Launceston hospitality operators are reaping the rewards of a 25,000-strong crowd that packed UTAS Stadium for the Foo Fighters concert on Saturday night.
Premier Jeremy Rockliff hailed the event as a major success for the state’s economy and brand.
“This was a great investment, an investment in our economy, an investment in jobs and an investment in brand,” he said.
“The concert last night was beyond everyone’s expectations.”
Peter Goss, owner of Launceston’s Plough Inn opened his pub on Sunday to cater to concertgoers seeking a recovery session, particularly interstate visitors before they fly home.
“We don’t usually open on Sundays, so for us it’s an extra day to open to look after our interstate guests,” Russell-Goss said.
“It gives our staff another day of wages so they can then spend around town in the local businesses.”
He said the venue had seen significant growth in the three days leading up to the concert, with more expected in the days following.
Launceston Mayor Matthew Garwood described the event as a “pinch me moment” for the city.
“Not only was Dave Grohl and the Foo Fighters here in Launceston, but their ability to actually now advocate that the Bass Strait isn’t such a hurdle for people to come and perform here,” he said.
Grohl encouraged other rock bands to play the stadium during the set, which Garwood said could help attract future major acts.
“We’ve seen ACDC most recently, Metallica, Slipknot, all of these bands, they’re really interested in touring in Australia at the moment,” he said.
Launceston Airport CEO Katie Cooper said the weekend was on track to be the airport’s busiest ever.
“There’s been some great support from both Qantas, Virgin and Jetstar who’ve all put on additional capacity,” she said.
The concert was delivered through a partnership between the state government, Launceston City Council and Stadiums Tasmania.
Rockliff acknowledged some visitors struggled to find accommodation in the lead-up.
“Good problem to have, eh? We’ve got people … packed [to the] rafters in northern Tasmania,” he said.
“The reason why the Foo Fighters came to Tasmania is we seized an opportunity and we made the call very quickly.”
The concert, secured with a $500,000 investment from the state government and $150,000 from Launceston City Council, was expected to inject more than $7 million into Tasmania’s economy.
The premier said the success demonstrated Tasmania could host major events.
“We punch well and truly above our weight,” he said.
“Our brand extends further than Tasmania, further than nationally even.”
The Foo Fighters gig forms part of a broader summer events season including Festivale and Party in the Paddock in the coming weeks.
