Jones Beach security measures stepped up for summer concerts

Concertgoers at the Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater this summer can expect to see added security measures in place.

News 12 Staff

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Jun 2, 2017, 3:33 PM

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Updated 2,758 days ago

Concertgoers at the Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater this summer can expect to see added security measures in place.

New York State Parks officials say they want concertgoers to be safe, adding that the terror attack at the Arianna Grande concert in Manchester was an eye opener.

Crews have since placed concrete barriers around an area now deemed pedestrian only in an effort to prevent any type of vehicle attack.

Security's screening area is also being moved away from the venue's entrance. Police say from now on all bags will be checked and all concertgoers screened.

"You will be wanded. You will be patted down. We will ask you to empty your pockets," says Cap. Anthony Astacio, of the New York State Police.

A pickup and drop-off section has also been moved away from the theater.

"We've also determined that we will be closing down the parking field at 9 p.m. Only ticket holders will be allowed in after 9 p.m. and any pickups," says State Parks Regional Director George Gorman.

Because of the stepped up security, officials say ticketholders should give themselves some extra time to get into the concert.

KTUphoria is kicking off the summer concert season Saturday night. On stage will be The Backstreet Boys, Miley Cyrus, Fifth Harmony, Jason Derulo and Valley Stream's very own, Shaggy.