Fans at a Rascal Flatts show Thursday were disappointed after the concert ended abruptly due to security concerns.
The Associated Press reported that the Hamilton County Sheriff's Office said a credible bomb threat led to a quick evacuation of Ruoff Home Mortgage Music Center, a 24,000-capacity venue.
Fans tweeted about confusion about the abrupt end to the show. Some video included a musician at a piano playing a song before he quickly left the stage.
Hours later, Rascal Flatts posted a statement about the incident on Facebook Friday morning.
“Indianapolis - Due to a security concern at the show last night, standard procedures were quickly executed and everyone was able to safely leave the building,” the band, which includes, Joe Don Rooney, Gary LeVox, and Jay DeMarcus, said in a statement. “The safety of our fans, band and crew is always the top priority for us, so we are so thankful for everyone who jumped into action and for your understanding. We will be back soon!”
Attendee Britni Sherlock told The Indianapolis Star there was an announcement over the intercom system that said the show was over.
“Everyone booed. We continued to wait in the pavilion, and that’s when security came up to everyone and told us to leave,” she said. “I asked what was going on and he replied, ‘We were told to evacuate the pavilion immediately.’”
The show ended before the band could come out for an encore performance.
"(Rascal Flatts) had just finished their song 'Banjo' and did the what-was-thought-to-be-false 'Good night' before the encore," concertgoer Andy VonDielingen told IndyStar. "Their piano player started to play and then just stopped and left. A few minutes later lights come on and security is pulling some guy looking to be in his 20s out of the pit. ... Everyone is standing around, looking at each other and wondering what is going on."
WRTV reported that staff with concert promoter and venue operator Live Nation informed the Sheriff's Office of a safety issue before the end of the show.
"Last night a safety concern presented itself during the Rascal Flatts' concert in Noblesville," Live Nation said in a statement Friday, according to WXIN. "Venue staff and local officials followed standard protocols to ensure the safety of guests, the artist and staff. Law enforcement agencies are investigating the matter."
No arrests have been made related to the threat.
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