Elton John’s concert at WIN Stadium on Sunday night is thought to have injected more than $3 million into the Wollongong economy.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
or signup to continue reading
And there may be many more benefits to come.
That’s the feeling from Destination Wollongong general manager Mark Sleigh who described Sir Elton’s show as an outstanding success that could not possibly have gone any better.
Mr Sleigh said that was important because the eyes of the world were on the city when Rock’n’Roll royalty came to town. And that could mean more big shows in the future.
Even before Elton’s opening remark “I never thought I would say this but good evening Wollongong, we are very happy to be here” the unique seaside stadium was turning it all on to showcase the city in it the best possible light.
Related story: Elton John’s Wollongong concert: what you thought
And those with seats in the Western Grandstand got an extra treat when a whale put on a show breaching off City Beach just before the concert started.
“Wasn’t it all amazing? The vibe around the city was just so happy and proud,” Mr Sleigh said.
From Destination Wollongong’s perspective it was great marketing for the city that money cannot buy.
“Of the 20,000 people more than 40 per cent were from outside the region. There was a large amount of overnight visitation. And one of the great things that held up over the whole weekend,” Mr Sleigh said.
Related story: Watch Elton John perform in Wollongong
Many people didn’t just come for the concert they stayed one or two nights. So Mr Sleigh is confident the economic benefit from visitation was far greater than the estimated $3 million.
“The restaurants were full on Saturday night and the taxi drivers had their best night since New Year’s Eve. It was an event that had impact across the whole weekend for Wollongong,” he said.
“If you take into account the money that was spent at hairdressers, the money that was spent at petrol stations it is far broader than what was spent at restaurants, hotels and on tickets to the event.”
Related story: All the photos from an amazing Elton John Wollongong concert
Elton himself was impressed after the show he tweeted about the wonderful Wollongong audience.
Mr Sleigh said that was important because there was absolutely no doubt that promoters from around the world were watching to see what the Illawarra could turn on at WIN Stadium.
“I think what we take for granted is we have a 20,000 seat stadium on a surf beach within a kilometre of the main CBD,” he said.
“It is an iconic stadium. You can’t replicate that in too many places around the world. There are not to many places globally where a promoter can look and think “WOW what could we do with that”. Wollongong definitely demonstrated again on Sunday night that it is a major event city. And this community wants to come out and be a part of it.”
Related story: Elton John just the start for Wollongong's WIN stadium
Mr Sleigh said many people who were not lucky enough to get a ticket to the show were on the beach or in other locations nearby still wanting to be part of the experience.
There were also Elton parties in nearby units. Even one with a neon Elton sign.
“That’s also what makes Wollongong so special and unique”.
Mr Sleigh said the social media exposure was also priceless and far reaching. He was not just talking about Elton’s tweet about the great audience.
“We can try and talk about what is the economic benefit for the region from that event. But can you possibly put a value on the social media reach Wollongong had last night with posts about Elton John playing at WIN Stadium going around the world. It is incredible for Wollongong as a brand and it is incredible for where we will be moving forward. Because this won’t be the last time this happens.”
Related story: Sir Elton John arrives in Wollongong by helicopter
Greg Ellis
Almost four decades in electronic, print and digital media. A writer, presenter, emcee, photographer and videographer with degrees in business management, marketing and human resources and tertiary qualifications in photography.
Almost four decades in electronic, print and digital media. A writer, presenter, emcee, photographer and videographer with degrees in business management, marketing and human resources and tertiary qualifications in photography.
