Nelly expected to bring record crowd — even some celebrities — to Alton Amphitheater concert Increased security at amphitheater in place

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ALTON — It’s about to get “Hot in Herre.”

Record crowds are expected to pack Liberty Bank Alton Amphitheater Friday night for a rare live performance by Grammy Award-winning St. Louis rapper Nelly. Tickets were nearly sold out by Wednesday afternoon, and going fast.

“I know Nelly is looking forward to it, too,” Amphitheater Board Chairman Robert Stephan said Wednesday, adding that several celebrities have contacted concert management for accommodations.

The performance will be Nelly’s first in his hometown St. Louis area in more than two years, adding to the anticipation. He last played at the Hollywood Casino Amphitheater in Maryland Heights, Missouri, in June of 2017.

VIP tickets for the show were gone within 36 hours of going on sale, and began showing up being shopped by online brokers at exorbitant asking prices.

Stephan said Wednesday that a few tickets in the reserved sections remained. He said 200 general admission tickets were sold on Tuesday alone.

“Things are shaping up,” he said, noting Friday’s weather forecast is looking good.

Security for the concert will be tighter than previous events held at the amphitheater, but consistent with the policies enforced at the Steve Miller Band concert earlier this year that was relocated to Alton Square Mall. Extra security has been hired, Stephan said.

Concert-goers must be checked through a metal detector. Stephan says it’s “not preferable” to bring bags and purses, as security must search them. No food or drink will be allowed in, besides clear plastic bottled water.

Stephan stresses that there will be a strict no re-entry rule. Anyone who leaves the concert will not be allowed back in.

Alton Police Department spokesperson Sgt. Emily Hejna said officer presence at and around the concert also will be similar to the Steve Miller Band concert, as a similarly large crowd is expected.

Nelly is a three-time Grammy Award-winner perhaps best known for his 2003 single “Hot in Herre”. His 2001 album Country Grammar surpassed 10 million record sales in 2016, according to Forbes, one of the few rap albums ever to hit Diamond status.