Liverpool arena faces congestion problems ahead Eurovision Song Contest 2023.
The long-awaited grand finale will take place at the 11,000 capacity arena on Saturday, May 13, with the semi-finals on Tuesday, May 9 and Thursday, May 11.
However, the venue faced ‘unacceptable’ crowds during a sold-out Jamie Webster gig in November, with fans saying one area felt ‘unsafe’.
According to the BBCthe arena’s investigation said a crowd formed after a payment system crashed at a new bar, and that there were long lines for two bars that merged with lines for the restroom and people entering the venue.
But it is said to be an isolated incident and the Eurovision capacity will be reduced 6,000 fans are expected for the sold-out performance.
After the concert in November, after which operators said they “immediately reviewed and revised our layouts and processes related to the flow of people,” fans remembered the “truly awful” experience.
One told BBC Radio Merseyside: ‘At least 15-20 people walked out and just weren’t into it, and more people came out, got a little excited, panicked and just said, ‘It’s just not worth it. ” for our own safety”.’
Another recalled “chaos at the door where everyone just started walking in,” adding, “You couldn’t move. It took ages to get through.”
There were no injuries, although police were called, with the broadcaster noting their presence was ‘brief’.
Jamie’s hometown performance went ahead as planned, but had to cut short his encore.
Past performers to have performed at the massive venue include the 1975 and Lewis Capaldi, as well as comedian Peter Kay.
A total of 37 countries are taking part in this year’s contest, six of which have automatically qualified for the final.
These six are the winners of last year’s Ukraine, along with the ‘Big 5’ of France, Germany, Italy, Spain and the United Kingdom – who are the main funders of the competition.
The remaining countries compete in the semi-finals for a spot in the Grand Final, with the top 10 from each semi-final qualifying.
The Eurovision Song Contest will be broadcast on BBC One on Saturday 13 May.
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