Taylor Swift delivers $174m boost to Victorian economy after sell-out Eras Tour shows
No expenses were spared for diehard fans who travelled from near and far to watch Taylor Swift light up the MCG, dropping millions on hotels and food over three magical nights.
Victoria
Don't miss out on the headlines from Victoria. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Taylor Swift’s historic Melbourne concerts poured at least $174m into the state economy over just three “Bejewelled” nights.
As the US superstar on Monday jetted out of Melbourne after an unprecedented series of sold out MCG shows, NAB data obtained by the Herald Sun reveals the economic impact the US superstar star left behind.
An estimated $86m was poured into the city’s accommodation, hospitality and tourism sectors alone, with CBD and inner city spending up 30 per cent compared to the month prior.
Some had predicted Swift’s Melbourne tour — which played to 96,000 fans a night — could have been as much as a $1.2 billion bonanza as Swifties packed hotels, pubs and shops as well as the MCG.
NAB analysis of CBD, Richmond, Cremorne and East Melbourne spending over the Friday, Saturday and Sunday of her shows suggests it was closer to $58 million dollars a day.
The data crunch by Australia’s largest business bank reveals businesses around the MCG were the big winners with spending surges on accommodation (up 238 per cent), bars and pubs (146 per cent), restaurants (99 per cent) and clothes stores (67 per cent).
NAB business executive Julie Rynski said Swift had been a “cheer captain” for Melbourne’s economy.
“From sold-out hotels to bustling restaurants, the economic boost that follows is tangible,” Ms Rynski said.
“The tour has attracted fans from across the world.
“And it’s not just about the event itself but the entire experience – dining before a show, shopping for merchandise and exploring the city’s vibrant night-life.’’
Before boarding a private jet ahead of the Sydney leg of her The Eras tour, Swift took to social media to thank Melbourne fans.
“Melbourne, what do I even say to you after over 288,000 of you came and danced with us on the last three nights?’’ she said on X.
“That was unforgettable.
“You were on another level.
“Thank you for the memories.
“I’ll revisit the ones from this weekend often.’’
It comes amid repair operations to the hallowed turf of the MCG in the wake of classic concerts that had fans dancing on the ground and their Cruel Summer hero prowling a massive on-field stage.
The repair bill to the playing surface after two big Ed Sheeran concerts at the MCG last year was believed to be about $1 million.
The MCC vowed the turf would be ready for the start of the AFL season next month and chief executive Stuart Fox branded Swift’s MCG takeover “an unforgettable moment for Melbourne and the ‘G’.’’
“Taylor Swift performed to her largest-ever crowd of 96,000 for three consecutive nights,’’ he said.
“This remarkable feat is equivalent to hosting three AFL grand finals in a row … this marks a truly iconic moment in the MCG’s storied history and signifies an enduring love story between Melbourne, Taylor Swift, and her devoted fans.”
Swift’s economic boost comes after huge hotel occupancy for the three nights of her shows, record Melbourne Airport arrivals on Friday and public transport numbers usually only seen amid multiple major events.
The state government also released final anti-scalper data, revealing 1832 illegal tickets to the Melbourne shows had been removed from sale.
Dodgy tickets torn up included seats to her opening night show with a face value of $379.90 advertised for $2210.
Backroom Baz: Western Metro preselection shaping as referendum on Liberals’ future
A rift continues to split the Liberal Party as the Western Metropolitan Region preselection looms. Will extreme conservatives prevail or will the party reset as a mainstream movement with a future?
‘Just trying to help’: Junior staffer to blame for VCE exam leak debacle
A VCE exam leak that plunged the entire year 12 test process into crisis was sparked by a well-meaning junior staff member who accidentally produced corrupted cover sheets in what’s been described as “a minor error with major implications”.