You’ve waited months, we are now just ONE NIGHT AWAY from U2 hitting the stage at Moncton’s Magnetic Hill Concert Site.
With up to 100,000 people expected, the City of Moncton could make history as it hosts it’s largest event ever, beating the 85,000 record set by The Rolling Stones in 2005.
There’s lots of questions that need to be answered relating to traffic, transit, accommodations and more. Once you read this, your ready for a “beautiful day”!
So, who’s playing the festival and what are the set times?
The event will feature Carney, Arcade Fire and of course, U2! (in order) Gates will open at 3pm and the music should begin around 6, the promoter has not released exact times.
What will the weather be like?
Current Saturday forecasts predict showers in the amount of 5-10mm. Concertgoers are advised to dress appropriately.
Can I get a hotel or campsite?
As Bono would say “There’s no room, no space to rent in this town.”
What’s the story on tickets? Can I still get them?
Tickets are still available and range from $65 general admission to $199.50 grandstand – plus tax and service charges. Fans in the Red Zone areas must pick up their tickets at the box office on Saturday. You will be asked to present a valid photo ID and credit card that you used to purchase the tickets. The cardholder must attend the show and tickets are non-transferrable.
Some general admission tickets are available at Needs Convenience Stores across Atlantic Canada, the Moncton Coliseum Box Office or by phone at 1-888-720-5600.
Click here for online tickets.
Is there a more detailed grandstand seating plan?
YES! This map details exactly where you will sit (example GS1 S3)
Will grandstands and red zone have access to their own washrooms, food, beverage and merchandise?
Grandstands 1-5 and Red Zone will each have their own area as per the final site plan.
“The traffic is stuck, your not movin’ anywhere!”:
Front Mountain Road will be closed to general traffic, except for residents and their guests, starting at 10 a.m. on July 30.
Visitors will be able to enter between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. by identifying the address and homeowner they will be visiting. Visitors will not require a pass.
The road will be closed to all traffic after 1 p.m.
Officers will close off the Gorge Road starting at 11 p.m. to alleviate congestion after the concert.
The Gorge Road and Front Mountain Road will both re-open at 1 a.m. on July 31, or when the RCMP deem it safe to re-open.
Police are warning that any vehicles parked within the street closures will be allowed to exit only after pedestrian traffic has cleared.
There will be no parking permitted on the following roads on July 30:
Front Mountain Road
Gorge Road
Ensley Drive (taxis excepted)
Mountain Road from Front Mountain Road to Lyon’s Country Store
Police warn motorists that the parking ban will be strictly enforced and any vehicles left unattended will be towed at the owners’ expense. Police say vehicles not parked directly on the road, but that extend into a traffic lane, will also be towed, along with any vehicles police deem to be parked in areas that are unsafe to motorists or pedestrians.
The RCMP warn that traffic congestion will be at its worst after the U2 concert and are asking concertgoers to be patient as they’re leaving the concert site. They also ask that motorists who park in private parking lots near the concert site wait until the pedestrians have cleared the area before they leave.
A section of Mountain Road will be closed to traffic in the evening to allow for buses to safely load people who are using the Park and Ride service. The closure will extend from Charles Lutes Road to Front Mountain Road.
Taxis will be permitted to pick up passengers on Ensley Drive and police are recommending that anyone who plans to be picked up after the concert walk to a less congested area of Mountain Road to wait for their drive.
Can I take a bus?
Codiac Transit is offering a Park N’ Ride shuttle, which will take concertgoers to the concert site. The shuttle will leave from the Moncton Coliseum parking lot – located at 377 Killam Drive, and the CN parking lot – located at West Main Street. Concertgoers can park at those parking lots. Shuttle service to the site begins at 11 a.m. and ends at 6 p.m.
The shuttle will drop off concertgoers at the entrance to the Magnetic Hill attraction on Mountain Road. Concertgoers can then walk through the park to Gate 1.
Bracelet-holders will be picked up at the Magnetic Hill entrance, across the street on Mountain Road, after the show. Service from the site begins at 11 p.m. and will continue until all paid customers have been shuttled.
You can purchase a round-trip bracelet in advance for $10 at any Shoppers Drug Mart locations throughout the Greater Moncton area.
Can I park around the site?
There is no official parking for the concert, though many businesses and homeowners will offer it. Magic Mountain comes to mind as one of the closest to the site at $30, they will even throw in an admission bracelet!
