Macau’s first large-scale outdoor performance venue will hold its first large-scale event on 28 December as part of a trial run ahead of a full launch next year.
Chief Executive Ho Iat Seng said the government had already been approached by a number of international performers to inquire about use of the venue, which is located alongside SJM’s Grand Lisboa Palace and has a capacity of 50,000.
On Wednesday, the Asia-Pacific Live Performance Industry Association (APLPIA) held the “Asia Performance Entertainment Summit” where the outdoor performance venue became the focus of the local performance industry in Macau.
APLPIA Co-Chairman Florence Chan Sock Fun said the venue is equipped with comprehensive performance facilities which are expected to enhance the attractiveness of Macau’s performance industry.
“There has been an increase in the number of performance venues in Macau in recent years, including those owned by the Macau concessionaires, which provide a lot of room for the industry to develop,” she said.
“The outdoor performance venue will attract more foreign singers to perform in Macau and will boost employment and enhance the image of Macau as a tourist destination.”
The 28 December event is said to involve a major television program.
Construction of the outdoor performance venue began in July and was completed in November, with the venue now equipped with facilities such as toilets and event team offices.
However, there are also calls for Macau to develop an indoor performance venue of scale to attract international acts given the fact that outdoor venues are susceptible to weather conditions.