U2 Fans Packing Soldier Field For Concert
CHICAGO (CBS) -- The Bears aren't playing anytime soon, but excited Chicagoans were getting ready to fill Soldier Field on Tuesday. Many have been up since early Tuesday morning outside the stadium for the U2 concert Tuesday night.
Doors opened at about 5 p.m. on Tuesday and as many as 800 came out Tuesday morning to jockey for a spot right beside the stage in an open seating area. The remaining 65,000 attending the concert have assigned seats.
First in line, waiting since 3 a.m. Tuesday, were a mother and daughter who came to see U2 in the name of love
"You see one show and you're just hooked. It's like a religious experience," said Lya Wodraska of Salt Lake City. "I flew in on a red eye, so I am working on very little sleep whatsoever."
Actually they both flew in, mom from Florida, daughter from Utah; and for Bono and the boys, they do this a lot. They've been to more than 30 U2 concerts.
Cathal McCarron, the author of "Me and U2," was there too.
"I've been a fan since 12 years old," he said.
The Irish native has been to 80 concerts on the current U2 tour.
"There's definitely an emotional, almost spiritual connection with the music and the lyrics as well," he said. "It's not something you can explain to be honest it's an emotional thing."
The pricetag for U2's 360 tour is big: some $30 million dollars. It plays out on a massive stage that looks like a metal spider and takes at least five days to assemble.
To help u2 fans find what they're looking for, there is a 54-ton monitor suspended above the stage made up of 888 tiny separate LED screens.
On this beautiful day fans were lined up before dawn. They were kept safe in the shade after traveling here from points around the globe – some from as far away as France.
They are fans who can sing you their favorite song, and tell you their appreciation for U2 is deeper than a good time.
"There is also the fact they use their fame to do good things. Bono helps Africa," one fan said as he waited outside the stadium.
Tuesday's concert was originally scheduled for last July, but Bono injured his back in the middle of the tour, so tour was postponed.
Fans are using their original tickets from last year and there's even a problem solvers window in case of any complications.
