Gates will not open as scheduled for Thursday night’s concert by Mumford & Sons at Wrigley Field, due to the threat of severe weather.
According to a notice posted Thursday afternoon on Wrigley’s social media accounts: “We are actively monitoring the weather forecast for tonight’s show. Gates are delayed. We will continue to share updates as information becomes available. Thank you for your patience and understanding.”
A tornado watch by the National Weather Service was expanded Thursday afternoon to include parts of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Missouri and Wisconsin. The watch, which is set to expire at 9 p.m., is in effect for 51 counties across Illinois, including Cook, DuPage, Kane, Lake, McHenry and Will. As reported in the Tribune, weather officials warn that severe storms through the afternoon and early evening could likely bring several tornadoes, scattered hail up to the size of a tennis ball and widespread gusts of up to 80 mph.
Additionally, a concert by Jimmy Eat World is still scheduled across town at Huntington Bank Pavilion on Northerly Island, but the Live Nation venue is spreading an alert: “Hey Jimmy Eat World fans, we are tracking some severe weather that may impact tonight’s show. Right now, everything is still on as scheduled, with gates opening at 5:30pm and the show starting at 7:00pm. We want this show to happen just as much as you, and we’re closely monitoring the forecast. We will continue to update you if anything changes.”
Wrigley Field Gates have been slated to open at 5 p.m. for a concert beginning at 6:30 p.m. The concert, part of a tour behind the band’s new album, “Prizefighter,” is also slated to include opening acts guests Caamp and Dylan Gossett.
Mumford & Sons lead singer Marcus Mumford recently told the Tribune that he had been looking forward to playing at Wrigley Field on the tour, having grown up in the U.K. watching Chicago sports teams on television.
This story is updating.
dgeogre@chicagotribune.com
