25 November 2010
Mt Smart stadium is looking forward to a rocking night as world-class rock group U2 crank up their guitars for their
first Auckland show tonight.
Chairman of Auckland Council’s regional Facilities Auckland, Sir Don McKinnon says that this will be one of the largest
concerts ever staged in New Zealand.
“We are seeing international headline acts increasingly include Auckland on their tour calendars,” he says.
“I believe this is thanks to the class of facilities Auckland can now offer promoters and the huge skill base in the
entertainment industry that has been built up in the Auckland region over the past 10 years.
With facilities like the Vector Arena, Mt Smart Stadium and Western Springs we can cater to a wide range of shows and
spectacles.
These facilities employ entertainment industry people – lighting and sound engineers, stage management crews, security
and traffic management teams.
The economic impact of hosting large events, by attracting people to Auckland filling flights and hotels, and through
the employment of Aucklanders, is significant for the region,” said Sir Don.
“Inevitably, there will be some disruption around large scale events likes this and we are able to draw on the
assistance of our parent, the Auckland Council to ensure that we can work with the promoter and the public to help
manage any disruption around things like noise and traffic.”
ENDS