Representatives from Aiken Promotions, the Office of Public Works (OPW) and An Garda Síochána outlined their plans to ensure fans "stay safe and have an absolutely fantastic show" at Zach Bryan’s upcoming Phoenix Park concerts, during a press briefing held earlier today.

The American singer-songwriter, described by promoter Peter Aiken as "a great storyteller and very dynamic performer with a lot of charisma," will play to more than 180,000 fans across three sold-out nights from Friday June 20 to Sunday June 22.

Support acts for the Phoenix Park gigs include Turnpike Troubadours and Noeline Hofmann, with gates opening at 5pm and performances beginning at 6pm each night. Early entry ticket holders will be admitted from 4.30pm.

Addressing the press, Aiken Promotions’ Event Controller Sue Carton urged the public to “please plan your journey to and from the event,” highlighting the 45-minute walk from the main park entrance to the concert site. She also reminded that because of  the lack of parking both in and around Phoenix Park, it's advised to "leave your car at home" and to "make sure that you utilise public transport or private coaches."

Further travel services, including additional routes from Dublin Bus, Bus Éireann and TransLink, are being laid on to accommodate fans coming from around the country.

Once at the venue, ticketing remains strictly digital: "Before you leave your home, ensure that you download your ticket to your phone," Carton stressed, noting that mobile network coverage cannot be guaranteed on site. "Please do not wait until you arrive at the venue." She added that the event is entirely cashless, and attendees are urged to arrive with fully charged devices.

For families and neurodivergent attendees, there are designated ticketed areas available. "We strongly encourage those attending with children to purchase tickets for the Alcohol-Free/Family Area," Carton explained, adding that a separate Neurodivergent Area will also be in place for those who have bought tickets specific to that zone.

Concertgoers are being asked to pack light and bring only essentials, bags larger than A4 will not be permitted, and smaller bags will be subject to searches. Attendees are also advised to bring a rain mac or poncho in the event of poor weather.

Chief Superintendent Michael McNulty of An Garda Síochána echoed the advice, encouraging patrons to "travel by public transport, private coach as much as you can,” and reminding them to listen to Gardaí and stewards for updates throughout the event.

"If at any stage during the event, you feel sick, unwell, or not safe, or if you want to report a crime, please approach a member of An Garda Síochána or a steward and ask for help,” he said. "Our primary aim is to keep people safe and ensure they have a good time."

McNulty also noted the scale of the operation for Gardaí, who are returning to Phoenix Park for the first concert event in the location since 2018. "It certainly is an interesting challenge," he said, "but we’ve a robust policing plan in place to deal with all eventualities."

Margaret Gormley of the OPW made a plea on behalf of the park and local residents. "Phoenix Park is a fabulous resource… we ask that all patrons respect all the neighbours when they’re coming and going," she said. "Please leave no trace. We want everyone to enjoy the event and to return the park in the way that they received it, litter free."

A Grammy-award winner, Bryan was born in Japan but is from Oklahoma. He will arrive in Dublin tomorrow morning.

The singer shot to fame while serving in the US Marines, after a recording of his song 'Heading South,' filmed in his barracks, went viral in 2019. His last Dublin show, in April 2023, saw him play to 1,500 people at the Helix.

For more information on all of his upcoming shows, click here.