New metal detectors at Scotiabank Centre causing delays, issues in Halifax's downtown
Michael Bublé concertgoers have been urged to show up early at the Scotiabank Centre in Halifax Friday night.
“We just want to make sure that people have lots of time to get into the venue,” said Erin Esiyok-Prime from Events East.
Events East also took to social media to ask ticketholders to, "arrive no later than 7:15 p.m. to ensure they are in by show time.”
The issue is the recent installation of 18 metal detectors which are slowing people down when entering the venue.
“They are located at all of the entrances in the venue," said Esiyok-Prime. "And we have staff to point people to all of the shortest lines. Our focus is to get people in as quickly as possible.”
The metal detectors were installed last Friday.
One person on social media called the recent delays “ridiculous” and said she, “was in line for 30 minutes last night.”
Scotiabank Centre management is asking for patience.
“We have to make sure our fans at our partners are safe, and this is one way we can do that," said Esiyok-Prime.
Fans needing to rush off earlier to the concert could cause a drag on downtown business.
“I’m concerned people will make a different choice and not eat at our restaurant,” said Wooden Monkey owner Lil MacPherson.
Durty Nelly's Irish Pub manager Eugene McCabe said the goal is to ensure customers get a table, get fed and make it to the concert on time. To achieve that, he's bringing in extra workers.
“We will make sure we have a lot of staff on and make sure a lot of staff to take care of people," said McCabe. "It just makes it easier to manage expectations for everybody."
According to Paul MacKinnon from the Downtown Halifax Business Commission, metal detectors and managing large crowds are some of the elements that go with a growing downtown core.
“There was a time, not that long ago, when if you were going to a Mooseheads game you could show up at 6:59 p.m. and just breeze in and catch the first period," said MacKinnon. "Those days are over, obviously, and this is going to be an adjustment.”
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
For first time in more than 10 years, child dies of measles in Ontario
A young child has died of measles in Ontario, marking the first death in the province from the highly contagious virus in more than 10 years, a Public Health Ontario report confirms.
NEW Pack the macaroni necklace: Lessons on evacuations from a woman who fled one of Canada's worst wildfires
Carol Christian had 15 minutes to evacuate her home during the Fort McMurray wildfires in 2016. She ended up losing the house and everything inside. Now, she wants to share the lessons she learned.
Think twice before sharing 'heartbreaking' social media posts, RCMP warn
Mounties in B.C. are urging people to think twice before sharing "heartbreaking posts" on social media.
'Ugly produce': One way Canadians are shrinking rising grocery bills
As the cost of food in Canada has risen, grocery shoppers are looking at ways to reduce their grocery bill, and more are choosing price over beauty, turning to companies that deliver so-called 'misfit' produce at a fraction of the cost.
Vatican revamps norms to evaluate visions of Mary as it adapts to Internet age and combats hoaxers
The Vatican on Friday radically reformed its process for evaluating alleged visions of the Virgin Mary, weeping statues and other seemingly supernatural phenomena, insisting on having the final say in whether the events are worthy of popular devotion.
Wildfires are dampening against cool, rainy weather, but there's plenty left to contain
An opportune system of cool, wet weather Friday is dampening the spread of wildfires across Western Canada, but there's still plenty of work for responders and residents alike.
5 secrets to moving better and preventing avoidable injury
Countless people seek emergency care for back pain, muscle strains and similar injuries resulting from “moving wrong” during mundane, everyday tasks such as bending over to tie shoes, lifting objects or doing household chores.
Zach Bryan and girlfriend Brianna Chickenfry are 'happy and alive' after 'traumatizing' car accident
Zach Bryan and his girlfriend Brianna LaPaglia were involved in a scary car accident earlier this week, according to LaPaglia, who recalled the experience in a candid video posted to her TikTok page earlier this week.
Trudeau calls New Brunswick's Conservative government a 'disgrace' on women's rights
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau assailed New Brunswick's premier and other conservative leaders on Thursday, calling out the provincial government's position on abortion, LGBTQ youth and climate change.