Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter Tour
Beyoncé fans from across the country descended upon Soldier Field on Thursday night for the highly anticipated opening night of the Cowboy Carter Tour in Chicago. But just as the BeyHive buzzed with excitement, Mother Nature had other plans. Severe weather swept into the area, prompting stadium officials to delay the show until at least 9 p.m., two hours past its original start time.
The announcement, made by Soldier Field’s director of marketing and PR, Luca Serra, was clear: “The concert will absolutely not start before 9 p.m.” Gates had opened at 5 p.m., but many fans were unaware of the delay, citing a lack of direct communication from Ticketmaster or venue alerts. For some, the news came through word of mouth—from hotel lobbies to Uber drivers.
Still, the weather did little to dampen spirits. Thousands of fans dressed in sparkling cowboy hats and custom outfits gathered early, eager to celebrate the Queen Bey. “I’ve been a Beyoncé fan since I was in the womb,” laughed Gracious Fordbrownee, who traveled from Kansas City. Others, like Baton Rouge native Lexus Robinson, were just ready to witness the magic. “I’m excited! I’m just ready to see her.”
Weather Delays Don’t Deter the BeyHive
Storm warnings across the Chicago area included threats of strong winds, hail, and even tornado watches in nearby counties. The severe thunderstorm alert extended into the evening, raising concerns about safety and logistics. Despite the risks, fans remained optimistic and committed. Many skipped bringing umbrellas, knowing they wouldn’t be allowed inside the venue.
“There’s a slight possibility of rain, but we’re from the Midwest—we’re used to it,” said Monique Lee, also from Kansas City.
This isn’t Beyoncé’s first brush with unpredictable Chicago weather. During her Renaissance World Tour stop at Soldier Field in July 2023, similar storms caused delays and temporary admissions pauses. Thursday night echoed that memory, but the mood among fans remained electric.
Merchandise Madness and Unshaken Loyalty
Even before the gates opened, lines had already formed for merchandise. Some fans, like Edgewater’s Nataki Rennie, were already planning their return for Sunday night’s show. “It’s supposed to be the best weather day—sunny and 70 degrees,” Rennie said. “I’ve been tracking the forecast all week.”
Despite the rain and delays, fans weren’t deterred. “We’re going to party regardless,” said Levi Terry from Salt Lake City. “The Hive shows up and shows out. A little weather won’t stop that.”
Stadium officials assured concertgoers that plans were in place for handling inclement weather, though they declined to share specific protocols. Meanwhile, merchandise vendors were ready for rain, with sturdy trailers and windows that close up if needed.
The Show Will Go On
Beyoncé is scheduled to perform at Soldier Field for three nights—Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday—as part of her Cowboy Carter and the Rodeo Chitlin’ Circuit Tour. The show debuted at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, with an elaborate 39-song setlist blending genres like country, pop, soul, and even political themes.
Despite the slow start in Chicago, the tour is expected to maintain its momentum with dazzling visuals, deep storytelling, and Beyoncé’s powerhouse performance. As fans danced in the rain and waited patiently, one thing was clear: no storm could shake the BeyHive’s devotion.
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