THE SUCCESS of the Live in the Marquee series of concerts in Cork over the past five years highlights the need for a permanent 5,000-seat events centre in the city, according to the promoter behind the concerts, Peter Aiken.
Mr Aiken said this year's series of 20 concerts, which kicked off on Monday night with Megadeth, is likely to attract up to 80,000 fans to the marquee with a production of Abba-inspired musical Mama Mia, expected to attract a further 50,000 fans to the same venue.
“There should be a venue with 4,000 to 5,000 capacity in every city in Ireland – the biggest venue in Cork at the moment is the Opera House with 900 seats.”
Mr Aiken’s comments come just weeks after property developer Owen O’Callaghan announced he intends building a €50 million 5,000-seat events centre on Albert Quay within walking distance of Cork city centre, Parnell Place bus station and Kent railway station.
Another firm, Clowater Assets Management, has said it intends to proceed with a proposal by troubled developer Howard Holdings for a €33 million, 5,500-seater events centre in the Cork docklands near Páirc Uí Chaoimh.
Some eight acts at the 5,000- capacity marquee have sold out including British boy band JLS, who play tonight and tomorrow night, Westlife, Deep Purple, Blondie, Christy Moore and comedian Dara O’Briain while Kenny Rogers is also expected to sell out.