WA to be thunderstruck as AC/DC, Ed Sheeran, Ashes and WWE head to town from September
AC/DC, Metallica, Ed Sheeran, the Ashes, and WWE are just some of the events scheduled for Optus Stadium and RAC Arena from September through to the end of January.
Tourism representatives and the State Government this week salivated at the potential economic and social spinoffs to WA because the events.
'We want WA to remain the strongest economy in the nation. That's why we're diversifying our economy for the future by bringing big-name events to Perth that will attract thousands of visitors and pump millions into the local economy,' Acting Premier Rita Saffioti said.
'For every dollar spent on these events, we have a return of $3.50 — that's money going straight into the pockets of WA businesses.
'Importantly, these events put us on the global stage, positioning WA as an event destination.
'WA's summer of entertainment is going to be huge — and with a great line up to look forward to, there's something for everyone.'
Optus Stadium chief executive Mike McKenna said the venue was preparing for its biggest ever summer, which followed its biggest ever month in June.
'From October to March, Optus Stadium will host concerts featuring three huge acts, the return of the blockbuster Bledisloe Cup, the hotly anticipated first Test of the NRMA Insurance Men's Ashes series, a One Day International between Australia and India and another big BBL season,' he said.
'Before the 2026 winter AFL season commences, the AFC Asian Women's Cup kicks off with the opening game at the Stadium, along with a semi final match.'
Mr McKenna said Optus would stage some massive concerts in coming months.
'The stadium will transition to concert mode when heavy metal band Metallica brings their signature sound on November 1 as part of the M72 World Tour, with special guests Evanescence and Suicidal Tendencies,' Mr McKenna said.
'This will be Metallica's first visit to Australia in a decade and tickets have already sold out.
'AC/DC will then bring their global Power Up tour to the stadium . . . delivering a career spanning setlist packed with iconic anthems like Stadium favourite Thunderstruck.
'As soon as the BBL season ends, we will welcome global singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran back to Optus Stadium for the third time on January 31, 2026, as part of the Loop Tour.'
Tourism WA managing director Anneke Brown said .enticing big events to Perth was part of 'a plan to grow the WA tourism sector'.
'Events are a key part of our plan to grow the WA tourism sector, as they drive bookings to our Dream State, add vibrancy to a destination and drive awareness of Western Australia as an incredible holiday and events destination through media coverage,' she said.
Tourism Council WA boss Evan Hall said not all events were money spinners, but some were big economic boons for the State.
'For every 1000 interstate fans we entice to WA for major tourism events we create an additional $2.5M in the economy creating more than 15 jobs,' he said.
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