Belfast profits from Point closure

With the Point Theatre closed for refurbishment, there is a dearth of venues in Dublin in which international acts can be accommodated. As a result, the capital city has lost out on a number of important tours and events – among them major gigs by Bruce Springsteen, Rod Stewart and Take That.
"There has been a huge change in people's attitude," Peter Aiken of Aiken Promotions told Hot Press. "There was a time when no one would cross the border to see a show. But a lot of people are now travelling up. Bruce Springsteen is exceptional – but 35% of the tickets for that show were sold to people from Dublin and elsewhere in the South."
Springsteen plays the Odyssey Arena in December.
While the numbers coming to see Bruce Springsteen from places as far flung as Galway and Cork, as well as Dublin, will be exceptionally high, other major events at the Odyssey Arena are also attracting a significant Southern audience. 25% of the tickets for the Take That shows (October 11, 12, 14, 15, 16) were snapped up from across the border and similarly 20% of the tickets for Rod Stewart (November 3 and 4).
"With the motorway now, it only takes about one hour and forty minutes," Peter Aiken reflected, "and the Odyssey is just beside the motorway, so it's very accessible. You don't even notice the border anymore, so there's a minimum of hassle involved."
The Point is unlikely to be reopened for a considerable period. In the meantime, Dublin's loss, it seems, is Belfast's gain.