O.A.R. Warm-Up Tests Cops

Concertgoers reportedly unleashed "alcohol-fueled pandemonium" near the Nikon at Jones Beach Theatre in Wantagh, N.Y., before an O.A.R. show August 2.

Concertgoers threw beer bottles, stood on car rooftops and tossed young women in the air, police officers told Newsday. At least a dozen people were hospitalized for alcohol poisoning, authorities said.

Several of those sent to the hospital were underage. Sgt. Manny Vilar of the state park police supervisor’s union told the paper "massive amounts" of underage drinking took place. About 50 officers were assigned to the concert.

State park officials, state troopers and others tried to calm the crowd, according to Newsday, but what ultimately dispersed the crowd was the start of the show. Fans reportedly left behind thousands of beer bottles and other garbage for park workers.

A Live Nation spokesman had no comment but the company’s Jim Steen told the paper the overwhelming majority of the approximately 10,000 patrons behaved appropriately.

"There were some isolated incidences, very few in number, where we had a few arrests … and a couple of medical transports, which are unfortunate for what was a great night of music at the venue," Steen said.

Tailgating was banned at the O.A.R. show the previous night at PNC Bank Arts Center in Holmdel, N.J., after a 2007 appearance included 82 arrests, the paper said.