"They are a big name, and it's probably the last time they will be coming to El Paso," said Jordan Waltzer, whose father also plans to attend. "The chance doesn't come around very often. It spans generations.
" To keep from getting no satisfaction, fans will have to know a few Sun Bowl basics. An official ticket count has not been released, but Tim McWilliams, world tour promoter representative for Concert Productions International, said he was expecting a
"We'll see what it is when we get done, somewhere in the neighborhood of probably 40,000," McWil liams said. Tickets were still available at all price levels -- from $60 to $350 -- on Thursday. They will be sold until 2 p.
m. today at Ticketmaster outlets. When Ricky
At the 2001 'NSync show at the stadium, 43,000 pop fans attended. Corey Pieper, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Santa Teresa, said the evening should be great for a concert. "We're not expecting any rain," he said.
He said temperatures will be in the low 60s to upper 50s during the show, with a westerly wind of about 5 mph. "The other day in Chicago, it snowed; in Regina (Canada) it rained and then it froze," Skjerseth said. "Those are our biggest challenges.
" Dave Matthews Band, which has its own huge following, is scheduled to open tonight's show around 7. The Rolling Stones are expected to hit the stage around 8:30. At other tour dates, they have played 18 or 19 songs during concerts lasting more than two hours.
For more than 40 years, the Stones have kept a solid grip on fans despite the growth in popularity of disco, metal, grunge and rap. The stop in El Paso is part of the band's "A Bigger Bang" tour, which began in August 2005. Doors will open today at 4 p.
m., and concertgoers may be searched by security staff. Items not allowed inside include umbrellas, cameras and recording devices.
Alcohol and other spirits are also taboo. The stadium does not have a check-in area to leave prohibited items. Food to be sold at concession areas will include water, sodas, beer, wine, candy, popcorn, hot dogs, pizza, burritos and hamburgers.
No re-entry will be allowed if an attendee leaves the stadium. A new ticket would be required to re-enter. Javier Sambrano, spokesman for the El Paso Police Department, said police presence will be stepped up in the Sun Bowl area for the concert.
In addition to off-duty police, UTEP has hired sheriff's deputies and Texas Department of Public Safety troopers to patrol. "Anytime there is this type of big event at any location, we do have added presence," Sambrano said. "We have units assigned to that district of the West Side, and they will be maintaining a close eye on those areas, especially where vehicles are parked.
" Erica Molina Johnson may be reached at emolina@elpasotimes.com; 546-6132.
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