NSW Government looks to raise cap on concert events at the SCG and Allianz Stadium

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.