Forsyth Barr Stadium among top in the world

Fans pack Forsyth Barr Stadium ahead of the first of three Ed Sheeran gigs. Photo: Craig Baxter
Fans pack Forsyth Barr Stadium ahead of the first of three Ed Sheeran gigs. Photo: Craig Baxter
The man in charge of Dunedin's roofed stadium is "absolutely proud" after it came 13th in the world in when it comes to ticket sales for concerts.

Despite being an indoor stadium Forsyth Barr Stadium placed 13th in trade magazine Pollstar's list of the top-selling outdoor stadium/festival sites in the world with a total of 131,597 tickets sold in the first half of this year.

It was one of only two New Zealand venues to make the list.

Auckland's Mt Smart Stadium was the other and placed eighth with 172,528 tickets sold.

Both venues outsold some of the most famous stadiums in the world, including London's Twickenham (which placed 40th) and Murrayfield in Edinburgh. (41st).

The Dunedin stadium had a busy first half of the year which was dominated by three Ed Sheeran concerts.

It also hosted Robbie Williams and Roger Waters.

The second half of the year is also set to be a busy one, with Kendrick Lamar's July gig set to be followed by Pink and Shania Twain.

Terry Davies: "We are absolutely proud we can mix it with the best around''. Photo: Gerard O'Brien
Terry Davies: "We are absolutely proud we can mix it with the best around''. Photo: Gerard O'Brien
Dunedin Venues Management Ltd (DVML) chief executive Terry Davies said coming 13th was "impressive" for a small city like Dunedin.

"We are absolutely proud we can mix it with the best around.

"When you get an Ed Sheeran coming through that helps.

"But, in saying that, we're having a great 12 months and we have still got to finish that off with a couple of great shows," Mr Davies said.

The stadium's success was down to a combination of factors, but most importantly the Otago region had shown great support and were continuing to go to concerts.

"They are only going to come here if they can sell tickets."

DVML had also worked hard to build strong relationships with promoters, which was also important.

Mr Davies believed Forsyth Barr Stadium would continue to attract top acts.

"You never know what's around the corner, but our track record is good.

"We are selling tickets, promoters are happy with our performance and we will just keep putting our hand up."

Photo: ODT files
Photo: ODT files

Comments

Trying to put a positive spin on a white-elephant. In the 7 years of operation has the next receipts of ticket sales which goes to the various DCC entities been greater than 1 year of interest paid to banks (or the lost interest from using up the DCC cash reserves)? Answer- no. A massive subsidy by Dunedin ratepayers every year...........to infinity just to keep the gig going.

 

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