No arrests, issues occur at Juice Jam concert
The most-attended Juice Jam concert ran smoothly, according to security personnel, public safety officers and emergency medical technicians.
The festival, which sold out at 9,500 tickets, took place Sunday at Skytop Field on South Campus. Artists The Neighbourhood, Smallpools, Ab-Soul, Robert DeLong, Nicky Romero and Kendrick Lamar performed.
Despite the large attendance, no one was arrested, and overall, the festival was a success, said Department of Public Safety chief Tony Callisto.
“The event went very well from our perspective, the folks were well-behaved,” Callisto said.
Officers Pat Dicrasto and Dave Metz of the Syracuse Police Department, who were stationed by the entrance to the venue, said they were there to assist public safety and step in if any drugs or other illegal items were found on concertgoers.
Although security confiscated alcohol from several attendees, they were not called upon to investigate anyone trying to bring in drugs, Dicrasto said.
Thirty-six employees of Chestnut Street Security, Inc., who were hired by University Union, were also present to protect student safety. They patted down students and checked purses, ensuring that no drugs, alcohol or dangerous items were carried into the concert. Backpacks also weren’t allowed into the venue, said Lisa Falise, a Chestnut Street Security employee.
“We have the best interest of the students in mind,” Falise said.
Twelve EMTs and two ambulances were on duty at the concert, more than in past years due to the larger attendance, said Arielle Steinberg, a trainer with Syracuse University Ambulance. Steinberg said it was a busy day for the EMTs, but overall, everything ran fairly smoothly.
Syracuse University Food Services sold refreshments, but ran out of water before the final performance, though they still had soda, said employee Vanessa Botero. The junior psychology major said the day was hectic but successful for SU Food Services.
Dicrasto said the biggest issues of the day were, at times, too large of a crowd around the gates, and people trying to re-enter the concert after leaving, which was prohibited.
Department of Public Safety officer George Wazen said although Juice Jam attendance was at an all-time high, the event ran smoother than in previous years.
Said Wazen: “We want everyone to have fun and go home safe at the end of the day.”
Published on September 9, 2013 at 1:03 am
Contact Maggie: mmcregan@syr.edu