FANS have slammed the Wasps-owned Ricoh Arena for ‘chaos’ at the highly anticipated Spice Girls concert last night.
Those who went to see the legendary girl band hit out at the hosts, describing the event as a ‘shambles’ and ‘dangerous’ – ahead of a second gig tonight.
Fans took to social media to condemn long queues, traffic problems and poor crowd safety – with some alleging the security stopped checking bags.
Among those who have tweeted their frustrations was Jayne Phillips, who said: “Well Ricoh Arena what a shambles last night at the Spice Girls! Missed most of Jess Glynne (supporting act) due to the way the entrance was handled. Then to wait for 2 hours in the car park to get out – with no one directing cars. £25 to park too – what a rip off!”
Lucy Stallard also tweeted: “Ricoh Arena – attending Spice Girls tonight and it’s more than disconcerting that you abandoned bag checks last night. In the world we are living in, this is simply NOT an option. Remember May 22 2017, make sure you do everything to keep your visitors safe please #SpiceGirls”
Cheryl Ranner tweeted: “So Spice Girls were AMAZING last night.. same can’t be said for Ricoh Arena what an absolute s*** show, dangerous over crowding at gates, bags not being checked. Took over an hour to get into the venue where we had missed the first half of Jess Glynne.”
Kerry Lenihan tweeted: “Spice Girls were absolutely incredible. My childhood relived. #GirlPower was alive & well last night. However must have been the worst event organisation I’ve ever experienced @RicohArena – if you can’t handle big events, don’t put them on.”
A spokesperson for the Ricoh Arena said: “The first night of the Spice Girls was a fantastic occasion and everyone is really looking forward to tonight and a repeat performance. It was a fantastic start to what should be a very memorable summer for Ricoh Arena and Coventry.
“We would urge people to arrive as early possible as Jess Glynne will be on stage at 7pm. Around 25,000 were inside the main bowl in time to see Jess last night which is the highest number of people we have ever had to watch a support act.
“We opened up additional entrances to get people through as quickly as possible but with security checks and it being a mid-week date, we would urge people to get to the venue as early as possible.
“We have turned the majority of gents toilets into female loos, have hired additional portable toilets and also put on added additional facilities in the Green Room at the Ericsson Indoor Arena, so would urge people to use those as well.
“As with every large concert, onsite car parks are held for pedestrians to leave site safely before we move any cars. That is standard practice, people are notified in advance of the lockdown and we appreciate their patience.
“There was an initial delay in moving traffic due to a broken down lorry at Rowleys Green roundabout at the end of the show, something which is beyond our control, but did cause problems.
“We will be debriefing ahead of tonight’s concert to see if changes are needed. Doors open at 5pm, and our Green Room is open from 3pm, so again we would urge people heading to Ricoh Arena tonight to get to the venue as early as possible.”
