The excitement of Drake’s Brisbane concert quickly turned into frustration as thousands of fans stood outside the Brisbane Entertainment Centre in Boondall for hours, battling long lines, no food, and limited access to toilets.
Crowds Left Waiting for Hours
On Monday, 24 February, doors to Brisbane Entertainment Centre (BEC) were originally set to open at 5:30 p.m., but reports from attendees indicated that access was significantly delayed. Some fans claimed they were still outside as late as 9:00 p.m., with many resorting to social media to vent their frustration.
Videos showed thousands of people lined up around the venue’s lake and into car parks, some calling out for Drake to let them in.
Event organisers sent out text messages earlier in the day, urging attendees to arrive early due to anticipated traffic and security checks. However, even those who arrived before 6:00 p.m. found themselves caught in an extended wait.
The delay was reportedly caused by the late arrival of Drake, his entourage, and supporting acts, though the BEC or promoters provided no official reason.
No Access to Basic Amenities
With thousands waiting outside well past the expected entry time, concerns grew over the lack of access to toilets, food, and water. Some fans were able to locate on-site bathrooms, but the lines were long and unmanageable.
Others took to social media, describing their discomfort, with one attendee stating they were “desperate for a toilet break but stuck in a never-ending queue.”
Some fans also expressed confusion over whether restroom facilities were available at all, while others noted that security offered little information about when they would be let inside. By 8:30 p.m., frustration had boiled over, with concertgoers questioning why the event had not communicated updates to those waiting.
@elmae9608 Drake concert brissy situation! Gates were meant to open 5:30pm its now 7:16pm lollllll#drake #brisbane #avamaxtour ♬ original sound – elmae9608
Drake Takes the Stage Late
The opening DJ acts wrapped up their set by 8:20 p.m., leaving a long gap before Drake finally took the stage at 9:50 p.m.—a full two hours after the scheduled time. The delay was longer than those experienced at his previous Sydney concerts, sparking criticism from fans who called the wait “ridiculous” and “disrespectful.”
Adding to the disappointment, a last-minute ban on posters was enforced for the Brisbane show, preventing fans from bringing signs into the venue. In contrast, previous concerts in Sydney and Melbourne saw fans holding up posters asking Drake for money, leading him to hand out tens of thousands of dollars to lucky audience members.
Mixed Reactions from Fans
For some, the excitement of seeing the Canadian rapper outweighed the frustration of the long wait.
However, many were left disappointed by the experience, calling for better crowd management and communication from organisers.
While Drake’s past shows in Australia have made headlines for generous giveaways and viral moments, the Brisbane leg of his tour will be remembered for the delays and logistical issues that left fans outside for hours.
Drake is scheduled to return to Sydney on 7 March for the final show of his Australian tour.
Published 25-February-2025