Can I bring a camera?
Non removable lens cameras such as phones, and point and shoot cameras will be allowed.
Can I bring water?
Each concertgoer will be allowed one sealed 1L bottle of water.
What can I NOT bring?
Alcoholic beverages (brought from outside)
Food & Beverages from outside of the site
Illegal Drugs and drug paraphernalia
Plastic bottles, Glass bottles and cans
Umbrellas
Rigid Thermos, coolers or other hard plastic containers
Megaphones
Weapons or fireworks
Inflatables, beach balls, balloons, etc…
Skateboards
Animals (except Seeing Eye dogs)
Large backpacks (camping style)
Tents
Video Equipment
Professional photo equipment (SLR cameras, i.e. removable lens cameras)
Audio Recording equipment
No items intended for sale/promotion
Illegal merchandise of any description
Banners, Flags (No poles) or anything bigger than letter (8.5/11 – A4) size
Laser pointers, flashlights, glow (fluorescent) sticks, etc.
Costumes, with sharp items i.e. crystal balls, wire, spikes etc
Any object that can be used to cause bodily harm
Chairs of any kind
What is permitted on site?
Raincoat / poncho
Small beach towels
Small back packs and bags/ purses (Note: all bags will be searched)
Sunscreen
Lighters/Cigarettes
Are Disability tickets availible?
(Entrance through gate 5/grandstand 5)
Wheelchair Tickets
Each individual in a wheelchair will be able to bring one additional ticket-holder onto the platform with them. This designated area will be within the grandstand zone and will have designated wheelchair washrooms, concessions, and elevated sight lines. Tickets for the wheelchair platform are $65 plus service fees. Attendant tickets will also be available for $65 plus service fees.
There is a limited number of space available; first come. first serve.
Wheelchair tickets are only be available by calling 1-888-720-5600 or in person at the Coliseum Box Office (377 Killam Drive).
Proof of medical condition may be required (doctor’s note, etc.)
Non-Wheechair Disability Tickets
A small fenced-off area in front of the wheelchair platform will be made available for those individuals who have medical proof of a walking impairment and for the visually impaired if they aren’t comfortable being in bleachers/GA. Tickets for the non-wheelchair platform are $65 plus service fees.
Each individual will be able to bring one additional ticket-holder into the area with them. Attendant tickets will also be available for $65 plus service fees.
There is a limited number of space available; first come first serve.
Non-wheelchair tickets are only be available by calling 1-888-720-5600 or in person at the Coliseum Box Office (377 Killam Drive). Proof of medical condition may be required.
Medical info and tips:
The Moncton Hospital is proud to be the provider and coordinator of the medical services at the Magnetic Hill Music Festival. The medical team is in place to ensure everyone has a safe and enjoyable time.
The Moncton Hospital, the only trauma and critical care centre in southeastern New Brunswick, treats large volumes of critically-ill patients annually and is one of the best hospitals in Canada. Therefore, it is very appropriate that The Moncton Hospital is providing and arranging the medical services for the concert. The health care team volunteers include physicians, nurses, paramedics and first aiders.
Health Tips – Pay attention to the weather forecast and plan accordingly!!!
• Drink plenty of water throughout the day. Dehydration can occur quickly in hot and humid weather.
• Protect yourself from sun exposure. Wear a hat, apply sunscreen routinely, wear light-coloured, breathable clothing and move into the shade when possible.
• Listen to the weather forecast, but remember this is the Maritimes, and the weather can change drastically, very quickly. Prepare for hot and cooler temperatures, and rainy weather. Bring layers of clothing that provide good insulation and keep moisture away from the skin.
• Footwear is important as concert-goers will be walking and standing for long period of times.
• Use common sense, listen to your body and respond appropriately. Drink responsibly and prepare for a safe ride home.
Will U2 show up in Springhill on Sunday?
While they have been invited to an event in memory of those who died in the Springhill Mine Disaster, the invite hasn’t been formally accepted and would be a surprise.
The popular rumour is that they have been rehearsing the “Ballad of Springhill” during recent sound checks for a performance this Saturday.
Can I see a webcam of the concert site?
Click here for the Magnetic Hill webcam.
With all of the info in our minds, who’s ready for a beautiful day?
INFO: CTV, Magnetic Hill Music Festival