James Hetfield of Metallica performs at Helsinki Olympic Stadium on June 7, 2024 in Helsinki, Finland. (Photo by Venla Shalin/Redferns via Getty Images)Redferns
Metallica is set to play one of the largest concerts in Syracuse history.
The legendary metal band has sold more than 46,000 tickets for its Saturday, April 19, performance at the JMA Wireless Dome in Syracuse, N.Y. It’s likely to be sold out by the time the show starts at 6 p.m. with opening acts Pantera and Suicidal Tendencies, according to Syracuse University’s vice president and chief facilities officer Pete Sala
It will be the second-largest concert crowd ever at the former Carrier Dome, which previously saw 47,319 fans for the who in 1982. In the Syracuse area, only a New York State Fair concert by country star lainey wilsondrew a bigger audience with 53,200 in 2023.
Demand is unsurprisingly high, considering this will be Metallica’s first concert in the Salt City in nearly 30 years. It will also be the band’s first time in the Dome and their only 2025 stop in New York state on their M72 world tour dates.
The recently renovated JMA Dome actually has fewer seats than it used to, but Metallica’s stage will be set up in the center with seats all around the stadium. There are also thousands of floor tickets (including a standing “snake pit” in the middle of the stage), and huge 360-degree video monitors to ensure fans can see the action everywhere.
Metallica’s concert will also be physically huge, Sala said, requiring nearly 80 trucks for the sound, video, lighting and stage setup. That’s nearly four times as many trucks as used last year for the Dome’s traditional setup with a stage on one end of the stadium.“This is a very, very, very big show,” Sala said.
Metallica is a thrash metal/heavy metal band from California that currently features singer-guitarist Jame hetfield, drummer Lars Ulrich, bassist Robert Trujillo and guitarist Kirk Hammett. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame group is one of the best-selling music acts of all time with more than 125 million albums sold worldwide, featuring songs like “Enter Sandman,” “Until It Sleeps,” “Nothing Else Matters,” “For Whom the Bell Tolls,” “The Memory Remains” and “Master of Puppets.”Fans can actually enjoy two nights of the band’s music in Syracuse this weekend. will premiere at Destiny USA on Friday night.
Here’s everything you need to know about the Metallica concert, including traffic tips, where to park and ticket info:
TICKETS:
Limited tickets are still available through ticket master (prices start at $111), as well as stubhub (starting at $85) and vivid seat (starting at $83). Attendees are encouraged to download their ticket on their phone before arriving.
Floor tickets are general admission standing room only, split up evenly between the “East” and “West” sides of the stage. VIP ticketholders will see their tickets marked “Snake Pit” for standing in the middle of the stage’s circle area. “Enhanced Experience” ticketholders should check their email for entry details and plan to arrive at the tent outside Gate N by 2 p.m.
Bottles and cans are not permitted on the floor. All beverages (including water) must be emptied into a cup prior to accessing the floor seats and the GA pit.
TRAFFIC TIPS:
Concertgoers are encouraged to arrive early due to heavy traffic and ongoing construction in the area. Syracuse city police will be shutting down Comstock Avenue to one-way traffic to help drivers get in and out as quickly as possible.
Syracuse University recommends using for help with directions and navigating traffic to get to your parking lot. Uber and Lyft dropoff options are also available.
PARKING:
Sala strongly recommends parking at Skytop (1600 Jamesville Avenue) on SU’s South Campus, and then taking the shuttle to the Dome. Parking lots open at 10:30 a.m. and shuttle service from Skytop, Colvin and Comstock Lots will begin at 11:30 a.m.
There is no parking still available near the Dome, Sala said. Permit holders for University Avenue Garage are asked to avoid using I-81, Exit 18, and instead take I-690 to Teall Avenue (Exit 14) to Erie Blvd, then make a left onto Walnut Avenue to access those garages.
METALLICA MERCHANDISE
Metallica merchandise will be available at multiple locations, including Gate N, on the Quad near the Physics building, and between Gates B and C on Irving Avenue. Fans are highly encouraged to purchase merchandise outside prior to entering the building.
CASH OR CREDIT?
Credit. All official SU parking lots are now cashless (though there may be some cash options near campus). Everything inside the Dome is also cashless, including the merchandise stands. Beverages, including alcohol, will be grab-and-go.
CLEAR BAG POLICY
The Dome’s clear bag policy will be in effect. Therefore, one clear bag and one small clutch or purse is allowed. Fans will be asked to return non-approved bags to their vehicle prior to stadium entry. There will be no check-in location for prohibited bags at the Stadium. Please plan accordingly.
An exception will be made for medically necessary items after proper inspection.
ITEMS NOT ALLOWED
Metal detectors will be in use. The following items are not permitted:
- Audio Recording Devices
- Vinyl Album Covers
- Pocket Knives
- Weapons of any kind
- FOOD & BEVERAGES (excluding items needed for health/special reasons)
- ALCOHOL of any Kind
- BACKPACKS or large purses
- Containers/Coolers (including soft sided)
- Baby Strollers
- Animals (excluding service animals)
- Laser Pointers
- Noise Makers/Air Horns
- Video Recorders (including Go Pros)
- iPads
- Cameras with a lens 6″ or greater
- Large Chains
- Spiked Bracelets
- Wallet Chains
- Waist Packs
- Selfie Sticks
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