Security ramped up for Summer Jam concert after 2015 melee

EAST RUTHERFORD, New Jersey (WABC) -- Organizers are increasing security for this weekend's Summer Jam at MetLife Stadium in the Meadowlands after things got out of control last year.

Police and concert-goers were injured during the melee, and no one wants a repeat of that this year.

Officers in riot gear were called in when people tried to crash barriers and climb the fence to get inside the concert even though they did not have tickets, and authorities used pepper spray and armored vehicles during the tense moments in the parking lot.

Bottles were thrown at cops as they tried to restore order, and by the time the smoke cleared, 61 people were arrested.

The promoter hopes the focus this year will be on the show and not the problems outside, but security concerns at hip hop venues increased following the shooting last week at Irving Plaza at Irving Place involving rapper Troy Ave, who now faces attempted murder charges.

Security preparations for Summer Jam 2016 were in place long before that incident, so ticket holders Sunday can expect to see more police ready to respond. Their role is to prevent what happened in 2015, and officials say that if you don't have a ticket, stay home.

State police have suggestions for concert goers. Officials advise that tickets holders arrive early and expect increased security. Late-comers may also see excessive delays.