Three years on from the official opening of the redeveloped events centre at Claudelands, the venue is celebrating its third birthday with the announcement of a second concert from music icon Bob Dylan.

Australian-based promoter Chugg Entertainment this morning announced that due to popular demand Bob Dylan will be holding a second show at Claudelands Arena on Sunday, 10 August. This comes less than a month after it was first announced that Hamilton was one of only two New Zealand centres to host the legendary musician.

Hamilton City’s Event Facilities Director of Business Development, Murray Jeffrey says he’s delighted when he looks back over the past three years to see what Claudelands has come to mean to the Waikato region both economically and emotionally.

"Claudelands has really become a destination in its own right; it’s viewed as an established and central part of the community, continuing to achieve steady, solid, on-going conference, entertainment and event business for Hamilton and the Waikato region," he says.

Claudelands first opened its doors to the public on Saturday 18 June, 2011. Since then an estimated 552,000 people have walked through those same doors to attend one of over 600 events to be held at the venue.

Positive reviews from event organisers and promoters about the high quality venue and its staff are leading to even more international events booking into Claudelands; ultimately proving to be a winning formula for those wanting to see top calibre shows come to the region.

"Disney on Ice’s Treasure Trove is a perfect example of a professional, high quality international show that could not have come to the city in the past," says Jeffrey. "The show utilises every feature of Claudelands, making it one of the most technically spectacular events we’ve welcomed to Hamilton yet," he says.

"Strong ticket sales show that the public are excited to have this event here in our city and region. While eight shows were originally announced for Claudelands Arena, this has already been extended to nine shows due to demand."

When asked why promoters are looking to hold their events in Hamilton, Jeffrey believes it is not only the venue but the level of talent working behind the scenes.

"The reality is that all our people – not only those working at Claudelands but right across our venues including stadia and theatres – are recognised as capable, successful teams with a ‘can-do’ Waikato attitude."

Not just home of large scale entertainment productions, Claudelands has also presented some of the most high profile sporting matches in the country over the past three years, including the Silver Ferns, New Zealand Breakers and sell-out Hydr8 ZERO boxing match with David Tua vs Alexander Ustinov.

While large scale events have attracted some big crowds to Hamilton, Claudelands has also proven its ability to cater to niche markets including the Women’s Lifestyle Expo, International Tattoo & Art Festival, Gluten Free Food and Allergy Show and the uniquely different Armageddon Expo.

Awards ceremonies in the fields of sports, science, business and university academic achievement have also featured highly on the list of other regional initiatives welcomed to the venue, while conferences and functions make up a significant portion of Claudelands’ business.

"We’re looking forward to what the future will bring," says Jeffrey. "Over the next few months Claudelands is continuing on with what is fast becoming a trend; hosting high energy international shows, large scale national conferences and niche events for the benefit of the region".

ENDS