Overview

• Beyoncé's highly anticipated Cowboy Carter Tour kicked off its Chicago stop with the first of three sold-out concerts at Soldier Field delayed due to severe weather.
• The show, originally scheduled for 7 p.m. CT on May 15, will not begin before 9 p.m. according to Soldier Field officials, citing safety concerns from ongoing storms.
• Fans, many dressed in cowboy hats and boots, began lining up as early as 7 a.m. to secure prime spots in general admission areas despite the weather challenges.
• The Chicago Office of Emergency Management and Communications and venue officials are closely monitoring conditions with the National Weather Service, implementing storm contingency plans as needed.
• Downtown hotels report near-capacity occupancy, driven by concertgoers and a concurrent convention, boosting local businesses including restaurants, museums, and retail.