Thunderstorms are quite frequent in our region in August. And that can make outdoor events a bit tricky.

Unfortunately for the thousands of fans attending the Backstreet Boys concert on August 18 at Hersheypark stadium, the area was hit by two successive storms, delaying first, then ending the concert prematurely.

So if you have tickets for the Kiss concert on August 21, and you’ve checked the weather forecast for the week, you may be worried. Here’s what you need to know about how Hershey Entertainment deals with potentially dangerous weather conditions, and some tips on how to prepare:

Rain is always a possibility for an outdoor event. That said, umbrellas aren’t an option at the stadium – they’re not allowed inside the gates. It wouldn’t be a very fun spectacle if the person in front of you blocked your view with one, even if you stayed dry with yours (and thus blocked the view of the person behind you).

But if you’re worried about the rain, you can bring a poncho or other water-resistant gear. For the Hersheypark Stadium FAQ, including information on what you can and cannot bring inside, take a look at their site here.

READ MORE: Hersheypark explains why Backstreet Boys concert was postponed

• Keep an eye on social media

It’s hard to know what’s going on at the stadium if you’re not signed in to online updates. The best way to get information on what’s going on is to check your phone for updates on the Hershey Entertainment social media pages.

“In addition to understanding all of the site’s policies, we encourage all of our guests to follow us on our social media (@HersheyPA on Twitter and @HersheyEntertainment on Facebook) for all weather and broadcast related updates. said Quinn Bryner, director of public relations and strategy at Hershey Entertainment.

This is good advice before you go to a concert, but in an emergency it is potentially even more useful to do so after you arrive.

• Have an arrival and departure plan

As stated in the FAQ page, the stadium doors usually open 90 minutes before the concert starts. But parking in the Hersheypark parking lot can be done before that 90 minute window, as many hatchback enthusiasts can tell you. The earlier you arrive, the more likely you are to secure a parking spot near the stadium (although of course you also compete for parking with the Hersheypark guests) and the less you’ll walk to your car. .

READ MORE: The Backstreet Diaries: A Man’s Saga from the Postponed Backstreet Boys Concert in Hersheypark

Likewise, Hersheypark Drive often stops when concert traffic is cleared. The main exit from the Hersheypark parking lot juts out onto this busy thoroughfare, which can be even more congested due to foot traffic from spectators heading to the alternative parking lots across the road. So if you can, going around the town of Hershey can be a good way to cut traffic and reduce congestion slightly.

Even with the best plans and preparations in place, the weather does not change. Sometimes some things are beyond anyone’s control, and one of those things is a dangerous thunderstorm.

“We understand that our guests expressed their frustration with the rapidly changing weather conditions during Sunday night’s show,” said Bryner. “These changing conditions caused the concert to be postponed after the initial delay caused by the first storm. If the second storm had not materialized so quickly in our region, the show would have continued to its conclusion. Due to the changing conditions, some of our guests have mistaken our reaction to these changes for indecision or conflicting messages from us. “

READ MORE: Backstreet Boys apologize as fan fury floods social media after Hershey’s concert postponed

Bryner said postponing a show is a complicated decision, but one that is always made in coordination with the performers of the show, based on the best weather data available and with the safety of guests, performers and guests in mind. employees.

“We care deeply about the guest experience and are reviewing all aspects of the evening to determine if there are opportunities to improve our established evacuation and communication plans,” Bryner said, adding that plans are being made. envisaged to expand the use of the public address system. to direct guests under similar evacuation conditions.