Garth Brooks landed in Ireland yesterday ahead of his Croke Park gigs – as touts hawked tickets online for five times their face value.
The country star touched down in a private jet for the first of five shows, as organisers warned fans: “Do not buy from unofficial sellers.” Some over-priced tickets offered on eBay will be out of date by the time they arrive, while others can’t guarantee delivery to Ireland.
Scammers on the auction site wanted €450 upfront – for a pass with a €80 face value. Another seller has three “premium” tickets up for sale for €998. The small print on one warns: “May not deliver to Ireland” while the other tickets will not arrive until the gig is over.
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A spokesman for Aiken Promotions said fans should go onto the official Ticketmaster site to buy the last few remaining tickets for Garth’s five nights in Croker. However, he warned fans not to be lured in by unofficial sellers. The spokesman added: “Ticketmaster is the only seller. Do not buy from any other site.
“Don’t buy these resold tickets. You may end up very disappointed. There are a handful of tickets still available on Ticketmaster. We urge fans to stick with that site only.”
The Shameless singer flew into Dublin at 10.40am with airport authorities sharing a video of his private jet arriving. Its official Twitter account announced: “We’re bringing friends in from high places. He’s here.
“Garth Brooks has arrived on Irish soil, ahead of his five concerts in Dublin’s Croke Park over the next two weekends." Referencing his biggest ballad, they quipped: “We’re ready for The Dance.”
Meanwhile, Fagan’s pub beside Croke Park in Drumcondra, North Dublin, is ready for Garthfest. Manager Sean O’Malley said: “We’re well set, we know what to expect. We’re ready for his big opening gig on Friday.
“We’ve had a few Americans in already who are going to it. And there are thousands coming down from the North. We’re expecting it to be busy. We can put on a bit of Garth’s music for the fans who’ll come in here before the gig. Hopefully they’ll be able to come in after it too.”
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Country music star Cliona Hagan is going to see Garth on Saturday. She said: “I can’t wait. He is just phenomenal. Everyone in Ireland worships the ground he walks on. I’m so excited. It’s going to be awesome.”
The Friends In Low Places singer will kick off his five nights at the capital’s GAA headquarters this weekend. It’s expected that all the shows will sell out.
The Stetson-hatted star will play this Friday, Saturday and Sunday, before taking a break, where it is believed he will fly to Killarney with wife and fellow country singer Trisha Yearwood. After he recharges his batteries, he will take to the stage again on September 16 and 17 – dates added due to popular demand.
Meantime, the countdown is on as ticket holders across the country get set to make their way to Croker for the gigs. An estimated 400,000 fans will head to Ireland’s biggest stadium over the five nights.
Concert promoters issued information and guidance to concertgoers to ensure all goes to plan. A spokesperson said: “Please check your tickets in advance to ensure you are attending on the correct date. Ticketholders will only be admitted to their ticketed date.”
Gates will open at 5pm and the show is due to start at 7.30pm. Early queueing will not be permitted and a 10.30pm curfew will be in place.
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