Coldplay concert in Ahmedabad generated economic impact of Rs 641 crore
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The Coldplay concert in Ahmedabad generated an estimated economic impact of Rs 641 crore, including a direct infusion of Rs 392 crore into the city's economy through spending on accommodation, transport, dining and retail. It also contributed Rs 72 crore in GST revenue to the Government of India Drawing visitors from over 500 cities across all 28 states and 5 union territories, the concerts placed Ahmedabad firmly on the global entertainment map. When 222,000 fans converged on the city, they brought more than their love for music — they sparked an economic ripple effect still resonating today.These findings are part of a report by EY-Parthenon (EY-P), the strategy consulting firm, and BookMyShow Live , the live entertainment division of BookMyShow, titled ' India 's Rising Concert Economy: Coldplay's Ahmedabad Tour Sets the Blueprint for India's Next Cultural Boomtowns'.The report captures the economic, cultural, workforce, sustainability and tourism impact of India's largest live entertainment event — the two-night 'Music Of The Spheres' concerts in Ahmedabad, produced and promoted by BookMyShow Live.EY-Parthenon and BookMyShow Live have also developed a framework to assess the broader value of live entertainment. The report outlines a data-driven, actionable blueprint to help Indian cities beyond metros integrate culture, infrastructure and commerce through live experiences — offering a model for governments and industry stakeholders to unlock this potential.In an endorsement of India's concert economy, Prime Minister Narendra Modi , during his address at the Utkarsh Odisha – Make in Odisha Conclave 2025, said, 'In a country with such a rich heritage in music, dance and storytelling, with such a large pool of youth and a massive consumer base for concerts, there are vast opportunities for the concert economy. In the past decade, both the trend and demand for live events have grown. You must have seen the incredible images from the Coldplay concerts in Mumbai and Ahmedabad in recent days. This is proof of how much scope live concerts have in India.'Speaking on the report, Raghav Anand, Partner and Leader – Digital , Media and Convergence, EY-Parthenon, said, "As we witness the growth of India's live entertainment sector, which has surpassed the Rs 12,000 crore mark in 2024 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of around 19% over the next three years, the increasing consumer spends are fueling this journey. This surge in consumer enthusiasm for events reflects not just a rising disposable income but an evolving cultural fabric that craves experiences. The economic potential of this sector is significant, creating a ripple effect across industries and fostering opportunities for creators and local professionals alike.""Coldplay's Music Of The Spheres shows in Ahmedabad marked a moment in India's entertainment economy. Hosting one of the world's biggest bands at the world's largest cricket stadium, with over 111,000 fans each night, meant reimagining what's possible in India. This report serves as an example for other states to unlock the potential of the concert economy and enable the live entertainment industry to be a generator of value for the country. Together with EY, we've articulated how a single concert can spark a chain reaction for India's next cultural boomtowns — economically and culturally. A collaborative approach between industry stakeholders and government authorities to streamline regulations will play a key role in realising this potential," said Anil Makhija, COO - Live Entertainment & Venues, BookMyShow.Rail networks were stretched, with BookMyShow Live partnering with Western Railway to introduce special trains between Mumbai and Ahmedabad. The city's airport handled 138,000 travellers during the three-day period, including 47,000 arrivals on the first concert day, while the local metro system broke previous passenger records, showing how one event can test and validate a city's transport infrastructure. Room rates that usually hover around Rs 15,000 during peak season surged to Rs 50,000 - Rs 90,000 within 48 hours of the concert announcement. This spike showed how entertainment investments can generate returns across sectors, while demonstrating Ahmedabad's infrastructure capability and enabling sustained growth.Beyond the economic impact, the concert reshaped perceptions of Ahmedabad's cultural identity. Over 80% of attendees shared a positive outlook on the experience, with 39% expressing confidence in the city's capacity to host large-scale events and 29% wanting more such concerts in Ahmedabad. The shift was clear — 78% of attendees now see Ahmedabad as a concert city, and 66% said they would return.The concert also encouraged cultural and economic exploration, with 36% of attendees visiting local attractions and 38% shopping locally, highlighting the city's heritage and commercial appeal. The demographic reach was notable — 79% of attendees were under 35, showing a strong connection with younger audiences who drive entertainment spending.BookMyShow's survey of over 2,800 attendees revealed a multiplier: for every Rs 100 spent on concert tickets, attendees spent an additional Rs 585 on hospitality, travel, shopping and dining, creating a broad ripple across the economy. Half of attendees extended their visit beyond the concert, staying more than one night and boosting hospitality. The event spurred retail activity, especially among younger demographics, with 71% of these shoppers under 28 years old.The employment impact was also strong, with the event creating thousands of temporary roles across sectors, involving 15,000 personnel — including BookMyShow Live, Coldplay's crew, authorities and volunteers. Around 9,000 were from Ahmedabad, showing the event's contribution to local employment.The event prioritised accessibility, with planning that ensured a smooth experience for fans with disabilities — from entry to seating and facilities. The concert also set benchmarks for environmental responsibility. Over 34,000 kilograms of waste, or 95% of total waste, was diverted from landfills. More than 100,000 biodegradable rice husk cups replaced single-use plastic, and ~70% of LED bands were returned and reused for future shows.Turning a cricket stadium into a concert venue required planning and infrastructure. The Narendra Modi Stadium , built for sport, was adapted for the event using specialised pitch and turf protectors, keeping the field match-ready. Crowd management and safety protocols were used to handle the large number of fans, ensuring smooth entry and exit.According to the report, India's entertainment sector can grow through Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) that drive infrastructure and streamline event approvals. A PPP Facilitation Unit , tax reliefs and faster permits can support collaboration. A Single-Window Clearance Portal and better coordination among departments will ease the hosting of global events. States that improve ease of doing business through supportive policies and transparent governance can accelerate this shift, realising long-term benefits like job creation, tourism growth and higher revenue.
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