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.
Born in the English county of Dorset, Nigel Benton is the co-founder and Publisher of Australasian Leisure Management, Australia, New Zealand and the Asia-Pacific’s only magazine for professionals in all areas of the leisure industry and the www.ausleisure.com.au website - the go to news resource for industry leaders and professionals.
With a long-term commitment to communicating all that is best about the leisure industry (aquatics, attractions, entertainment, events, fitness, parks, recreation, sport, tourism and venues) his career has been defined by an ability to develop and implement industry communications.
Starting his career working in heritage visitor attractions and then adventure travel in Africa and the Middle East, an interest in writing about his experiences led to his change of career into magazine journalism and publishing.
In addition to publishing, Nigel speaks on marketing communications at a range of industry events.
He was made a Life Member of the World Leisure and Recreation Association in 2006 and is a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society (London).
As of October 2024, he was inducted into the Australian Fitness Awards Roll of Honour at the 2024 AUSactive National Awards.
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.
His philosophy on life is to be kind to all and to indulge those that you love.
His passions include family, Newcastle United and motorcycles (especially British ones) as well, until February 2025 when she left us, caring a little pug named Stella.
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