South Carolina Schools Are Closing Early for a Beyonc​é Concert

How far does Beyoncé’s influence reach? Far enough to shut down multiple schools in South Carolina just because she’s, well, there.

Six schools in the state will end the day early for Beyoncé and Jay-Z’s On The Run II tour at Williams-Brice Stadium in Columbia, S.C. at the end of August. Officials from the school district say students at the six select schools will have a half day on the day of the performance—August 21—in anticipation of heavy traffic flow into the concert venue.

“The early dismissal schedule will help reduce the likelihood that buses with routes that go through or near that area will be delayed by the traffic,” noted a district rep in an email to students and parents.

Meanwhile, in Minnesota, August 8 has officially been named Beyoncé and Jay-Z day (a literal proclamation was made) in the wake of On The Run II.

“Through their lives and music, Beyoncé and Jay-Z have inspired Minnesotans, and music fans around the world,” wrote Governor Mark Dayton (D) in the proclamation, which you should really see for yourself.