Massachusetts
Lady Gaga breaks concert attendance record: What are the biggest concert venues in MA?
Lady Gaga concert bomb threat thwarted by police in Rio de Janeiro
Brazilian police said they thwarted a bomb attack planned for Lady Gaga’s concert in Rio de Janeiro on May 3.
Lady Gaga broke the record for the highest-attended concert by a female artist when over 2 million people attended her concert in Copacabana beach in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil Saturday.
Could such a concert even be held in Massachusetts? Here’s a look at the biggest concerts and concert venues in the Bay State.
What is the biggest concert in Massachusetts history?
The biggest concert in Massachusetts history was singer Ed Sheeran at Gillette Stadium on July 1, 2023.
For that event, 71,723 attended Sheeran’s concert, which broke the single-show attendance record at Gillette.
However, if you count orchestral concerts, the Boston Pops free concert on the Esplanade on the Fourth of July has attracted over 500,000 attendees.
What are the biggest concert venues in Massachusetts?
Gillette Stadium (Foxboro)
Concert capacity: 65,878 (depending on stage size)
Gillette transforms from a football stadium to a huge concert venue in the warmer months, hosting artists from Beyonce to Kendrick Lamar.
It was the first NFL stadium Taylor Swift ever headlined, and she gave three performances in The Eras Tour there in May of 2023. While she’s played 13 shows at Gillette, it’s country star Kenney Chesney that has played the venue more than any other: at least 24 times.
While 65,878 is the football capacity, depending on the stage size it’s possible for the event space to fit more people.
Fenway Park (Boston)
Concert capacity: 37,755
Since 2003, at least one concert has been held at Fenway Park thanks to the Fenway Concert Series. Last year, artists like Noah Kahan and the Foo Fighters performed at the iconic baseball stadium. This year, the season kicks off May 29 with Shakira.
Xfinity Center (Mansfield)
Concert capacity: 19,900
The Xfinity Center in Mansfield is an outdoor amphitheater that features open air seating and a lawn. It has 7,000 reserved seats, 7,000 lawn seats and 5,900 general admission seats.
This year, performing artists include Halsey, Wiz Khalifa, and the Doobie Brothers.
TD Garden (Boston)
Concert capacity: 19,600
It’s currently Celtics season, but the TD Garden hosts concerts of all types year round. This summer, artists like Tyler the Creator, Gracie Abrams and Stevie Nicks will take to the stage.
DCU Center (Worcester)
Concert capacity: 14,800
This indoor arena located in downtown Worcester holds a range of shows. Since the building was opened by Frank Sinatra in 1982, it has hosted the likes of Aerosmith, Elton John, and Madonna.
Other Massachusetts venues
- Agganis Arena (Boston): 7,200
- Blue Hills Bank Pavilion (Boston): 5,000
- Leader Bank Pavilion (Boston): 5,000
- Roadrunner (Boston): 3,500
- Orpheum Theatre (Boston): 2700
- Boston Opera House (Boston): 2,677
- Symphony Hall (Boston): 2,625
- House of Blues Boston (Boston): 2,200
- Shubert Theatre (Boston): 1,500
- Jordan Hall (Boston): 1,051
Massachusetts and California are the first US states to become IUCN members.
BOSTON (WWLP) – The Healey-Driscoll Administration announced Massachusetts is now an official member of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), a global network of more than 1,400 governments and organizations.
Massachusetts and California are the first U.S. states to become members of the IUCN, marking a significant step in the states’ environmental leadership. This milestone places Massachusetts within the world’s leading coalition focused on advancing the conservation of nature and addressing environmental challenges at a global scale.
The IUCN membership strengthens Massachusetts’ commitment to biodiversity and climate action. It also builds on the state’s nation-leading Biodiversity Conservation Goals, which define a whole-of-government approach to rebuild biodiversity and invest in nature to sustain public health, well-being, food security and the economy.
“In Massachusetts, we are taking proactive steps to protect the natural resources people rely on, from clean water and open spaces to healthy wildlife,” said Governor Maura Healey. “Joining this global network puts Massachusetts at the table with leaders from around the world and gives us access to proven tools and practical solutions we can use here at home.”
Massachusetts is home to many globally rare habitats and threatened species, including coastal shorebirds, sea turtles, whales, salamanders, and dragonflies. The state is known for its coastline, fishing communities, cranberry bogs, orchards, and mountain glens. These species and landscapes face growing pressures from climate change, such as flooding and drought.
