Auckland ready for a huge summer of concerts

The announcement that one of the world’s best-selling recording artists, Adele, will perform at Mt Smart Stadium in March completes an impressive line-up of big international stadium concerts and festivals – set to bring a significant economic boost to Auckland this summer.

The mammoth entertainment line-up, which also includes concerts by Grammy Award-winning Canadian pop superstar Justin Bieber, international rock favourites Guns N’ Roses, Bruce Springsteen and Coldplay, is expected to attract more than 250,000 fans. Adding to the festive atmosphere is the return of the highly successful Taste of Auckland culinary festival – on later this week at Western Springs Stadium.

The Auckland organisation responsible for securing and staging these events, Regional Facilities Auckland (RFA), estimates this summer’s events are likely to boost the city’s economy by more than $31 million.

RFA Chief Executive Chris Brooks explains “last summer, RFA’s line-up of stadium concerts and festivals boosted the local economy by more than $16.8 million with people attending from out of Auckland.

“The calibre of the international acts and concerts we draw to our stadiums is outstanding - this summer’s line-up will further cement Auckland’s reputation as New Zealand’s entertainment capital.”

More than 45,000 fans will gather to see Guns N’ Roses at Western Springs Stadium – the landmark outdoor venue that has previously played host to the Rolling Stones, The Police, the Foo Fighters, Eminem and AC/DC.

A domestic tourism boom is also expected on the weekends of the Coldplay, Bruce Springsteen and Justin Bieber concerts, with more than 55% of concert-goers coming from outside Auckland, while the popular Taste of Auckland festival is anticipated to draw well over 20,000 foodies to Western Springs Stadium.

Brooks added “over the last five years, RFA has successfully positioned Auckland as a vibrant summer entertainment destination where you can attend major international touring concerts and the best festivals.

“This has a flow-on impact into many other areas around Auckland including the accommodation, transport, hospitality and tourism attraction sectors. It is extremely rewarding to see the huge economic and cultural benefits our activities bring to the city.

“The addition of the Adele concert to the summer bill is very exciting. It is one of the most sought-after concerts in the world and we’re delighted to have secured it for Auckland.”

Upcoming Events at RFA stadiums:

• Taste of Auckland, 17th to 20th November 2016, Western Springs Stadium
• Coldplay, 3rd December 2016, Mt Smart Stadium
• Guns N’ Roses, 4th February 2017, Western Springs Stadium
• Bruce Springsteen, 25th February 2017, Mt Smart Stadium
• Justin Bieber, 18th March 2017, Mt Smart Stadium
• Adele, 23rd March 2017, Mt Smart Stadium

Images: Adele (top - courtesy of Ticketek) and concert crowd at Auckland's Mt Smart Stadium (below - courtesy of Regional Facilities Auckland).

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