Business boom for Cork as Springsteen fans flock to tonight’s show

Leeside is buzzing ahead of tonight’s eagerly anticipated Bruce Springsteen gig down by ‘The River’.

The Boss will make a triumphant return to SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh, having last sold out the venue in 2013, and will again play to a crowd of 40,000+ adoring fans.

Cork’s business community has ‘High Hopes’ for another bumper day following last weekend’s epic Cork- Limerick hurling showdown.

Those in the hospitality sector in particular have said they are “buzzing” to welcome the man of the hour — who last played the Páirc back in 2013 — and the more than 40,000 people set to attend the gig.

The owner of Paddy the Farmers and Tequila Jack’s, Seán McCarthy, said there has been a great atmosphere around the city over the past week following the Cork-Limerick match and ahead of the Bruce Springsteen gig.

“It’s been a while since we had an event of this size in the city, so it’s a little bit strange again post-pandemic, but we got a good dress rehearsal last weekend because of the hurling game,” he said.

“It was great to have such a fantastic occasion a few days before Bruce, and it gave us a good chance to review all our procedures and set-ups with staffing, stock, and our offerings to make sure that people that come to our venues will have a great experience and great fun.”

Critical

Mr McCarthy described such gigs as “critical” to the industry.

He said: “Hospitality is very difficult at the moment, it’s very challenging. The cost of living is proving tough on people.

“So, for us, it’s huge to have these events, because it’s about showing our offerings and creating a great atmosphere and helping us to make ends meet from week to week because there is a tightening of spend and we are probably the first sectors to get hit when money gets tight.”

Michael O'Donovan of the Castle Inn and president-elect for the Vintners Federation of Ireland (VFI), said he has been rostering additional staff and ordering extra product ahead of what’s set to be a busy weekend.

“It’s a full house in Páirc Uí Chaoimh so we’ll see over 40,000 coming into the city,” he said.

“That’s a huge boost to the local economy — everybody gets a boost out of a concert like this,” he said.

“It’s so important to the local economy to have events like this, and we would love more of these during the year if possible. Any event like this is a boost for the area and the economy locally.”

Boost

Welcoming the footfall that such gigs bring into the city centre, Cork Chamber CEO Conor Healy said: “I think many will remember Bruce Springsteen’s last visit and the boost and the vibrancy and the level of activity pretty much over the full period of time that he was here with people out enjoying themselves and taking the full value of all Cork had to offer and putting their hands in their pockets and spending. That’s what really drives those businesses.”

Speaking about the importance of being able to cater for gigs with larger crowds all year round, Mr Healy said: “It goes without saying that along with our existing infrastructure in the city and theatres, and Opera House, of course, the event centre will be an absolute gamechanger for the Cork region and it’s really important that we continue to focus on the opportunity that will bring once it is developed.”

Cork Business Association president and managing director of Trigon Hotels, Aaron Mansworth, said gigs such as this see Cork come alive and reveal its full potential.

“You get a lot of people who don’t necessarily always want to travel to Dublin for these events, so when they can get a great concert in Cork it’s fabulous and we see the difference when there is an event on, be it Live at the Marquee or at Virgin Media Park. It raises all boats really — bars, restaurants, taxis, retail, and hotels.

“It’s hugely important and it also highlights the importance of the delivery of the events centre.”

Fine Gael election candidate for Cork City South East Des Cahill said the gig at Supervalu Páirc Uí Chaoimh will be “a huge financial boost to the city”.

Buzzing

Congratulating Aiken Promotions ahead of the gig, he said: “The local area is buzzing today and the preparations have been well distributed. I’m looking forward to an enjoyable day.”

Ireland South European election candidate John Mullins described Páirc Uí Chaoimh stadium as a vital asset for South Munster, with each event resulting in a €6m investment in the local economy.

“Cork is gearing up for a very special night ... as the city welcomes Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band to Supervalu Páirc Uí Chaoimh, and while they have a hard act to follow after the Cork and Limerick match last Saturday, I have no doubt they will receive a similar reception from the crowd.

“This is an opportunity to showcase what our stadium can do to contribute to the local economy.”