Pink marked last Friday’s International Women’s Day by setting two records — the legendary singer became the first female headline artist to perform at Eden Park, the country’s national stadium in Auckland.
She also broke attendance records at the stadium, drawing in more than 100,000 people over Friday and Saturday night’s show. The pop singer is in the middle of her Summer Carnival Tour, which began in June last year, and concludes in November this year.
During her New Zealand leg of her tour last week, she took to Instagram to celebrate her records at the 120-year Mt Eden venue.
“I can’t stop smiling, thank you to everyone who partied with us at the #SummerCarnivalTour across New Zealand,” she wrote.
“The gravity of being the first female to headline Eden Park, New Zealand’s national stadium, isn’t lost on me. Getting to do it on International Women’s Day made it even sweeter. Thanks for making me feel right at home (and for the Perky Nanas). See you next time.”
Eden Park’s official account responded to her post, thanking the 44-year old star for “making history by breaking concert attendance records at the spiritual home of the All Blacks and turning Eden Park pink for two unforgettable nights.”
Eden Park, located in Auckland’s southwest, has hosted three Women’s World Cups in the past two years, and is home to New Zealand’s major sporting and music events, including test cricket and rugby matches. It hosted matches during the FIFA Women’s World Cup, RWC 2021 (played in 2022), and the Women’s Cricket World Cup.
The venue’s CEO Nick Sautner, told NZ Herald that Pink’s “passion and excitement” was “unparalleled.”
“Not only do events like Pink’s Summer Carnival Tour, which was brought to New Zealand by Live Nation, provide an unforgettable spectacle for fans, they showcase Auckland as a vibrant city,” Sautner said.
”Beyond the social impact, the economic benefit to our local businesses and city that comes from hosting the two Pink concerts is expected to be substantial.”
According to Sautner, more than 2,000 people were employed during her New Zealand shows, with domestic tourism and hospitality demands increasing business opportunities.
“The financial benefits of hosting a global superstar like Pink are widespread,” he said.
“We are a proud New Zealand icon that celebrates equality and inclusion through actions and events. Collaborations with iconic artists like Pink undoubtedly contribute to our community and country. The weekend’s performances marked a milestone in the history of both Pink and Eden Park, leaving a legacy for everyone fortunate enough to be a part of it.”
Pink is now in Australia, with shows in Melbourne, Sydney Brisbane and Townsville lined up over the next ten days.