Ed Sheeran fans on the way to the Mt Smart concert 25 March 2018
A die-hard Ed Sheeran fan who has seen him perform 41 times has been escorted to a front-row spot at Mt Smart tonight after a "terrifying" incident at last night's show.
Kelly Higginbottom, 37, flew from the UK to attend Sunday night's Ed Sheeran concert at Mt Smart Stadium in Auckland.
After lining up from 7.15am, and being second in the queue, Higginbottom was expecting a front and centre position until gates opened at 4pm and the entry into the venue took a nasty turn.
She fell in what she said felt like a stampede and was "trampled".
"The next thing I know, somebody stood on the back of my shoe and I've gone smack down on to the floor without warning.
"We reached out to Kelly and offered a member of our team to escort her to her desired position for tonight's show which she has accepted and is looking forward to seeing Ed Sheeran live once again."
Higginbottom said tonight she was given early entry into the venue and had the opportunity to discuss what happened last night with staff.
Kelly Higginbottom, 37, flew from the UK to attend Sunday night's Ed Sheeran concert at Mt Smart Stadium in Auckland. Photo / Supplied
Auckland Stadiums said access to the field is a managed process to international industry standards.
"We have reviewed the footage from the entrance and speaking with all key staff positioned on the field, we are confident no stampede or trampling occurred.
"We are committed to providing a safe and enjoyable experience for all patrons."
Last night was the 41st time Higginbottom has seen Ed Sheeran play live.
"I have seen him play in venues all over the world, and I have never known anything like it. I have never been so frightened.
"I had no shoes on as both of my shoes had been pulled off, and I was really disorientated to where I was in the crowd, so I just wanted to get out.
"I pushed my way to the back, found my shoes and just sat on the floor because I was really shaken and trying to pull myself together."
Kelly Higginbottom, 37, flew from the UK to attend Sunday night's Ed Sheeran concert at Mt Smart Stadium in Auckland. Photo / Supplied
With bruised knees and a sore wrist, Higginbottom eventually made her way back into the crowd, but said the experience ruined the concert for her.
"It put a downer on it. I love Ed every time I see him, but I didn't enjoy it like I would normally because it affected everything and I felt quite jaded and shaken up.
"It wasn't the gig I hoped it would be when I turned up at 7.15am to queue up. I thought it would be fair when I went in and I would get the spot I deserved."
Ed Sheeran is performing six shows in New Zealand for his ÷ World Tour. His last show in Auckland is tonight before he moves on to Dunedin.
Auckland Transport and the NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) have advised commuters to expect roads to be busy, to travel early and allow extra time.
Heading to see Ed Sheeran at Mt Smart Stadium tonight? Travel early and allow extra time to avoid the peak hour commute. You can use your concert ticket to get there, for all the details head to https://t.co/w6VNVLvbAZpic.twitter.com/1wXtAMIZax
