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Rain, traffic create trouble at Beyonce concert

Thousands of fans braved severe weather and traffic delays to see Beyonce perform in Raleigh Tuesday night.

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RALEIGH, N.C. — Thousands of fans braved severe weather and traffic delays to see Beyonce perform in Raleigh Tuesday night.

With thunderstorms over Wake County, Live Nation concert promoters asked Beyonce fans to wait in their cars Tuesday afternoon.

North Carolina State University's Carter-Finley Stadium, the outdoor venue for Beyonce's Formation World Tour, was scheduled to open at 5:30 p.m. but fans were asked to wait in their vehicles for over an hour until it was safe to enter the stadium.
Some Beyonce fans said they came prepared for the wet weather.
"We've got ponchos, umbrellas, towels, everything you need," said Angel Young. "We were not going to miss this for the world. We got an email saying the show will go on rain or shine"
The show went off on time, but was temporarily suspended just after 10 p.m. because of lightning. The PNC and sports practice facilities were opened to give fans a dry place to wait out the storm.

The show started again at about 11:30, but many fans had already decided to go home.

Parking lots at Carter-Finley Stadium opened at 4 p.m., and signs warned drivers to expect delays along Wade Avenue and other stadium access routes throughout the evening.

Some fans who paid hundreds of dollars to see Beyonce sat in traffic hours after the show was scheduled to start, trying to get to the stadium.

Many abandoned their cars along Interstate 40 and walked to the stadium, but authorities said vehicles would not be towed as long as they were not blocking the roadway.

The concert, one of the most highly-anticipated of the summer, takes the stage in a political atmosphere that other artists have chosen to boycott.

Bruce Springsteen, Ringo Starr, Nick Jonas and Demi Lovato have canceled planned shows in the state in opposition to House Bill 2, which requires that people use the public bathrooms that correspond to their birth certificate and prohibits cities and counties from extending discrimination protection to people based on sexual preference or gender identity.

"I did not think it was going to happen, actually. I was worried because HB2 has just been killing it for everyone across the board," said Beyonce fan Mandy Gatton.

Instead of canceling, some have called on artists to turn concerts and events into fundraisers for local LGBT centers. Actor and comedian Joel McHale announced that his DPAC show last month would be a benefit. Singer Cyndi Lauper is donating proceeds from her June 4 show in Raleigh to Equality North Carolina.

"I was hoping she would not cancel it. I didn't think she would because her fans are fanatic. They are crazy," said Beyonce fan Erica England.

Beyonce has remained mum on the subject of House Bill 2 but caused controversy earlier this year after police officer unions felt her half-time performance at Super Bowl 50 expressed anti-police sentiments. Many officers across the country threatened to boycott the show, but Raleigh police decided against the idea.

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