Sport blockbusters, global acts: Sydney’s $60m fortnight

From The Weeknd to The Everest … major sport and music events in Sydney over the past few weeks have resulted in a massive windfall for the NSW economy.

Sydney, we are in career-best form. And the best is yet to come.

Sporting blockbusters and concerts from some of the biggest acts on the planet have injected an estimated $60 million into the NSW economy over the past fortnight.

A sellout crowd at both The Everest and the A-League’s Sydney Derby, plus incredible turnouts at Travis Scott, The Weeknd and Olivia Rodrigo have seen almost 360,000 people at recent events.

Travis Scott broke an attendance record in his second show at the new Allianz Stadium, with a crowd of 41,814. That surpassed the previous mark set by P!nk in February.

People were packed in like sardines at Royal Randwick last Saturday for Bella Nipotina’s victory in The Everest, with almost 50,000 fans on course.

Craig Williams rides Bella Nipotina to win the TAB Everest as punters go wild on the finishing line. Picture: Sam Ruttyn

The A-League’s newest marquee stars, Juan Mata with the Wanderers and Sydney FC’s Douglas Costa, also saw the “sold out” sign go up at the Sydney Derby.

Venues NSW Chair David Gallop told The Daily Telegraph: “I can’t quite remember a time like this where we’ve had so many international superstars perform in Sydney.”

“It’s a credit to the fans … and our team for securing some of the biggest names on the planet” Mr Gallop said.

Sports Minister Steve Kamper added: “We have truly cemented our spot as the premier destination of the Asia Pacific.”

And before we have time to catch our breath, another 50,000 fans are expected between the Spring Champion Stakes Day at Randwick on Saturday and K-pop superstars Stray Kids at Allianz Stadium.

Travis Scott broke a new record at Allianz Stadium. Picture: Erika Goldring

By the way, one of the biggest and best acts in the world, Coldplay, will next month be at the Olympic Stadium four times.

Not enough for you? Sydney’s blockbuster November will also include the exhibition football game between Tim Cahill’s XI and Ronaldinho’s XI, Sydney-born rapper The Kid Laroi and multiple men’s and women’s matches to launch the summer of cricket.

The NRL season is long gone but the Pacific Championships continue, with the final at CommBank Stadium on November 10. NRL CEO Andrew Abdo said the tournament offered “international rugby league at its best, with players putting everything on the line for their country.”

Olivia Rodrigo during her world tour GUTS concert at Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney. Picture: Jonathan Ng

Mr Abdo said it was the “last chance for fans to see their rugby league heroes in 2024.”

The major racing events also continue, headlined by the $10 million Golden Eagle on November 2.

“It’s a fantastic race, with the best horses now travelling from interstate. Everything is on display at Rosehill for the Golden Eagle. There is something for everyone” said Peter McGauran, the chairman of the ATC.

A crowd of well over 20,000 is expected at Randwick for The Big Dance on November 5, a major achievement on the day which has historically been dominated by the Melbourne Cup.
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Originally published as Sport blockbusters, global acts: Sydney’s $60m fortnight