By joining IUCN, the state will strengthen its ability to respond to these challenges. It will gain access to a global network of conservation expertise and resources. Massachusetts will also bring its own experience protecting and restoring species and their habitats to the international forum.
This partnership, led by the Department of Fish & Game for Massachusetts, will support ongoing work to protect and restore biodiversity and natural areas, build resilience and connect the state to broader international efforts.
“As an IUCN member, Massachusetts is now part of a growing group of subnational governments who are contributing to crucial action on the ground, knowledge exchange, and progress towards achieving conservation targets of global significance,” said IUCN Director General Dr Grethel Aguilar.
The state’s membership in the IUCN aligns with investments proposed in Governor Healey’s Mass Ready Act. This act helps protect the state’s natural resources and prepares for extreme weather. The membership gives Massachusetts added support to better protect these resources and keep them accessible.
Local News Headlines
WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Download the 22News Plus app on your TV to watch live-streaming newscasts and video on demand.
All facts in this report were gathered by journalists employed by WWLP. Artificial intelligence tools were used to reformat information into a news article for our website. This report was edited and fact-checked by WWLP staff before being published.
A mother charged with two counts of murder after the deaths of her two young children agreed Monday in Rutland County Superior Court to be transferred to Massachusetts, where she will face the charges.
The Massachusetts State Police have charged Janette MacAusland, 49, with murdering her two children, ages 6 and 7, after they were found dead at their home in Wellesley, Massachusetts, Friday.
According to a Bennington police press release, MacAusland arrived at a relative’s home in Vermont on Friday night with a neck injury, bleeding and appearing “highly distraught.”
The relatives called the Bennington police, who then prompted police in Wellesley, Massachusetts, to check on MacAusland’s children. Both were found dead. No details have been released about the cause or manner of death.
The Bennington Police Department arrested MacAusland and took her to Marble Valley Correctional Facility in Rutland, where she has been held without bail.
Appearing virtually in court Monday, MacAusland agreed to waive her right to a hearing and be immediately transferred back to Norfolk County in Massachusetts.
“She’s decided that the best thing is to get back to Massachusetts as soon as possible and address these charges,” Jeff Rubin, her attorney, said at the hearing.
The children’s deaths follow a custody battle between MacAusland and her former husband, according to the Associated Press. MacAusland’s husband filed for divorce in October after nine years of marriage and sought custody of the children and family home.
BENNINGTON, Vt. (WRGB) — A Massachusetts woman accused of killing her two children appeared in court virtually in Vermont on Monday.
Janette MacAusland joined the court hearing from Marble Valley Correctional Facility in Rutland and waived her extradition rights, signing a waiver to be transported back to Massachusetts.
The case began Friday night, when Bennington police were reportedly called for a welfare check on MacAusland. Police say she arrived at a family home distraught and with a neck injury.
PREVIOUS: Massachusetts mother arrested as fugitive in Bennington, charged in murder of two children
While speaking with police, officers reportedly became increasingly concerned for her children in Wellesley, Massachusetts — a boy and a girl, ages 7 and 6.
Authorities there conducted a welfare check and found the children dead.
MacAusland was arrested and charged with murder.
The Boston Globe reports MacAusland was going through a contentious divorce and seeking custody of both children.
A check-in will be required in two weeks to ensure she is picked up. In the meantime, she remains in jail without bail.
MORE: “Deeply disturbing”: Elderly woman attacked, son indicted
BE THE FIRST TO COMMENT
CBS6 will have updates on-air and online.
-
Connecticut4 minutes agoMan convicted almost 4 years after body found in the Connecticut River
-
Delaware10 minutes agoMezzanine Gallery presents Kira Krell’s “Stone Formations”
-
Florida16 minutes agoFBI asking for help locating missing truck driver after suspected car hauler hijacking in Florida
-
Georgia22 minutes ago
Georgia officials warn wildfires are still a threat as firefighters report progress
-
Hawaii28 minutes agoMysterious green lights in Hawaii sky leave astronomers searching for answers
-
Idaho33 minutes agoRANKED: The 18 Best Private Schools in Idaho
-
Illinois40 minutes agoParty City making comeback in Illinois at Staples
-
Indiana46 minutes agoColdwater man arrested after leading sheriff’s deputies on vehicle chase into Indiana
