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In December six stand-out shows are expected to attract more than 60,000 people to the arena, which has been open for a little over 18 months.
This year alone world-class artists such as the Foo Fighters, Andrea Bocelli, Rod Stewart, Def Leppard and Matchbox 20 have played at Vector Arena.
In May the arena’s floor was iced over for its first family show, High School Musical The Ice Tour, which more than 40,000 people attended.
Arena Chief Executive, Guy Ngata, is delighted with the number and calibre of acts there this year.
“We’ve definitely cemented Vector Arena’s growing reputation as a venue that is capable of hosting the world’s biggest stars,” he says.
“December will be a very busy month, with Kayne West, John Mellencamp/Sheryl Crowe, Alicia Keys, Billy Joel, and the first ever Kylie Minogue show in Auckland.”
This is hard on the heels of a busy October, which included two Rihanna and Chris Brown shows with a total audience of 22,000, and the legendary Stevie Wonder.
“There is no doubt that we’ve been flat out this year, and it is a testament to the work that goes on behind the scenes that it’s been such a great success,” says Mr Ngata.
Promoters, who are increasingly supportive of New Zealand’s largest multi-purpose indoor entertainment and sports complex, have also been a key.
“Ours is a market that has always supported live entertainment but there has not been a venue consistent with other international cities. It’s great to be working with promoters to give Aucklanders and New Zealanders in general the opportunity to enjoy even more live entertainment,” says Mr Ngata.
Playing the Vector Arena stage in December is Kayne West (Michael Coppel Presents), and John Mellencamp/Sheryl Crowe, Alicia Keys, Kylie Minogue and Billy Joel (The Frontier Touring Company).
“So far both Kylie shows and Billy Joel have sold out, with the other shows going well. Auckland is buzzing with the prospect of an action-packed December,” says Mr Ngata.
2009 at Vector Arena is also off to a busy start with Leonard Cohen, Fall Out Boy, Eric Clapton and Duffy earlier in the year, and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Starlight Express in July.
Other international acts will be announced once they are confirmed.
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