Brisbane Entertainment Centre cracks down on ‘No Camping’ policy for Billie Eilish shows
The Brisbane Entertainment Centre is cracking down on overnight camping, warning Billie Eilish fans queuing before show day won’t be tolerated — but some diehard fans are pushing the limits.
QLD News
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Brisbane Entertainment Centre (BEC) has doubled down on its strict no-camping policy, but that hasn’t stopped hundreds of diehard Billie Eilish fans from pitching tents overnight, determined to score front-row spots for the pop star’s sold-out shows.
BEC general manager Trish McNamara has made it clear that overnight camping and queuing is not permitted on venue grounds and won’t be tolerated.
“Billie, Billie, Billie – that’s the chant. The excitement is feverish, and we totally understand why fans want to be front and centre – it’s nearly showtime,” she said.
“But the message is simple – there is no camping on site, and we encourage patrons to arrive on the day of their nominated show. After each show, we close the grounds and reopen the next day. We want everyone to have a great, safe, and positive experience.”
Despite repeated warnings — communicated to ticket holders in advance and reiterated on electronic billboards — an estimated 300 fans camped overnight at Boondall Station and surrounding public areas ahead of Eilish’s second Brisbane show on Wednesday night.
Security reportedly spent the night moving people off venue property, only for many to return around 3am to line up.
Among them was Logan local Jared Barton, who arrived at 9.05pm Tuesday, before the previous night’s show had even finished, and endured a sleepless night to keep his place in line.
“I’ve been here since 9.05pm, and we didn’t sleep at all last night,” he told The Courier-Mail.
“Forty minutes of sleep and seven energy drinks are keeping me going right now. We just chilled out all night with the other fans and listened to some Billie on my portable speaker. Then we started lining up at 2am.”
BEC officials have emphasised that there is no need for fans to camp, as early queuing arrangements have been put in place.
“We have gone to great lengths to make the experience safe and memorable for all fans. Gate A only will open at 5am for early arriving patrons and a queuing system is managed from this time,” Ms McNamara said.
“Early arriving general admission patrons will have access to an airconditioned space, with food and drinks available for purchase from 10am, toilets plus access to the merchandise retail hub from 12 noon.”
Eilish’s Brisbane run continues with shows on Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday, and venue officials will be closely monitoring crowd behaviour to prevent further overnight queues.
Originally published as Brisbane Entertainment Centre cracks down on ‘No Camping’ policy for Billie Eilish shows
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