An ongoing problem with plague-infected prairie dogs has complicated Phish’s annual run at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park in Colorado over Labor Day weekend.
The Denver-area prairie dogs, which previously caused the Colorado Rapids of MLS to cancel a post-game fireworks display, are covered with fleas that are carrying sylvatic plague.
Dick’s Sporting Goods Park is remaining open for the shows, but fans will be restricted to parking on the asphalt lots during the three-day run and camping in the area will not be permitted.
Phish released a statement on the matter. It reads, in part: “As you may have heard, there have been ongoing cases of plague in prairie dog colonies in the Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge this summer. Fortunately, the Tri-County Health Department has advised that Dick’s Sporting Goods Park (DSGP) is safe to host Phish’s concerts over Labor Day weekend. While there have been no confirmed cases of plague on site at DSPG, as an extra measure of caution, the Health Department has restricted parking at the venue to asphalt lots — concertgoers will not be allowed to park on unpaved lots or grass. While DSGP has significant asphalt parking on site, off-site parking will need to be utilized to accommodate all concertgoers. We will be providing free off-site parking and free shuttles at nearby locations, and we will be notifying ticket holders of parking and shuttle details once they are finalized over the next week. Also, please note that due to these restrictions, vending will not be permitted on site as the area traditionally set aside for vending is no longer useable.”
So the show will still go on, but Shakedown Street will not be open for business. Since it’s Colorado, people will probably be fine bringing their own party favors.
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