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Usher concert canceled in Atlanta
Grammy Award-Winning R&B superstar Usher was scheduled to kick off his Past, Present, and Future Tour in his hometown of Atlanta on Wednesday night, but canceled just hours before he was scheduled to take the stage.
ATLANTA - State Farm Arena has announced that Usher's first concert tonight at State Farm Arena has been postponed, according to a representative from the arena.
Usher also just released a statement on X (formerly known as Twitter) saying he needed to give his body a "second to rest and heal." Usher also said that his team will share information about a rescheduled date soon.
Usher is also scheduled to perform Friday and Saturday (Aug. 16 and 17).
State Farm Arena says that all previously purchased tickets will be honored for the new date once announced.
Multiple fans have expressed their disappointment online, asking why he waited until only a few hours before the show.
One woman from New York said she flew to Atlanta from New York City and her cousin came in from Texas for tonight's show. She called the cancelation heartbreaking and disappointing. Another fan replied to Usher's post, saying they had traveled from Boston for the concert and they need their money back.
Other fans are sending their best wishes to Usher.
Usher Atlanta concert canceled: Out of town fans furious
Several people FOX 5 Atlanta spoke with who traveled for opening night said they were most disappointed the announcement came within hours of showtime.
"We came up yesterday from Virginia," said Angela and Cameron Greene. "It took us about nine hours."
Atlanta resident Gabe Lustman told FOX 5 he spent around $2,500 on tickets for himself and a date, on top of renting a hotel and car for the night.
"I was ready to sing my heart out all night and everything," said Lustman. "I’m like, ‘Aww, what a let-down.'"
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Usher cancels Atlanta show last minute
Some Usher fans were shocked to discover the artist had canceled his Atlanta show on Wednesday night just hours before the performance.
While Lustman said he’s still looking forward to the experience, other fans like Paulene Kearney, who traveled from out of town, said they weren’t happy with the last-minute change to what was supposed to be a special trip.
"If we could’ve gotten notification earlier, we could’ve canceled our flight and would’ve gotten a credit until we come back," Kearney explained.
Angela Greene said seeing the superstar singer was an item on her bucket list.
"He bought me a ticket to see Usher because it was on my bucket list for my birthday," Greene said. "So, it was like a surprise, and we were just really excited."
If there’s any chance the show will be rescheduled for later in the weekend, Greene says they’ll have to find another hotel to stay at, because theirs was overbooked.
Many of those fans would love to be trading places with concertgoers who got tickets for the Friday and Saturday shows.
Of course, those people are now hoping they don’t have to call and find out the same news.
Usher's Past, Present and Future Tour
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Usher brings tour to Atlanta
R&B superstar Usher is heading to his hometown of Atlanta for three sold-out shows at State Farm Arena.
Grammy Award-Winning R&B superstar Usher is kicking off his Past, Present, and Future Tour in his hometown of Atlanta on Wednesday night.
The singer-songwriter is performing to sold-out crowds on Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday at State Farm Arena.
These three tour dates were not initially on the schedule, but demand was so high, that the singer added the stop and decided to start the tour in Atlanta. He'll return to perform three more sold-out shows in mid-October.
The R&B legend has had an incredible year so far. After his Emmy Award-nominated Super Bowl halftime performance, he went on to claim BET's Lifetime Achievement Award. He was also honored in Atlanta with the Phoenix Award at the Black Music and Entertainment Walk of Fame.
Usher performs onstage during the Apple Music Super Bowl LVIII Halftime Show at Allegiant Stadium on February 11, 2024, in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
If you want to catch the Past, Present, or Future Tour, several shows are sold out, but there are still some tickets available in Texas, California, Colorado, Minnesota, Nevada, Arizona, Washington and other international locations.
Here's what you need to know if you're heading to the concert:
When are Usher's Atlanta concerts?
The concerts are scheduled to begin at 8 p.m. on Aug. 14, 16 and 17. Doors will open at 7 p.m., according to State Farm Arena.
Parking and transportation to State Farm Arena
Although MARTA is the fastest and easiest way to get to the stadium, there is parking available. However, spots should be purchased in advance and fans should plan for heavy traffic around the stadium. Leave early. Parking ranges from $24 to $206 at nearby lots. Click here to purchase parking.
State Farm Arena offers multiple parking options including State Farm Drive, the Diamond and Sapphire Decks, and the Ruby Lot.
Fans can also choose to arrive by rideshare but there may be a significant wait for a rideshare vehicle after concerts.
What is the bag policy at State Farm Arena?
The stadium strongly recommends that fans do not bring a bag. If a bag is necessary, they must meet the following criteria:
While State Farm Arena does not have a clear bag policy, bags must be 14 inches by 14 inches by 6 inches or smaller.
Bags need to be single-compartment drawstring bags, purses, or small fashion backpacks. No other backpacks or hard-sided bags are allowed.
Click here for more information.
Can you use cash at State Farm Arena?
State Farm Arena is a cashless environment. Card payments will be required for all purchases at concession stands and retail locations.