Concert cap lifted for Allianz Stadium and SCG
The NSW Government has announced the lifting of the concert cap for stadiums at the SCG precinct from 4 events to 20 events per year, but what impact will it have on sport?
The decision means up to an additional 16 concerts can be staged between the two stadiums per year, which the Government says will inject up to $120 million annually into the NSW visitor economy.
The new $828 million Allianz Stadium opened in 2022 with a 42,500-seat capacity, with up to 55,000 people able to be accommodated for major stadium concerts.
The concert cap changes have been subject to an 8 month community and stakeholder engagement process, however it’s understood major tenants of Allianz Stadium including the NRL, NSW Waratahs and Sydney FC have expressed concerns the lifting of the cap may decrease their access and impact the playing surface.
According to the Sydney Morning Herald, the NRL had demanded the if the cap was raised, that the concert season take place between November and February to reduce the impact on its schedule and turf quality.
NSW Premier Chris Minns said on Wednesday that sport did not have a monopoly over the use of the stadium.
“There’s also a recognition from the government and the taxpayers who built this stadium that this venue is not just a sporting stadium. It’s not owned by a particular code or sporting team. It’s owned by the taxpayers of the state,” he said.
Football Australia has echoed the concerns of the other sporting tenants, with the change potentially sending marquee sporting events such as Matildas and Socceroos matches elsewhere.
“While we embrace the transformation of Allianz Stadium into a dynamic cultural and economic asset for Sydney, it is imperative that such developments do not detract from the quality of the pitch,” a Football Australia spokesperson said.
“Football’s unique turf requirements demand a higher standard of care compared to other sports, transcending mere aesthetics to encompass crucial factors like player safety and the integrity of the game.”
Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium has experienced issues this season for the Brisbane Roar who’ve relocated back to the stadium full time, with its turf impacted following concerts and inclement weather impacting its recovery. In late 2022, the venue increased its concert cap from 6 to 12 events per year.
These old restrictions were introduced over 20 years ago following a Rolling Stones concert at the SCG, with the Government says these restrictions are no longer fit for purpose.
“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,” Chris Minns said.
Minister for Sport, Minister for Small Business Steve Kamper said, “We have the best stadium network in Australia and it’s time we start using our venues to their full potential.
“The red tape that has hampered our ability to host concerts at Allianz Stadium and the SCG has cost this state hundreds of millions of dollars. That red tape is officially gone and Sydney can now secure more live music than ever before.”
Of the 20 major events per year, 2 will be permitted to operate as 10-hour festivals, such as Wave Aid, between the hours of 10am and 11pm.
The new conditions have been imposed on the existing development approvals for the new stadium to manage and mitigate the impacts of noise, traffic and parking raised in consultation.
No other changes will be made to the normal 11pm concert curfew, sporting events, maximum venue capacity, or transport arrangements.
Since opening in 2022, Allianz Stadium has hosted Bruno Mars, Elton John, Paul McCartney and Robbie Williams concerts, with Pink scheduled to perform two shows in February, while Taylor Swift will perform four shows at the larger Accor Stadium.
