Coldplay's Ahmedabad shows sparked Rs 641 crore economic surge: report
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British band Coldplay's concerts in Ahmedabad earlier this year delivered more than just musical thrills — they ignited a major economic boom.
A recent study by EY-Parthenon and BookMyShow revealed that the two-night event at the Narendra Modi Stadium generated an estimated Rs 641 crore in economic impact, with Rs 392 crore directly benefiting the city.
Held on January 25 and 26 as part of the band’s Music Of The Spheres India tour, the Ahmedabad concerts drew an audience of over 2.22 lakh fans. The massive turnout resulted in a ripple effect across sectors, including transportation, hospitality, food and beverage, and retail.
The report highlighted a staggering Rs 72 crore in GST revenue generated from the Ahmedabad shows alone, reflecting the concert's substantial fiscal contribution. With fans pouring in from more than 500 cities across all 28 states and 5 union territories, the event firmly positioned Ahmedabad as a significant stop on the global live entertainment map.
Accommodation prices soared, with hotel rates reaching as high as Rs 1.6 lakh for two-night stays. Meanwhile, trains and flights were booked to capacity, and local tourism saw a dramatic rise. For every Rs 100 spent on tickets, attendees spent an additional Rs 585 on surrounding experiences such as shopping, dining, and lodging.
Notably, about half of the concertgoers extended their stay, giving Ahmedabad's hospitality industry an added boost.
Beyond tourism and spending, the event created a surge in employment, with around 15,000 individuals involved in organising and executing the concerts. This included Coldplay’s touring crew, BookMyShow Live staff, volunteers, and government personnel — with 9,000 of them being local workers from Ahmedabad.
The Ahmedabad leg followed three Coldplay concerts in Mumbai on January 18, 19, and 21. The final Ahmedabad show was also live-streamed on Disney+ Hotstar, reaching fans beyond the stadium and contributing further to the event’s expansive reach.
