Pink concert establishes city as music mecca

An excited Mayor said the Gold Coast will play host to a “major event every week” as it establishes itself as an event and music mecca. SEE THE DETAILS

Mayor Tom Tate has Pink fever with the city leader declaring the Gold Coast will play host to a “major event every week” in the future, further establishing itself as a music mecca.

Ahead of the Pink concert at Heritage Park Stadium on Tuesday, the Mayor told reporters the near sellout concert was a prime example of the city’s future.

“When you work hard to make us an event city and Gold Coasters and South East Queenslanders back you by filling up the stadium – it’s a perfect (example) it has worked,” Mr Tate said.

Tom Tate, Gold Coast Mayor. Picture: Ashleigh Jansen

Mr Tate said the city could expect to see a calendar of high-profile acts as the Coast was now recognised as “the major concert” hub.

In the past two years the Glitter Strip has hosted pop star Harry Styles, Beatles legend Paul McCartney and hard rock icons Guns ‘n’ Roses.

“Pink’s capped it off – I’ve never hidden my passion for her music and we’ve been working on this for the last three years now it’s finally arrived,” he said.

“I see a future that will see a major event happening here every week – that’s the goal and it’s a proud moment for the city.”

Mr Tate also spoke about the push for a boutique stadium on the Coast capable of hosting smaller scale gigs and sporting events.

“It’s narrowed down to the number of sites now,” he said.

“As the next election comes in we’ll have new councillors, bring them up to speed, press the button to finalise the tender – that’s where were at. It’ll be a two-year build and by 2027 we should have it open.”

The Mayor referred to the stadium plan as “the dream project” and part of an overarching play to outbid Brisbane on major events.

“We’re a fun city and we’ve got alternatives (to Brisbane) than just coming for an event,” he said.

“To entice people to come to an event Thursday night and they stay till Sunday – that’s how we extend tourism.”

Michelle Lucia, Live Nation SVP and Tom Tate, Gold Coast Mayor. Picture: Ashleigh Jansen

Michelle Lucia, senior vice president for the Pink concert promoters Live Nation, backed the Mayor’s sentiments and said demand for big events was here.

“We brought out Harry Styles and now Pink and we can really see the demand,” she said.

“We want to continue to bring artists here, we’ve got Pearl Jam coming up (to the Gold Coast) and the Pink event is almost sold out.

“Artists can see it’s a great stadium, we’re able to adapt production, it’s great for the touring journey so the routing works really well and we’re selling out in tickets – all of those factors combined we’re able to put a really compelling sell for artists coming out.”

Ms Lucia said the multinational entertainment company provides travel packages, selling the city as a “destination.”

More than 50,000 fans were expected to attend the sellout Pink event on Tuesday.

Mr Tate confirmed 50 per cent of those were from intra and interstate, providing an economic injection of $8 million into the city.