Report: Ed Sheeran NZ Shows Generated $37.9M For Dunedin

Matt Jelonek / WireImage / Getty Images – Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran is having a blast with the packed house at Optus Stadium in Burswood, Australia, March 2.

A report released June 1 by Dunedin Venues Management Ltd (DVML) showed that three Ed Sheeran shows at Dunedin’s Forsyth Barr Stadium March 30, 31 and April 1 pumped NZ$37.9 million ($26.5 million) into the city’s economy. 

Some NZ$34 million ($23.8 million) had been forecast. The three shows drew a total 108,274 (Dunedin’s population is 120,000) and generated the equivalent of 284 job-years of work.

DVML CEO Terry Davies commented, “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.”

About 65 percent of the tickets were sold to people outside Dunedin, who stayed an average 1.8 nights. The city put on many events and kept restaurants, clubs and bars open longer, while a massive Sheeran mural proved a tourist draw. Dunedin Mayor Dave Cull said the social impact could not be calculated. 

“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.”