Coldplay leads Sydney’s massive weekend of entertainment

Sydney will serve up a Super Sunday smorgasbord of stadium entertainment to end a week-long events menu worth $100 million to the local economy.

Sydney will serve up a Super Sunday smorgasbord of stadium entertainment to end a week-long events menu worth $100m to the local economy.

The final Coldplay concert at Accor Stadium headlines a feast of events tomorrow that will attract around 150,000 fans to the city’s four premier venues.

While 85,000 are set to attend the last of four showstopper concerts from one of the world’s biggest bands at Homebush, a sellout crowd of more than 25,000 will watch the Pacific Championship rugby league final between Australia and Tonga at CommBank Stadium in Parramatta.

To the east of the city, the WBBL stages an SCG double header including a Thunder-Sixers Sydney derby while, next door at Allianz Stadium, the A-League will feature another cross-town clash with Sydney FC taking on Macarthur FC.

“Christmas has arrived early for sports and music fans,” said NSW Sports Minister Steve Kamper.

Chris Martin from Coldplay on stage in Sydney. Picture: Jonathan Ng

“We’ll see the first ball of the summer bowled at the SCG, Sydney FC return home for their first match this season at Allianz Stadium, and CommBank Stadium will host (Australia versus Tonga) in front of a sold-out crowd.

“To cap off an incredible day of live events, Coldplay will wrap up their tour of ­Australia.”

Venues NSW have calculated the Coldplay concerts alone, in attracting a collective attendance of 340,000 with an estimated 60,000 from interstate, will drive an economic impact of more than $90m.

Australia rugby league player Tom Trbojevic. Picture: Joe Allison/Getty Images

Ellyse Perry of the Sixers. Picture: Steve Bell/Getty Images

Tourism and Transport Forum (TTF) CEO Margy Osmond said live shows and sporting events were now consistent drivers for the NSW and Sydney tourism and hospitality sectors.

“We’re really lucky to have great venues and they are active drivers for intrastate, interstate and international travel,” Ms Osmond said.

“When people come for big events they are likely to stay an extra day, so that flows on to accommodation, meals and ­transport.”

Sisters Rachel, 28, and sister Bree Maher, 26, drove four hours from Port Macquarie for one of the midweek Coldplay concerts in Sydney.

Coldplay fans Rachael and Bree Maher. Picture: Jonathan Ng

“We bought the tickets a year ago when they were released,” said Rachel.

“We didn’t care how much tickets or accommodation was because we had to be here.

“There was no other option.

“It wasn’t cheap but how do you not take these once in a lifetime opportunities.

“Even though it’s a weeknight we took work off to come to Sydney, and we have work off tomorrow to head back.”

Tomorrow’s Super Sunday of events will see around 5700 staff on duty at the four Sydney stadiums.

Venues NSW revealed 3500 people have been employed each night for Coldplay. On average a Coldplay gig has seen 11,000 pies, 1000 slices of pizza, 3000 hot dogs, 60,000 waters and soft drinks and 20,000 litres of beer consumed.

At the SCG and Allianz Stadium, 1600 staff will be rostered on, with a further 600 working at CommBank Stadium.

”Sunday will be a massive day for sport and entertainment in Sydney,” said Kerrie Mather, CEO of Accor Stadium and Venues NSW.

Do you have a story for The Telegraph? Message 0481 056 618 or email [e-mail]