JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – It was a bustling evening in downtown Jacksonville on Thursday.
Three major events — all within the same area: The Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp game, a Justin Bieber concert at the VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena and the Jax River Jams concert on the riverfront.
Fans flocked to the the arena to see Justin Bieber perform. Bridget Powell and Annabelle Rowland say they’re best friends who bonded over his music.
“She has a card board cutout of him,” Powell said of her friend.
“My grandma got it for me for my 16th birthday,” Rowland proclaimed.
Across the street, fans filled the ballpark for a Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp game.
And Riverfront Plaza was also busy, as bands like Sister Hazel played at the Jax River Jams.
All of these events created some congestion on the roads.
Thomas Mosca, who went to Jax River Jams, said he hit some traffic — and Mother Nature didn’t help.
“The rain was coming down like cat’s and dogs,” Mosca said.
“Beliebers” — like 9-year-old Kynley Reeves — say this was small price to pay to get to see their favorite pop-star.
“I am in love with him. He is so cute,” Kynley said.
The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office was out all evening helping to direct traffic in the area.