Metallica shatters NYC attendance records; epic “Enter Sandman” finale ends with Hetfield thanking roaring crowd
Metallica’s 2025 M72 Tour roared to life on April 19, 2025, when 47,500 fans flooded the JMA Wireless Dome in Syracuse, New York, setting a new all-time attendance mark for the venue on opening night of the tour’s third year.
That massive crowd broke the previous Dome record held since 1982 by The Who, proving how powerful Metallica’s pull remains even four decades into their career.
Part of the magic came from their massive 360-degree “in-the-round” stage—a giant circular setup with catwalks and a prized Snake Pit section that put fans almost face-to-face with the band.
Transporting the enormous rig took 79 semi-trailers, turning the Dome’s loading area into a buzzing freight yard, a clear signal that this wasn’t just another concert—it was an event.
Over the course of a fierce 16-song setlist, Metallica bridged their history, mixing early thrash classics like “Hit the Lights” with fresh anthems such as “Lux Æterna” and “Screaming Suicide.”
The climax of the night came with the electrifying intro of “Enter Sandman,” sending the entire crowd into a roaring frenzy as 47,500 voices belted out the timeless chorus.
Frontman James Hetfield, clearly moved by the sea of energy, paused before the final note faded and told the audience, “You make us feel so good and so proud. We are grateful for what we get to do,” creating a moment that lingered long after the lights came up.
Opening acts Pantera and Suicidal Tendencies set the stage with explosive performances, stoking the anticipation and showcasing the tour’s multi-generational firepower.
Beyond the music, the event made a major impact on the local economy, with hotels, restaurants, and businesses experiencing a huge surge thanks to Metallica’s arrival.
A portion of ticket proceeds also went toward charitable causes through Metallica’s All Within My Hands foundation, continuing their commitment to community support and disaster relief.
The M72 World Tour originally launched in April 2023 to celebrate the 72 Seasons album, built around “No Repeat Weekends” where fans were treated to two unique setlists across different nights.
In 2025, the band shifted gears slightly, introducing massive single-night stadium shows, including highly anticipated stops like Virginia Tech’s Lane Stadium, where “Enter Sandman” has become a tradition.
Other major stops included Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara and Rogers Centre in Toronto, with plans to wrap the year with a grand finale across Australasia.
Fans chasing an unforgettable experience eagerly snapped up “Enhanced Experiences” packages, which included backstage tours, Snake Pit passes, and exclusive hospitality options.
With searing pyrotechnics framing classics like “Master of Puppets” and arena-wide surround sound from a 360-degree speaker setup, Metallica raised the bar for stadium shows once again, setting the stage for an unforgettable tour conclusion in Auckland in November 2025.
