Over the weekend, Macau faced an influx of noise complaints during a music concert held at the Taipa Olympic Sports Centre, prompting the Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture, Elsie Ao Ieong, to address the issue. In response to the concerns raised, the government is considering alternative concert venues, with potential plans to utilize the site of the soon-to-be-closed Macau Jockey Club’s racecourse.
Current Situation:
Seventeen, a popular Korean boy band, drew nearly 40,000 fans to their concerts at the Taipa Olympic Sports Centre on Saturday and Sunday. However, the success of the event was overshadowed by noise complaints from residents in close proximity to the venue. As a result, the government implemented temporary measures, rerouting traffic lanes and closing a light rail station to address the immediate concerns.
Government Response and Review:
In an effort to address the challenges posed by hosting concerts near residential areas, Secretary Elsie Ao Ieong announced the formation of an inter-departmental group. This group will conduct a comprehensive review of the recent Seventeen concert and explore alternative venues for future events. Ao Ieong emphasized the government’s commitment to considering venues beyond integrated resorts to ensure the inclusion of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the benefits of hosting such events.
Consideration of Alternative Venues:
The government is contemplating the possibility of organizing concerts at locations that are both close to and far from residential areas. Notably, the Macau Jockey Club’s racecourse, which will cease horse racing activities on April 1st, has emerged as a potential venue for future music events. The Macau East Asian Games Dome is also under consideration, provided it meets the necessary conditions for hosting concerts.
Challenges and Opportunities:
While hosting concerts within integrated resorts may simplify logistics for the government and concert organizers, Secretary Ao Ieong acknowledged the limitations for SMEs in benefiting from such events. Exploring alternative venues presents an opportunity to diversify the concert landscape in Macau and involve a broader range of businesses. The potential use of the racecourse and the Macau East Asian Games Dome could not only address noise concerns but also contribute to the revitalization of these spaces following the cessation of horse racing activities.
Future of Macau Jockey Club’s Racecourse:
The Macau Jockey Club’s racecourse, facing financial difficulties and mounting debts, will officially cease all horse racing activities on April 1st. The government has clarified that there are no plans for the site to house additional gaming facilities. The fate of the racecourse after this date remains uncertain, with the government yet to reveal specific plans for its future use.
Impact on Local Businesses:
Seventeen’s concerts, while drawing a massive audience, have also raised questions about their impact on local businesses and residents. The temporary rerouting of traffic and closure of a light rail station highlight the need for careful consideration of logistical and infrastructure challenges associated with hosting large-scale events. Balancing the economic benefits of concerts with the inconvenience to residents and businesses will be a key factor in the government’s decision-making process.
The recent noise complaints during Seventeen’s concerts in Macau have prompted the government to reevaluate its approach to hosting large-scale music events. The formation of an inter-departmental group and the exploration of alternative venues, including the Macau Jockey Club’s racecourse, signal a potential shift in the city’s entertainment landscape. As the government navigates the complexities of balancing economic opportunities with the well-being of residents, the decisions made in the coming months could shape the future of event hosting in Macau.