Forsyth Barr Stadium, November 18, 2015

[michelej1]

It'll soon be here

By John Lewis on Wed, 18 Nov 2015 Otago Daily Times

http://www.odt.co.nz/news/dunedin/36...l-soon-be-here

Dunedin is ''bulging at the seams'', with many out-of-towners among the about 35,000 people heading to the Fleetwood Mac concert at Forsyth Barr Stadium tonight.
Yesterday, the stadium was undergoing its transformation into the concert venue.

Dunedin Venues Management Ltd chief executive officer Terry Davies said the crowd would be the stadium's largest.

So it should come as no surprise the city's accommodation providers were at capacity this week, Otago Motel Association president Gavin Turner said.

''For the last month or two, whenever there's been a cancellation for accommodation in Dunedin this week, it's been filled within 10 or 20 minutes.

''The town is packed for the next three nights. If there's rooms left, they are at halls of residence at the university.

''We're bulging at the seams.''

Fans expressed excitement online yesterday as they geared up for the concert.

''This is going to be pure gold. The Rumours-line-up Fleetwood Mac is simply the best,'' Paul Le Comte, of Dunedin, said.

Another fan said she had seen Stevie Nicks in concert before, but never thought she would see Fleetwood Mac together after the band split up.

''So one very happy middle-aged hippy chick here.''

Kristy Cayford said Fleetwood Mac was her ''all-time favourite band''.

''I listen to their music all the time - the best music you can chill out to.

''It's going to be the best night of our lives. Can't wait.''

Mr Davies said it would be practically a full house at the stadium tonight.

''The speed at which this concert sold out in the first ticket release was phenomenal, and there are only a small number of tickets remaining.

''It is our first show with global concert promoter Live Nation, and with their association with significant international artists we hope to attract more big performers to the city.''

Because the audience was so large, Mr Davies advised patrons to arrive early so they did not miss any of the entertainment.

The gates open at 4.30pm and the opening act, Australian brother and sister duo Angus and Julia Stone, get the evening under way at 6.30pm.

He said access to the stadium via the new walkway from Fryatt St would open up parking areas not traditionally used for past events.

He reminded fans that the closer they parked to the stadium, the longer it would take to leave the area.

The concert is expected to finish about 10.45pm.