U2 cancels Sat. night concert due to conflict

The Grammy award-winning rock band U2 will perform on the University's Franklin Field Sunday as part of their "Pop Mart" tour. But the band's second show -- planned for Saturday, June 7 -- was canceled due to scheduling conflicts. According to a New Park Entertainment official, U2 will make a surprise appearance at a Tibetan benefit on that day. Saturday ticket-holders can receive a full refund for the $52.50 they previously paid or exchange their tickets for those for the Sunday concert. Extra seats are available because -- as is the case with any production as large as the U2 concert -- the entertainment company holds a certain amount of tickets in order to decrease disappointment in the event of an emergency. The band's tour kicked off April 25 in Las Vegas, Nevada before heading to Washington, D.C.'s RFK Stadium on May 26 and then the Meadowlands, New Jersey's Giants Stadium on May 31. U2's concert features "the world's largest television," 1,000 lighting fixtures, "six lighting machines," 20 Xenon searchlights and 100 strobe lights, according to the band's press release. Coordinating efforts have been made between Philadelphia police and fire marshals and University security to provide fans with a safe concert. But the New Park Entertainment official said he did not expect many more people than would attend the Penn relays or a football game. He added that parking should be more convenient because the concert is scheduled for Sunday, when the University is at a lower capacity than during the week. The Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority will also add more trains and buses to its regularly scheduled one to help the transportation increase that will occur. The concert is the first one held at Franklin Field since the 70s, but many hope such events will become a trend for the stadium. "Five football games and the Penn Relays are not utilizing all of Franklin Field's opportunities," University spokesperson Ken Wildes explained. "We need to find out how to use the stadium in a better way." The Athletic Department sold advance tickets for the U2 concert to University students, faculty and staff before Ticketmaster took over the sales. Athletic Director Steve Bilsky said he anticipates that the department will receive revenues of between $100,000 and $200,000 from the concert. New Park officials said there will be no rain date for the concert, since U2's 52-truck entourage cannot be easily rerouted.