Pittsburgh police prepare for busy weekend with Elton John concert, Steelers home opener and Jazz Festival
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) - Pittsburgh is the place to be this weekend. There are concerts, football and more, but it's all happening at a time when Pittsburgh police staffing is down.
With thousands coming to the city, police will have extra officers on hand and they're coordinating with other departments to make sure the events are safe.
The weekend starts with the 12th Annual International Jazz Festival. More than 100 musicians and singers will be performing at Highmark Stadium. Several current and former jazz legends will be celebrated. The festival ends on Sunday.
Later Friday night, Elton John will rock out at PNC Park, playing his greatest hits.
"I'm getting dressed up, I'm going to dance!" said Susan Irving, who traveled from Philadelphia for the Elton John concert.
Fans traveled near and far to see Sir Elton perform, possibly for the last time in Pittsburgh.
"Just the whole thing, Elton John, family, just a nice getaway. We kind of stopped going places and now we're out," Irving said.
"We figured this is going to be the last time we're going to be able to see him…Karen saw him at the original Civic Arena, that was 1975…This is our anniversary!," said Michael and Karen Hall, a couple who traveled from St. Marys to celebrate their anniversary at the concert.
Fans couldn't wait to hear him perform his greatest hits.
"'Rocketman'!" Mr. Hall said.
"'Bennie and the Jets!'" Irving sang.
"Probably 'Tiny Dancer,'" said Jill Fradiska, a fan from Cumberland, Maryland.
Brian Gedry says he and his wife will do anything to hear one last concert.
"We're gonna take the boat up and anchor out in the river to listen to Elton tonight," he said.
On Sunday, the Steelers have a date with the New England Patriots at Acrisure Stadium.
People are already grabbing new Steelers gear at Rally House for Sunday. Acrisure Stadium will be packed for the Steelers' first home game against the Patriots.
"Just looking for some new and exciting things to wear and support the team," said Beth Self, a Steelers fan who lives in Sarasota, Florida and is originally from Upper St. Clair. She traveled to Pittsburgh to see the game with her husband.
"The home opener, I think the crowds gonna be wild, gonna be loud," said Matt Brittain, who came from Georgia to see the game with his family. "I think Mac Jones is gonna have trouble hearing, the defense can rile everybody up. I think it's gonna be loud and a fun time."
Pittsburgh police said they're stretched thin, but they have a plan in place to maintain order.
"There will be extra officers certainly, with a concert, officers are hired by the venue," said Acting Pittsburgh Police Chief Tom Stangrecki. "There's officers doing traffic control and Zone 1 I'm sure we'll have additional officers out. We talk with our other agencies on a regular basis to help provide support."
As tens of thousands of people head to the North Shore for their favorite artist or NFL team, police said they're not expecting any particular issues.
The Elton John concert starts at 8 p.m.
This weekend's International Jazz Festival kicked off at Highmark Stadium on Friday night.
As for the Steelers game on Sunday, kickoff is at 1 p.m. Fans are encouraged to arrive two hours early to avoid heavy traffic and crowds at the gate.
