BOMB THREAT EVACUATES SPAC SHOW

by Thomas Dimopoulos Saratoga TODAY

SARATOGA SPRINGS —

Several area law enforcement agencies responded to a bomb threat at Saratoga Performing Arts Center July 8. The threat was ultimately deemed a hoax.

was an emergency evacuation!!!!” indicates Saratoga County will continue to grow and thrive as one of Upstate New York’s most desirable counties in which to live, visit, and do business for the foreseeable future,” Saratoga County Industrial Development Agency Chairman Rod Sutton explains in his introductory remarks of the 83-page report, prepared by Camoin Associates, which is based in Saratoga Springs.

It wasn’t until the following day that an agency in an official capacity reported the reason for the evacuation.

The breakdown, according to the report:

Saratoga Race Course -

2,937 Jobs; $157.8 m Earnings; $371. m Sales

SPAC - 1,362 Jobs; $26.9 m Earnings; $78.2 m Sales

Saratoga Casino Hotel -

1,388 Jobs; $77.1 m Earnings; $185.2 m Sales

Saratoga Nat. Hist. Park - 83 Jobs; $4.8 m Earnings; $13 m Sales *Earnings, Sales rounded off.

As far as Fiscal Impact Results, the destinations in total contribute nearly $5.7 million in total property, sales, and occupancy tax revenue to Saratoga County and almost $18.2 million in total income and sales tax revenue to New York State, according to the report. In addition to these tax revenues, the Saratoga Race Course makes nearly $6.9 million in additional statutory payments to municipalities and other entities. Prior studies – which were held in 2006, 2011 and 2015looked solely at the economic impact of Saratoga Race Course.

To read the full report, go to: www.saratogacountyida.org.

Inside the amphitheater, the band Garbage had concluded their 15-song set at approximately 9 p.m. and those who remained in attendance awaited the appearance of Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds when message boards informed fans to evacuate the venue in a calm manner. A reason was not provided, and some noted that at least one of the buses backstage transporting the performers had already left.

“Hey, just got evacuated from SPAC after the changeover from Garbage to Noel Gallagher,” said William Marley, a music fan in attendance. “Sat for 30 minutes after they tuned guitars. Bus pulled out then evac. warning went up.”

Concert promoter Live Nation released no statement and for the balance of the evening; a tweet was posted by the band Garbage. “We have no idea what happened tonight. We were just all evacuated and we were concerned for everyone !!!” read the tweet.

“I’m sorry we have no real information. We were just told there

“Out of an abundance of caution, the concert at Saratoga Performing Arts Center was suspended at 9:40 p.m. and concert attendees were evacuated without incident. K9s completed a sweep of the venue after the crowd exited, with negative results,” according to the posting from the New York State Park Police. “This incident is under investigation. This case will be investigated as Making a Terroristic Threat, a Class D Felony.”

The night included scheduled appearances by the bands Garbage and Metric, but Gallagher’s High Flying Birds – the night’s headlining act - never made it to the stage due to the evacuation. Fans holding tickets to the show were provided no information from Live Nation regarding whether a make-up date or refund will be forthcoming.

According to the promoter’s website: “Cancelations will only occur in the event of severe weather, artist cancelation or an act of God. In the event of a cancelation local media will be notified and any information about a potential reschedule will be made available. Refunds will be available at the point of purchase.”