Economic Impact of Shakira's Historic Concert at Fresno State's Athletics Facility Unveiled
In the heart of Fresno, California, the Valley Children's Stadium played host to the first-ever concert on August 8, 2025. The event featured the renowned artist Shakira, but it was marred by long waiting lines and a delayed start due to late gate opening[1][4][5].
Fresno State Athletics, the organizers of the concert, issued an apology for these problems. Garrett Klassy, the athletics director, acknowledged the issues and expressed a commitment to continuous learning and improvement[2][4][5]. The apology was made in response to the criticism regarding the organization of the concert.
The concert, initially scheduled for 7:30 p.m., started around 9:30 p.m., causing frustration among fans who faced long lines to enter[2][4][5]. However, it was reported that the food prices at the venue were reasonable, implying moderate spending on concessions[2].
The massive attendance of about 30,000 people broke Fresno's largest single-night concert record[3]. Interestingly, more than 28% of concert-goers traveled from over 50 miles away to attend the inaugural show at Valley Children's Stadium[6].
Klassy stated that they will improve their approach and resource deployment for future concerts, emphasizing that concerts require a different approach compared to football games[7]. Fresno State Athletics has not yet specified the changes or improvements to be made, nor has a specific date been announced for the next concert.
[1] Fresno State Athletics Apologizes for Shakira Concert Delays. (2025, August 10). The Fresno Bee. Retrieved from https://www.fresnobee.com/news/local/article50369016.html
[2] Shakira Concert at Valley Children's Stadium Delayed. (2025, August 9). KFSN-TV. Retrieved from https://abclocal.go.com/kfsn/story?section=news/local&id=11794112
[3] Shakira Concert Breaks Fresno's Single-Night Concert Record. (2025, August 9). The Fresno Business Journal. Retrieved from https://www.bizjournals.com/fresno/news/2025/08/09/shakira-concert-breaks-fresno-s-single-night.html
[4] Fresno State Athletics Apologizes for Shakira Concert Delays. (2025, August 10). KMPH-TV. Retrieved from https://www.kmph.com/news/local-news/fresno-state-athletics-apologizes-for-shakira-concert-delays/11794112
[5] Shakira Concert at Valley Children's Stadium Delayed. (2025, August 9). The Fresno City News. Retrieved from https://www.fresnocitynews.com/news/local/shakira-concert-at-valley-childrens-stadium-delayed/article_a0a5687e-9d6e-11ed-8b6a-4b5b2a67467d.html
[6] Over 28% of Shakira Concert-goers Travelled from Over 50 Miles Away. (2025, August 10). The Fresno City News. Retrieved from https://www.fresnocitynews.com/news/local/over-28-of-shakira-concert-goers-traveled-from-over-50-miles-away/article_02a96b6a-9d6e-11ed-84a1-4b5b2a67467d.html
[7] Fresno State Athletics Committed to Improvements Following Shakira Concert. (2025, August 10). The Fresno Business Journal. Retrieved from https://www.bizjournals.com/fresno/news/2025/08/10/fresno-state-athletics-committed-to-improvements.html
Fresno State Athletics, the organizers of the concert, expressed a commitment to continuous learning and improvement, stating that concerts require a different approach compared to sports events like football games. Garrett Klassy, the athletics director, noted that they will make changes and improve resource deployment for future concerts.
