Millions will be poured through cash registers and into the Illawarra late September with international superstar Elton John performing a one-off show at WIN Stadium.
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Destination Wollongong analysis predicts the open-air concert will attract 15,000 to 17,000 music fans, with around 65 per cent of those coming from other parts of New South Wales or interstate.
“It’s a huge benefit for Wollongong,” Tania Brown, Destination Wollongong chair, said on Wednesday.
“And we’ve put it at about $1.5 million economic benefit.”
Ms Brown explained that figure was “conservative” and expected the real numbers to be upwards of $2 million and possibly $3 million, with visitors forecast to spend around $200 per day.
General manager Mark Sleigh said once the city makes it an outstanding success “waves of opportunity” will follow.
“Why shouldn’t the South Coast have the same experience as the Hunter Valley and Newcastle?,” Mr Sleigh said.
“Let’s go Madonna, let’s go AC/DC, let’s go Adele, why stop? It’s just the beginning.”
WIN Stadium’s Marc Swan said Sir Elton it was a big win for the venue and the region and hoped visitors would stay for the weekend, considering it’s a Sunday evening event.
“We’ve been working with [promoter] Chugg Entertainment for just over a year to make this happen,” Mr Swan said.
“This is the only show in New South Wales so we’re really encouraging people from all over the state and also interstate to visit.
“We want to make sure people take the opportunity to visit the city before and after the show.”
Chair of the Illawarra Local Venues Council Vicki Tiegs praised the promoter for being able to secure a star with such status. She labelled it a “major coup”.
“Michael Chugg was the promoter who brought the opening act to the WIN Entertainment Centre when it opened all those years ago [Bob Dylan] and here he is again giving Wollongong a first time stadia concert,” Ms Tiegs said.
Wollongong Lord Mayor Gordon Bradbery hoped the economic benefit would flow on to facility upgrades for future ventures.
“It’s a feather in our cap as a city ... and we have an enthusiastic community who can take on board one of these events,” Cr Bradbery said.
“It also focuses the state and nation’s attention on our city which I hope will create spin-offs of, hopefully, an upgrade of the [Wollongong Entertainment Centre and Stadium] as well as our local facilities. If we handle this well it sets the pace for future events.”