As the Millennium City gets ready to host American heavy metal band Metallica for the first time on Friday, the excitement is palpable. As Leisure Valley Ground, the venue, got final touches before the big day late last evening, organisers also started sale of tickets across the counter.

"All online tickets have been sold out," said Karuna Prithvi, media manager of DNA Networks, the event management company.

The ground with a capacity of 28,000 will have three types of enclosures — a lounge, which will seat 1,000, and two general areas which will accommodate 5,000 and 22,000 fans respectively.

While lounge ticket holders will get access to the venue from gate number 5, entry to the general concert area (for R2,750 ticket holders) will be through gate number 1, 2 , 3.

As the D Day finally arrives, thrash metal enthusiasts in the city can't stop smiling.

"We have been counting days since we got to know that Metallica would perform in our city," said Dhruv Mallik, a college student and a die-hard Metallica fan.

"We can't wait for the band to play," screamed Johnn Derrik, a Canadian who specially came to Gurgaon from Kathmandu where he was touring.

Bank guarantee
For the first time, the Gurgaon administration has secured a Rs. 1 crore bank guarantee from the organisers. The move will act as a shield against any financial loss in the event of any untoward incident.

Deputy Commissioner PC Meena said, "The bank guarantee will ensure we recover the money spent on tickets by fans in case the show gets cancelled." 

A similar show was called off earlier this year at the last moment leading to chaos as fans demanded their money back.

According to a member of the organizing committee, around 300 private security personnel will be deputed at the venue who will work with 70 Gurgaon police and traffic police officials.