Moncton companies sing praises of mega-concerts in ad

Some of Moncton's biggest companies have purchased a full-page newspaper ad, supporting mega-concerts in the city and the positive economic impact they have.

But one councillor says the issue of whether the concertsoffered an economic boost to the city was never in dispute.

The ad doesn't make any reference to theBruce Springsteen concertlast month, which attracted tens of thousands fewer fans than anticipated.

It does, however, detail the "major boost" that mega-concerts bring to the area.

'You know, sometimes we forget to say thank you.' Bill Whalen, Hawk Communications

"These concerts have put Moncton on the music map and have generated millions in economic activity for our city,"the adstates.

"It was really just a group of us wanting to get together and say, this is important for our community," said Bill Whalen of Hawk Communications, who was among those who co-ordinated the full-page spread.

"You know, sometimes we forget to say thank you."

Other companies that participated in the ad included the Irving Group, Major Drilling and Armour Transportation.

The idea, said Whalen, was to celebrate the concerts, the promoters, and the Magnetic Hill site.

It also thanks past and present city councils, staff, and the province for the investments they have made.

Ad unnecessary

Coun. Daniel Bourgeois said he "didn't see the reason" for the companies to place the newspaper ad.

"There's nobody in the community that's suggesting we not do these concerts," he said.

"Au contraire, most people will tell you these are great events and they help economic spin-offs in the city and economic benefits in the city."

The Springsteen concert on Aug. 26 attracted about 30,000 people.

Moncton had originally predicted the Springsteen show could draw the 70,000 fans that showed up for U2 a year ago. But thoseestimates were droppedin theweeks leading up to the show.

Officials have not yet said what the lower than expected turnout means for the city's budget.

The city has lost money on previous concerts, such as the Bon Jovi show in 2009, leaving taxpayers to cover the financial shortfalls, Coun. Bourgeois has said.

The city has put more than $7 million into the Magnetic Hill outdoor concert site since the Rolling Stones played in 2005, which was the first major act to use the outdoor venue.

Overall, the city has netted between $500,000 and $1 million from the outdoor shows,Bourgeois has said.

City officials have said theyexpect to see a higher return on the city's investment as it attracts more concerts.

Other concerts have included AC/DC and the Eagles.