The Almaty akimat has revealed how city authorities are preparing for a second attempt to surprise residents and YE himself with preparations for the concert at the Central Stadium. This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing Kursiv Media.
Traffic restrictions
To ensure safety and comfortable movement of spectators, additional measures will be taken in the city to organize traffic and public transport operations.
To ensure security measures, starting at 15:30, a phased restriction of vehicle traffic will begin in the area of the Central Stadium. Traffic will be temporarily closed on Satpayev Street from Baitursynov Street to Baizakov Street.
"By decision of the security services, certain sections of roads adjacent to the stadium may also be temporarily closed. At the same time, public transport along Abai Avenue will operate as usual. Police officers will be on duty at the sites," the akimat's statement said.
Free shuttles
After the concert, guests will be transported by 60 free shuttles in six directions of the city. Buses will run from the Central Stadium to Almaty Arena, Alatau metro station (Raiymbek batyr area), Almaty-1 railway station, Orbita microdistrict, Zhuldyz microdistrict, and Almaty International Airport.
Public transport and the metro will also be strengthened. The Baikonur metro station will close for passengers at 21:00. Concert visitors are recommended to use the Abai and Mukhtar Auezov Theater stations. Metro operations will be extended until at least 01:00, and if necessary, until 03:00.
Recommendations
Residents and guests of Almaty are advised to plan their routes in advance, take into account temporary traffic restrictions, and use public transport whenever possible.
It is worth noting that Almaty residents are also preparing for the concert — buying raincoats and flashlights.
Previous attempt
Earlier, Kursiv reported that Ye (Kanye West) was supposed to perform the previous evening at the Central Stadium. Spectators came to the metropolis not only from other regions of Kazakhstan but also from abroad. Organizers touted it as one of the largest international music events in the region, with a minimum ticket price of 120,000 tenge.
However, on the afternoon of August 14, a significant part of Almaty was left without electricity for several hours. The metro stopped, traffic lights went out, and communication and internet disruptions occurred.
Spectators who had already gathered at the Central Stadium were asked to leave the venue, and the performance was postponed to August 15. In addition to the blackout, a thunderstorm, strong wind, and rain hit Almaty in the evening; Ye himself explained the postponement by weather conditions and safety considerations.