yankee Stadium celebrating the 30th anniversary of "Reasonable Doubt" and the 25th anniversary of "The Blueprint." The run, Jay-Z's first extended live performances since his 4:44 Tour in 2017, drew a reported attendance record and featured a string of guest appearances across all three nights, closing with fireworks over the stadium.
Despite the chaotic start, the night ended without reported harm to fans - a detail worth being thankful for, given how quickly a stadium crowd surge can turn dangerous.
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