Almaty is gearing up for a second attempt to host Kanye West (YE) concert, which is expected to be the main event of the year. City authorities have outlined logistics and security arrangements for the Central Stadium, reports infohub.kz.
To ensure safety and smooth movement of attendees, additional measures will be taken to manage traffic and public transport. Starting at 15:30, traffic will be gradually restricted near the Central Stadium. Satpaev Street will be temporarily closed between Baitursynov and Baizakov streets.
"By decision of security services, some road sections adjacent to the stadium may also be temporarily closed. Public transport along Abai Avenue will operate as usual. Police officers will be on duty at the sites," the city administration said in a statement.
After the concert, 60 free shuttle buses will take guests to six destinations across the city. Buses will run from the Central Stadium to Almaty Arena, Alatau metro station (Rayymbek batyr area), Almaty-1 railway station, Orbita microdistrict, Zhuldyz microdistrict, and Almaty International Airport.
Public transport and the metro will also be reinforced. Baikonur metro station will close to passengers at 21:00. Concertgoers are advised to use Abai and Mukhtar Auezov Theater stations. Metro service will be extended until at least 01:00, and if necessary, until 03:00.
Residents and guests of Almaty are advised to plan their routes in advance, account for temporary traffic restrictions, and use public transport where possible. Meanwhile, Almaty residents are also preparing for the concert—stocking up on raincoats and flashlights.
Earlier, Kursiv reported that Ye (Kanye West) was scheduled to perform at the Central Stadium the previous evening, drawing attendees not only from other regions of Kazakhstan but also from abroad. Organizers touted it as one of the largest international music events in the region, with tickets starting at 120,000 tenge.
However, on the afternoon of August 14, a large part of Almaty lost power for several hours. The metro stopped, traffic lights went out, and communication and internet services were disrupted. Spectators who had gathered at the Central Stadium were asked to leave, and the performance was postponed to August 15. In addition to the blackout, a thunderstorm, strong winds, and rain hit Almaty in the evening; Ye himself cited weather conditions and safety concerns as reasons for the postponement.