More than a dozen fans were treated for heat exhaustion Thursday while waiting in line for a surprise performance by country music star Garth Brooks at The Grizzly Rose in Denver. Adams County Fire Rescue reported that between 15 and 20 individuals required medical assistance as temperatures in the city climbed into the low 90s.
The medical issues began shortly after 4 p.m., the time the venue designated for fans to begin lining up. CBS News Colorado reported that first responders were already stationed at the site and began assisting fans after calls for medics emerged from the crowded queue. Staff from The Grizzly Rose and emergency personnel distributed water to those waiting in the heat.
This report draws on information published by CBS News.
The event, which was promoted under the name “Yukon Jack,” drew significant crowds as fans gathered hours before the doors were scheduled to open. One attendee, identified as Annette, noted that the intense heat combined with aggressive crowding made for a difficult environment for those waiting in line. The venue eventually began admitting fans earlier than the originally planned early evening time to alleviate the pressure on the crowd.
Garth Brooks is currently in the Denver area for a series of scheduled performances at Ball Arena, with shows slated for Friday, Saturday, and two performances on Sunday as part of his “Blame It All On My Roots Tour.”