Raising the concert limit at Allianz Stadium, SCG is a win for common sense

How utterly ridiculous that we could build a brand new, state of the art stadium at a cost of more than $800 million and then stick to an outdated rule that limited its use, writes Matthew Benns.

Finally we have a victory for common sense and the people of Greater Sydney.

How utterly ridiculous that we could build a brand new, state of the art stadium at a cost of more than $800 million and then stick to an outdated rule that it and the Sydney Cricket Ground can only hold an average of four concerts a year.

On his first day in the job the interim chairman of Venues NSW Rod McGeoch called for an increase in the tiny annual concert cap at Allianz Stadium saying: “I want Beyonce here”.

So do we. Music fans right across Sydney and NSW want to be able to attend concerts by world class acts like the Foo Fighters in a world class stadium.

Rod McGeoch made his intentions clear from day one. Picture: Sam Ruttyn

The decision by Premier Chris Minns to increase the annual number of concerts from to 20 will be welcomed by almost everyone.

The only people who do not want great acts on their doorsteps are the NIMBY elites who can afford to live near the stadium and like to moan about the noise and traffic.

Their complaints have held sway over successive governments for decades, ever since the Rolling Stones whooped it up too much back in the days when they still could.

It ignores the fact that the new stadium is designed to keep sound in and let the people who are paying to hear it and enjoy the atmosphere.

You’ll love our new stadium, Bey. Frazer Harrison/Getty Images/AFP

Mr Minns is right in tasking Venues NSW with the job of cutting the red tape because: “Sydney is a global city and we should be able to host global acts from around the world.”

Increasing the concert cap also provides a massive boost for the economy, bringing in visitors who will happily spend in pubs, restaurants and hotels.

But in solving one problem it has highlighted another which also needs urgent attention. Carparking at Moore Park is woeful and, with the imminent removal of on-grass parking, a major deterrent to anyone trying to drive in from the west to attend those new concerts.

Now the music is playing, the lack of parking needs to be addressed.