Andy Lau & Jay Chou concerts give Kallang F&B businesses shot in arm

From Oct. 10 to 14, 2024, Chinese pop legends Andy Lau and Jay Chou held concerts in Singapore.

Andy Lau performed for four nights at the Singapore Indoor Stadium, while Jay Chou’s shows were at the National Stadium for three nights.

The two stadiums are located in the same area — Kallang.

With the two concerts going on simultaneously, businesses in the area have received a boost.

One shop's manager said the number of customers in the evenings increased by more than 50 per cent recently, as reported by Shin Min Daily News (Shin Min).

A shop assistant from Joe & Dough cafe said the number of mall patrons doubled about an hour before the concerts started and that many ordered cakes and drinks before heading into the concert venues.

Shin Min also reported that Encik Tan had to increase the number of staff on duty, and prepared 10 per cent more ingredients to meet the incoming demand.

Concert tourism

The phenomenon of concerts and large events drawing tourists and helping to boost the economy is not new.

Taylor Swift's Era's Tour was estimated to bring in S$500 million in tourist spending thanks to foreign Swifties flying in for the shows.

The government plans to redevelop the Kallang area into a sporting and entertainment hub, Minister for Culture, Community and Youth Edwin Tong shared previously.

Concerts and other events are expected to contribute to 1 million visitors to the Sports Hub in 2024, according to Keith Magnus, the chairman of Kallang Alive Sport Management (KASM).

KASM is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Kallang Alive Holding which was incorporated by SportSG and established to manage the Sports Hub.

Earlier this year, plans were announced for a new indoor arena next to the Singapore Indoor Stadium.

"Our competitors are not standing still, and we, likewise, must continue to innovate and evolve if we want to continue to attract top-tier events," Tong said.

The government also hopes for Singapore to host more sports events, and has set aside S$165 million to do so through the Major Sports Events Fund.

Top photos courtesy of Unusual Entertainment/Focus Entertainment and Jay Chou's Instagram