NAB projects that the trio of AC/DC and Metallica concerts in Sydney will bring about $424 million in local spending over a 10-day window, driven by crowds exceeding 210,000 attendees.

Overall 10-day spending in the CBD, inner suburbs, and Stadium Australia precinct is expected to rise by about 26% during the concert period, with total activity around $334 million in typical times.

Analysts from NAB say the stretch between Metallica’s show and AC/DC’s November 25 concert will attract over 210,000 attendees and lift consumer spending by roughly a quarter compared with normal periods.

The broader context shows post-pandemic recovery and ongoing cost pressures making large events important economic boosters, helping improve business conditions in NAB’s October survey despite modest confidence.

NAB notes that business conditions and confidence improved in October, signaling regained momentum for many businesses amid ongoing cost pressures and post-pandemic dynamics.

Concertgoers are urged to guard against ticket scams and to buy only from authorized resellers to avoid fraud on social media.

NAB executive Krissie Jones emphasizes concerts as economic powerhouses, creating flow-on benefits for casual staff, suppliers, and overall sector confidence.

The analysis is provided by NAB, underscoring concerts as both cultural events and key economic drivers for Sydney.

With an estimated 210,000 attendees across three shows, hospitality, retail, and accommodation are expected to see a surge in demand.

Spending across categories is forecast to rise notably, with general merchandise up to 131%, accommodation up to 81%, bars/pubs up to 49%, fast food up 34%, and restaurants up to 24%.

Key benefited sectors include general merchandise stores (up to 131%), accommodation (up to 81%), bars and pubs (up to 49%), fast food (about 34%), and restaurants (up to 24%).

Overall, the strongest growth is in general merchandise, followed by accommodation and hospitality, during the concert period.

Melbourne has seen a similar spending boost during major events like the Melbourne Cup Carnival and large concerts, illustrating a broader pattern of events lifting local business.

Lady Gaga’s upcoming performances are also expected to spur additional consumer spending across analogous categories.

The three concerts on November 15, 21, and 25, 2025 are expected to draw tens of thousands of attendees and may make the period one of the city’s busiest for hospitality, retail, and accommodation.

The NAB analysis relies on merchant terminal data, with the inner city defined as areas near the CBD and the Accor precinct covering specific postcodes.