Talk of New Zealand Negotiations

[michelej1]

Otago Daily Times by Rosie Manins, June 15, 2012
http://www.odt.co.nz/news/dunedin/21...headed-stadium

Largest indoor rodeo show headed to stadium

Dunedin will host the world's largest indoor rodeo show outside Las Vegas, followed by New Zealand-exclusive performances from bands like The Eagles, Fleetwood Mac and Bruno Mars, an international event promoter says.

Force Majeure Events International chief executive Darryl Tombleson said the rodeo show was scheduled to take place inside the Forsyth Barr Stadium on November 17.

Mr Tombleson was also "in negotiation" with The Eagles, Fleetwood Mac and Bruno Mars to perform at the stadium, in what would be New Zealand-exclusive shows.

"It will definitely happen ...this will be the saving grace for the stadium. We are looking at Bruno Mars for next year," he said.

The Sydney-based promoter was in Dunedin for a week dealing with Dunedin Venues Management Ltd (DVML) and other potential business partners.

He was looking to attract sponsors for the 2012 International Rodeo, which was a sell-out in Hamilton last year at the new Claudelands Arena.

Mr Tombleson expected about 10,000 people would attend the rodeo in Dunedin, which he said would generate between $5 million and $10 million for the region.

It would be televised to 300 million viewers and comprised the highest "purse" outside of Las Vegas, he said.

"It involves up to 1000 subcontractors and generates a lot of local employment. The exposure is enormous," he said.

The Forsyth Barr Stadium's full, clear roof and 30,000 capacity attracted it to Force Majeure Events International.

He planned to fly international acts to Dunedin for one-off shows, in conjunction with their tours of Australia.

"Dunedin has a fantastic, international standard venue but it's sitting idle and we are looking for something a little more unique. If you buy a five-city run with 10 shows you might do Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne and Perth and pick up any shortfall there, then swing by Dunedin," he said.

Dunedin's relatively small population made no difference when it came to exclusive shows, because people would travel from throughout New Zealand to see international acts, he said.

"As long as we get support from councils, arenas and New Zealand, in general, we can take the shows anywhere. It comes down to dollars and cents."

Mr Tombleson said he was dealing with DVML chief executive David Davies and commercial director Guy Hedderwick, who had represented the promoter's interests at meetings with the Dunedin City Council.

Mr Davies is in the United Kingdom on annual leave.

A DVML spokesman confirmed plans for the rodeo and said he would be extremely surprised if it did not go ahead.

As for the concerts, he said DVML knew Mr Tombleson was involved with the music performance industry and was working to secure acts to play in Dunedin.