More than 250 people have been treated at the Vans Warped Tour Concert at the State Fairgrounds in Nashville.
At least 33 people were transported to the hospital for heat exposure, according to Vanderbilt medics on scene.
The concert started at 11 a.m. during the heat of the day, with temperatures heading into the 90s and humidity rising, By 1 p.m. the heat index was 92 degrees, according to News 2 Meteorologist Davis Nolan.
Concert-goers told news 2 the asphalt at the fairgrounds radiated heat, especially near the stage. One woman said. “the heat has been miserable.”
Managers say 1,000 people are attending the concert, which runs until 9 p.m.
Fairgrounds Events Manager Scott Wallace confirms numerous ambulances have been taking patients with heat-related problems to Vanderbilt University Medical Center. Ambulances remain on standby at the event.
“It’s hot, it’s humid. A lot of times, I think people don’t come prepared for that and don’t stay on top of being hydrated,” said Jared McKinney, Medical Director, Lifeflight Event. “I think that it has snuck up on some people that didn’t expect it, especially younger folks.”
Late Tuesday, the Vans Warped Tour released a statement that said in part, “The Vans Warped Tour worked diligently with the Tennessee Fairgrounds and Vanderbilt Medical Center event teams to be
properly staffed with on site medics and physicians per their guidance and expertise. The Warped Tour security, medical, and production teams all also worked in close contact with the EMS team from Nashville Fire to ensure we had proper resources as medical calls increased with the temperature.”
The statement went on to say attendees are allowed to bring in a sealed bottle of water that can be “continuously filled up at the on-site water station for free.”
Warped Tour provides free filtered water at our Hydration Stations on site. Fans can use a brought-from-home water bottle or purchase a reusable bottle to fill up as much as needed throughout the day. There are also many opportunities on site for shade, food, and patrons are encouraged to hydrate all day.”
