Outdoor performance venue unbooked until September

The large-scale outdoor performance venue in Cotai remains available and without reservations until at least September, the Cultural Affairs Bureau (IC) said in response to the Times’ inquiry.

According to the IC, since trial operations began in late December last year, “various works on venue optimization and event negotiation have been carried out and conducted in an orderly manner, namely safety tests such as audience flow management.”

Since that inaugural event, only one event has been held – on June 15 – featuring Norwegian DJ Alan Walker.

According to the IC, approximately 11,000 people attended the performance, a number similar to that reported for the inaugural concert.

In March, in response to media inquiries about the venue’s idleness since December, the IC president said that concerts were planned for March and April but were suspended due to the number of expected spectators.

She implied that event organizers were aiming for a larger audience than the 20,000-capacity limit currently in place.

The IC also noted that the June 15 event was co-organized by the Coordination Group for Large-scale Shows, which oversaw venue operations and enforced complementary measures to ensure its success.

More concerts, bigger crowds expected in Q3

As the IC considered the Alan Walker concert successful, the bureau is now reviewing applications for larger events, accommodating up to 30,000 spectators.

“The IC is currently following up closely on the applications for the second half of the year, and large-scale performances are expected to gradually increase spectator numbers to 25,000–30,000 per session in the third quarter (Q3),” the IC said, adding, “Currently, there are two applications for preliminary reservation of the venue in September.”

Authorities noted that the venue is still available between July and August and encouraged performing arts industry stakeholders to reserve the space for various events.

Trial runs

Expected to undergo a one-year trial run beginning with the inaugural concert on December 28, the venue is facing far fewer opportunities than expected for capacity testing. The cap enforced by the IC has discouraged event promoters.

The venue was originally built to offer a large-scale space exceeding the capacity of existing local arenas, with a government target of at least 50,000 spectators.

If the two applications to use the venue in September proceed, the one-year trial period will include just three events before the space becomes fully available and without capacity restrictions.

Fee structure

Venue fees are calculated based on audience size, with different rates depending on the number of attendees. The venue’s maximum daily rental charge is MOP500,000. During the trial period (2025), a 25% discount will apply.

Events with fewer than 30,000 spectators will incur a rental fee of MOP350,000, with an additional MOP175,000 per day for rehearsal and setup.

For events with more than 30,000 spectators, the performance-day fee is MOP500,000, with half-price charges for rehearsal and setup days.

In the meantime, many concerts and performances are being held at indoor venues, including Galaxy Arena (16,000 seats), the Venetian Arena (14,000 seats), and Broadway Macau Theatre (3,000 seats).

In some cases, shows have been expanded to multiple nights due to high public demand and the limited capacity of these venues.