ACDC to Ricky Martin: The big names that could perform at the Macquarie Point Stadium

ACDC, Lenny Kravitz and Ricky Martin – just some names that could potentially perform in Hobart, should the Macquarie Point Stadium be built, according to an events industry heavyweight.

Aerial render of the proposed Macquarie Point stadium. Picture: supplied

ACDC, Lenny Kravitz and Ricky Martin – just some names that could potentially perform in Hobart, should the Macquarie Point Stadium be built.

“These are artists we’ve been touring in the past year and I think we would absolutely be able to get them to Hobart,” Ticketek Entertainment Group chair Geoff Jones told the Mercury.

“They are arena artists, they do really good numbers, and we wouldn’t need 30,000 people in the stadium to make them viable.”

Mr Jones – an Australian events industry heavyweight – has been an outspoken supporter of the Macquarie Point stadium since day one.

He said those artists represent a tier of “middle to large star” performers who are already interested in Tasmania, but currently unable to perform here due to the state’s lack of facilities.

TEG chair Geoff Jones pictured in 2019. Picture: Nikki Short

A roof – along with the stadium’s prime CBD location – would be a major drawcard, he said, allowing the venue to shift between arena and stadium modes.

He said it was this flexibility that would broaden the types of events that could be staged in Hobart well beyond music.

“The retractable roof is a major plus not only for sound quality, but also for promoters with versatile types of content,” he said.

“Yes the stadium will be built for AFL and cricket, but it’s not out of the realm of possibility that we could bring some European football clubs to Hobart, or do motor sport in the stadium.”

The comments come after Stadium Tasmania CEO James Avery’s appearance before a parliamentary committee on Tuesday, where he revealed discussions were underway with not only TEG, but also major promoters Live Nation and Frontier Touring over which artist could open the venue.

The committee heard the stadium could host 334 events across 337 days each year – including 34 live sport and entertainment events and 40 major conferences – with early talks already underway about bringing “exclusive” international performances to the state.

Questions however, remain over the cost of transporting staging equipment across the Bass Strait, with some suggesting it would be more expensive than transporting gear between cities on the mainland.

Performers, such as Angus Young of AC/DC, could be drawn to Tasmania with a new stadium. (Photo by Morgan Hancock/Getty Images)

Mr Jones said while there was “always a way of things being worked out there”, it hinged on the stadium having the appropriate infrastructure.

“During the construction phase it’s important that the stadium is made user-friendly for concerts,” he said.

“I think increasingly for every stadium in this country, having concerts and other content is really important. And the architects and designers in the building process, they will increasingly take that into consideration.

“With that investment those costs will be quite manageable.

“It’s not a massively long way, I think there will be a real desire to come.”

Marred by delays and cost blowouts, the Macquarie Point stadium – a condition for the AFL’s license in Tasmania – has deeply divided public opinion.

Its critics say it is too costly and financially risky, poorly suited to the site, threatens heritage values, lacks adequate transport and planning detail, and is unlikely to deliver the economic or community benefits its stakeholders have claimed.

Still, Mr Jones remains optimistic the project will proceed.

“I fervently believe this is a great decision and an economic driver for the state,” he said.

“There are people who will follow their favourite artists around the whole of the country, and go to virtually every concert they put on because they’re super fans.

“I think the thing about Tasmania, is that it’s a beautiful state with a lot of tourism things to do, and you’ll find that people will come to Hobart from Tasmania but also from interstate.

“We’re not appreciating how much of a game-changer this will be.”

The stadium order passed through the lower house earlier this month, with its resting on three independent members of the Legislative Council.

Debate is expected to begin on December 3.