Up to 100,000 people are expected to attend major events on the Gold Coast in October and November injecting approximately $75 million into the local economy as the city hosts four huge events over four consecutive weekends.
The bumper month starts with a punch this Sunday 15 October when Australian boxing sensation Tim Tszyu defends his WBO world title against American champion Brian Mendoza. Five days later (20-22 October) country meets the coast as Groundwater Country Music Festival celebrates ten years of country music on the Gold Coast. The following weekend (27-29 October) the supercars return to the streets of Surfers Paradise as the Boost Mobile Gold Coast 500 roars back into the city. Then on 4 November one of the most successful singer-songwriters and performers of all time Paul McCartney will perform on the Gold Coast for the first time as part of his acclaimed 'Got Back' Tour.
"After a massive month of events in September, we're certainly not slowing down this month with a major event scheduled every weekend from now through to early November," said Major Events Gold Coast Interim Executive Director Avril Harris. "Hosting some of the biggest international sporting and music events, back-to-back, provides a great boost to our city's growing reputation as an events destination, while simultaneously injecting approximately $75M into our economy".
"The Gold Coast's event calendar for the next month is extraordinary and proves why this city is quickly becoming known as the ultimate events destination," said Acting CEO of Experience Gold Coast Rachel Hancock. "Already well known around the world as an incredible destination to holiday in, these events provide another great reason to visit the Gold Coast, with up to 70,000 out of region visitors expected over the four weekends".
On 15 October the eyes of boxing fans all over the world will be firmly focused on the blockbuster bout taking place at the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre. Tszyu’s last world title fight on the Gold Coast in June against Mexican Carlos Ocampo was a sell-out and tickets for his upcoming clash against Mendoza are selling quickly.
“It’s an honour to be fighting on the Gold Coast for the second time this year in what is likely my last fight on home soil for a long time,” Tim Tszyu said. “The place goes absolutely crazy for big events like this and has everything fans - and fighters - would want when it comes to combining a world title fight and a good time.”
“It’s also the most important fight of my career as for the first time I’ll enter the ring as a full world champion and be defending my belt against the highly respected and dangerous American opponent, Brian Mendoza.”
Some other well-known American names will be in town the following weekend for Groundwater Country Music Festival (CMF) from 20-22 October. Rising US star Jackson Dean and 10-time Grammy Award-winning country music legends Asleep at the Wheel will join the best of Australia's country artists including Lee Kernaghan, Casey Barnes and Amber Lawrence for the three-day festival in Broadbeach. The award-winning Groundwater CMF will feature more than 50 artists across 15 stages and venues with music fans making the pilgrimage from right across the country to enjoy the free live music by the beach.
“This year is going to be really special as we celebrate ten years," said Groundwater CMF Festival Director Mark Duckworth. "The festival started as a unique and humble concept to bring some country music to the city, to watch the festival grow into a multi-award-winning event with a loyal tribe of fans makes the Groundwater team incredibly proud.”
From 27 October, things really get moving as the Boost Mobile Gold Coast 500 kicks into gear promising three days and nights of on and off-track action, and entertainment for all ages. In 2022 record crowds of more than 200,000 fans turned out to experience this iconic street race and organisers say this year will be their most exciting yet.
“Everything is coming together for one of the biggest Boost Mobile Gold Coast 500s we’ve ever staged. Fans will get up close with the brand new Gen3 Chevrolet Camaros and Ford Mustangs that will be roaring around this famous street circuit from 27-29 October," said Supercars CEO Shane Howard.
“There will be something for everyone, including three nights of world-class entertainment within the track precinct featuring some of the biggest live music acts from around the country. We can’t wait to see fans lining the Surfers Paradise Street circuit once again for Queensland’s biggest annual sporting event.”
To top off a huge couple of months of major events, Paul McCartney will bring his phenomenal 'Got Back' Tour to Heritage Bank Stadium on Saturday 4 November. The Gold Coast performance will be the final stop on the legendary music icon's Australian tour with only limited tickets left for this once-in-a-lifetime event.
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY
Experience Gold Coast acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we are situated, the Kombumerri families of the Yugambeh Language Region.
We pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging, and recognise their continuing connections to the lands, waters and their extended communities throughout Southeast Queensland.