Ed Sheeran’s Economic Bonanza injects $37.9 million for Dunedin

By Forsyth Barr Stadium | Posted: Friday May 25, 2018

Survey results of Ed Sheeran’s three concerts at Forsyth Barr Stadium over the Easter break have now been compiled. The overall outcomes are fantastic with the city receiving a massive injection of almost $38 million to Dunedin’s economy.

DVML CEO Terry Davies had forecast a result of $34 million prior to the concerts so he was naturally delighted with the outcome. “We thought we were being slightly optimistic with our estimations but I am more than happy with this result which is outstanding for the city.  Almost the population of Dunedin attending the three concerts really put us to the test but I’m proud to say our team performed admirably. The high satisfaction results for such large numbers are extremely pleasing.”

Mayor of Dunedin Dave Cull says, “The weekend was one of the biggest in Dunedin’s history. The economic impact of hosting the concerts is obviously tremendous for the local economy and Dunedin is fortunate to have a world-class facility such as Forsyth Barr Stadium, which is the envy of much larger cities.

“Perhaps what isn’t so easy to measure, however, is the social impact – the huge amount of community pride and spirit – these types of events help to generate. It was wonderful to see families and people of all ages, both residents and visitors, getting involved in a variety of events over the weekend and having such a great time in our wonderful city,” says Mr Cull.

Enterprise Dunedin Director John Christie echoed the Mayor’s comments, “The outcome of the survey not only reaffirms the significant contribution events such as the Ed Sheeran concerts make to the local economy, but also the role they play in positioning Dunedin as a compelling destination. Concert-goers who had an enjoyable time in the city are much more likely to return for future events or holidays based on their experience.”

The combined survey results of the three concerts are as follows:

• A total of 11,143 surveys were completed.
  
• 108,274 seats were sold for the concert. 67% of tickets were sold to people living outside of the Dunedin City boundaries. The remaining 33% were purchased by Dunedin residents.
  
• For attendees from outside of Dunedin, the largest group (48%) was from the Canterbury region, while a significant proportion (35%) came from the wider Otago/Southland regions.
  
• 25% of survey respondents were under 30 years old and the majority being aged 30 to 49 (52%).

EVENT SATISFACTION

• 96% of respondents expressed satisfaction with the event
  
• 95% satisfied with information prior to the event
  
• 94% satisfied with the wayfinding signage
  
• 93% satisfied with access to the Stadium
  
• 92% would be likely to return to Forsyth Barr Stadium to attend a major event
  
• 89% satisfied with the cleanliness of the venue
  
• 88% satisfied with the friendliness of venue staff

ECONOMIC IMPACT

• The direct expenditure by all visiting spectators is estimated at $37.9 million
  
• These visitors stayed an average of 1.8 nights
  
• Average expenditure of all those visitors who responded to the survey was $542 per person
  
• The concert generated the equivalent of 284 job-years of work
  
• $24 million of Added Value (GDP)
  
• $10.9 million of Earned Household Income