Full Breakdown
Bees Swarm Removed from Acrisure Stadium Ahead of Morgan Wallen Concerts
6/4/2026, 7:51:33 PM
Core Event: Swarm Extraction at Acrisure Stadium
A swarm of honeybees estimated at 12,000-15,000 individuals and weighing about 4-5 pounds was discovered on the stage scaffolding of Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh as crews prepared for Morgan Wallen’s back-to-back concerts. The Fine Family Apiary of Monongahela responded, placing the cluster into a “nuc box” before transferring the bees to full-size equipment in the apiary’s yard. The removal was completed in under two hours, clearing the venue for the scheduled shows on June 5 and June 6.
Background: Honeybee Swarming Behavior
Swarming is the natural reproductive process of honeybees. During a swarm, the queen and roughly half of the worker bees leave the original colony to locate a new nesting site. The departing bees form a temporary cluster while scout bees search for suitable cavities such as tree hollows or, occasionally, building walls. The original colony remains temporarily queenless until a new queen emerges.
Key Figures & Organizations
- Al Fine – Owner of the Fine Family Apiary, which performed the removal.
- Fine Family Apiary – Apiary based in Monongahela (also referenced as being in Forward Township).
- Morgan Wallen – Country-music artist headlining the “I’m The Problem” tour.
- Acrisure Stadium – Pittsburgh venue hosting the concerts.
- Penn State Extension – Provided scientific context on swarming.
Data & Statistics
- Bee count: 12,000-15,000 individuals.
- Swarm weight: Approximately 4-5 pounds.
- Removal time: Less than two hours.
- Concert dates: June 5 and June 6.
- Equipment used: Initial “nuc box” followed by full-size hive components.
Official Statements & Responses
The Fine Family Apiary confirmed it was contacted on Wednesday after the bees clustered on the stage scaffolding and described the removal process, noting the bees were relocated to larger equipment to allow colony expansion. Al Fine explained that swarming is the species’ method of propagation. Penn State Extension’s guidance was cited to clarify that a queen and half the workers depart the original hive during swarming, forming a temporary cluster while scouts search for a permanent nest. No additional statements from stadium management were reported.
Criticism & Opposition
No criticism or opposition was documented in the available sources regarding the removal operation or the upcoming concerts.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Both sources agree on the estimated number of bees (12,000-15,000), the removal method (nuc box to full-size equipment), and the timeline. No discrepancies or missing information were identified.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Acrisure Stadium is buzzing with excitement ahead of the back-to-back Morgan Wallen concerts.” — CBS News
- “The Fine Family Apiary in Forward Township said it was contacted on Wednesday about a swarm of bees clustered on the stage scaffolding.” — Fine Family Apiary
- “Swarming is how honeybees propagate, Fine explained.” — Al Fine, Owner, Fine Family Apiary
- “According to Penn State Extension, during swarming, the queen and about half the workers leave their home to establish a new nest.” — Penn State Extension
What’s Next: Concerts Proceed as Planned
With the bees safely relocated, Acrisure Stadium is set to host Morgan Wallen’s “I’m The Problem” tour on June 5 and June 6, featuring supporting acts Brooks & Dunn and Ella Langley. The venue’s preparations continue uninterrupted, and attendees can expect the concerts to proceed as scheduled.
