Melbourne is gearing up for an entertainment and excitement bonanza, with the trifecta of the Melbourne Cup carnival, Oasis and Metallica concerts expected to drive a once-in-a-decade boom for local businesses.
28.10.2025
14.11.2025
- ACDC and Metallica gigs expected to drive a 26% surge in spending in Sydney
- Retail and hospitality businesses expected to be among the big winners
- Concertgoers warned about ticket scams
Sydney is set to be thunderstruck, with the major music double header of Metallica and ACDC expected to pump an extra $90m into local businesses, according to new NAB analysis.
The business boon kicks off with iconic band Metallica playing its only Sydney show on Saturday 15 November followed by rockers ACDC playing on Friday 21 November and Tuesday 25 November.
NAB Executive Small Business Krissie Jones, said the bumper 10 days would be among the city’s busiest for the year as tens of thousands of fans flock to restaurants, bars and hotels.
“Music makes Sydney go round. Last week it was Oasis. Now it’s Metallica and ACDC and then Lady Gaga just before Christmas,” Ms Jones said.
“It’s been more than a decade since Metallica and ACDC played in Sydney and having both in quick succession will supercharge business activity.”
“Concerts like this aren’t just cultural highlights – they're economic powerhouses. About $334m is spent in the Sydney CBD, inner suburbs and Accor stadium precinct every 10 days. We expect that’ll increase by about 26% to about $424m, boosting an extra $90m into the economy.”
Among the expected big winners in the CBD and Accor precinct are:
- General merchandise stores, where spending is expected to increase by up to 131%
- Accommodation, where spending is expected to increase by up to 81%
- Bars and pubs, where spending is expected to increase by up to 49%
- Fast food, where spending is expected to increase by up to34%
- Restaurants, where spending is expected to increase by up to 24%
Ms Jones also urged concertgoers to stay alert for ticket scams.
“It’s sad but true that criminals will target Metallica and ACDC fans desperate for tickets to the sold-out concerts at Accor Stadium. Tickets for sale on social media are a major red flag - only buy from authorised resellers so you can rock in peace.”
With more than 210,000 people expected across the three concerts, Ms Jones said the hospitality, retail and accommodation sectors were expecting a surge in demand.
“That’s millions of dollars going to local businesses. There’s also flow on benefits - more shifts for casual staff, more orders for suppliers and a boost in confidence across the sector,” Ms Jones said.
Krissie Jones, NAB Executive Small Business
“Small businesses across the country are feeling positive. They’re investing, hiring, and planning to grow. We continue to stand behind the ambitions of our customers.”
Notes:
- Analysis is based on NAB merchant terminal data.
- Approximately $334m is spent in the Sydney CBD, inner suburbs and the Accor precinct every 10 days.
- The three major concerts in Sydney are forecast to increase that spend by $90m (26%) to approximately $424m in 10 days.
- Inner city is classified as suburbs near CBD.
The Accor stadium precinct is classified as postcodes 2127, 2140, 2128, 2144 and 2141.
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