An outdoor performance venue to be built in Cotai could be ready for a trial event by the end of the year, says Elsie Ao Ieong, Macao’s social affairs and culture secretary.
According to remarks cited by Macau Post Daily, Ao Ieong said that the trial run would test crowd control, security arrangements and traffic management. She expected the venue to be fully operational by next February.
She added that the site – near the Grand Lisboa Palace resort – was carefully chosen because it was “not too close” to residential neighbourhoods, but in the vicinity of several resorts, meaning that it would be easier for spectators “to arrange food and beverages, accommodation and transport.”
[See more: Macao needs a big, outdoor venue for shows, say officials]
The 94,000-square-metre venue is being designed to hold about 50,000 spectators and is located on a government-owned plot at the junction of Avenida do Aeroporto and Rua de Ténis.
Officials have spoken of Macao’s need for such a venue after a concert by K-pop group Seventeen at the Olympic Sports Centre Stadium at the beginning of this year sparked noise and traffic complaints from nearby residents and caused damage to the pitch.
Preparatory work has already begun on the Cotai site and construction work will be put out to public tender.
