NSW Government announces raising of concert cap for Sydney’s Allianz Stadium and SCG

The NSW Government has announced that it has lifted the concert cap at the Sydney Cricket Ground precinct from an average of four events a year to 20 events a year.

NSW Premier Chris Minns this morning advised that up to 20 concerts will be able to be held in the Allianz Stadium and Sydney Cricket Ground precinct at Moore Park every year - 16 more than the cap imposed after a noisy Rolling Stones concert at the SCG in the 1990s.

While the 20 performances annually will also include two 10-hour festivals, there will be no changes to the current late night curfew, meaning events will need to be turned off by 11pm, with no changes to the current curfew.

The only exception would be the official Mardi Gras after-party, if organisers stage the event at the Allianz Stadium.

The move follows what a NSW Government referred to as “rigorous eight-month community and stakeholder engagement process’, although the outcome appears to have been pre-decided.

Referencing the previous concert cap as having “stifled the NSW economy and its cultural lifeblood”, Premier Minns stated “this is a huge win for the NSW economy, and it’s great for live music.

“For too long NSW has missed out on world class acts because of an archaic restriction that killed fun in our city and hurt the economy.”

NSW Minister for Music and the Night-time Economy, Minister for Jobs and Tourism, John Graham added “after successive governments have tied up our visitor and night-time economy in onerous red tape, we are taking off the shackles, and making the most of our incredible venues.

“This is about securing more live music for Sydney and ensuring our spot as the premier destination of the Asia Pacific.

“This year alone, we have Pink, Taylor Swift, Coldplay, and The Kid Laroi performing in our stadiums in Sydney, following on from Foo Fighters, Ed Sheeran, Paul McCartney, Elton John, KISS and Harry Styles shows last year.”

Revealed to promoters late yesterday, Sydney’s The Daily Telegraph reported an enthusiastic response, with Frontier Touring Chief Executive Dion Brant saying the decision “benefits not just the artist and promoter, but countless local NSW businesses”.

Live Nation Australasia Chairman Michael Coppel said increasing the concert cap would ensure Sydney-siders “won’t miss a beat” in experiencing big musical acts, while TEG Chief Executive Geoff Jones said he was “delighted” that the SCG precinct would be able to host more shows.

Image: Elton John plays Allianz Stadium in January last year. Credit: Venues NSW.