The NSW Government is looking to lift a longstanding restriction that prevents Sydney's Allianz Stadium and Sydney Cricket Ground from hosting more than four concerts per year.
NSW Premier Chris Minns says removing a three-decade-old restriction on live concert hosting would “get rid of the red tape that stops fun in Australia’s largest city”.
International artists are estimated to bring up to $7.5 million of economic benefit to NSW for every show they perform.
Tasking Venues NSW with allowing up to 20 concerts to be held in the SCG precinct every year, Premier Minns today advised “Sydney is a global city and we should be able to host global acts from around the world.
“In lifting this concert cap to 20 per year, we could bring in an additional $1.3 billion for NSW businesses over the lifetime of Allianz stadium.”
However, the move will place the SCG precinct venues in competition with the NSW Government owned Accor Stadium at Sydney Olympic Park - managed by VenuesLive - where the majority of stadium concerts in Sydney have been staged in recent years.
The role of Accor Stadium, which can accommodate larger concerts than the SCG and Allianz Stadium, seems to have been ignored in mainstream media reporting of this story.
Live Performance Australia (LPA) has welcomed the move that directs Venues NSW to undertake the necessary planning and environmental applications to modify the current restrictions.
LPA Chief Executive, Evelyn Richardson advised “venue availability is key when it comes to ensuring that Sydney is included on concert touring schedules.
“Unlocking the full potential of the SCG Precinct to host concerts will mean more opportunities and entertainment choices for local and interstate fans.
“Live entertainment is a huge driver of activity across the visitor economy, including hospitality, accommodation, and travel.
“NSW taxpayers have made a huge investment in the upgrade of stadiums such as Allianz, so lifting the concert cap is a great way to maximise the economic, social and cultural return on that investment.
“This is a very welcome commitment from the NSW Government, and we look forward to them progressing the necessary consultation and approvals so we can get going and bring even more live entertainment choices to Sydney."
Last year, the Queensland Government temporarily increased the cap on Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium from six to 12 major events each year for 2023 and 2024, while Venues NSW successfully raised the cap on concerts at Newcastle’s McDonald Jones Stadium.
Image: Elton John performs at the Allianz Stadium. Credit: Venues NSW.
Nigel Benton is the co-founder and Publisher of Australasian Leisure Management, Australia and New Zealand’s only magazine for professionals in all areas of the leisure industry. Having established the magazine in 1997, shortly after his relocation to Australia, he has managed its readership rising to over 11,500 and its acceptance as the industry journal for professionals in aquatics, attractions, entertainment, events, fitness, parks, recreation, sport, tourism and venues.
Among a range of published works and features, his comments on a Blog (blogspot) from 2007 to 2011, when this website went live in its current form, may be interesting to reflect back on.
Support our industry news service
We hope that you value the news that we publish so while you're here can we ask for your support?
As an independent publisher, we need reader support for our industry news gathering so ask that - if you don't already do so - you back us by subscribing to the printed Australasian Leisure Management magazine and/or our online news.
BODY BIKE® International is a leading manufacturer of indoor bikes with a 20-year track record of creating the best indoor bikes.
Stay connected with Body Bike Australia…
Commercial Aquatics Australia provides aquatic solutions nationwide and is one of the largest and most experienced companies specialising in the design, construction, renovation, service, maintenance…
Welcome to AAC – makers of the world’s best wristbands, lanyards, tickets, tokens and full-service print solutions. We are Australia’s premier global manufacturer and supplier of…
revolutioniseSPORT is the emerging market leader in online club management in Australia. Whether it is memberships, registrations, events, online sales or governance tools - revolutioniseSPORT is the…
Email for trade enquiries: Enquiriesapac@myzone.org
Customer support desk - Click Myzone support or go to ‘help’ on myzone app to access live support.
Myzone® is the leading…
ABOUT
Again Faster is a Brisbane based, Australian owned supplier of strength and conditioning and functional fitness equipment. With nearly 10 years experience in the Australian market, we are…
ABOUT
SPORTENG specialises in the Planning, Design and Construction inspection of Fields of Play for all sports.
Blending engineering with the specialist knowledge gained from working closely with…