Shakira's twelve concerts in Madrid between September 18 and October 11 will mobilise around 600,000 people. Hotel bookings have increased by 14.8% and the average rate reaches 339 euros, 19.7% more.
Madrid will face a residency of twelve concerts by Shakira starting from September 18 until October 11, which, according to the organisers' forecasts, will gather around 600,000 people. The Iberdrola Music venue in Villaverde, set up as the Shakira Stadium, will host up to 57,000 spectators each night, according to information published by amp.ondacero.es.
The confirmed dates are six in September (18, 19, 20, 25, 26 and 27) and another six in October (2, 3, 4, 9, 10 and 11). The space, covering about 220,000 square metres, will include areas for gastronomy, fashion, art, and literature, as well as a museum dedicated to the singer and a reading club. Artists such as Amaia, Nathy Peluso, Guitarricadelafuente, Juicy Bae, Stereo Madness, and Guxo will participate in the concerts.
The hotel sector is already feeling the effect. The platform SiteMinder reports a 14.8% increase in accommodation bookings in Madrid for the concert dates compared to the previous year. The average daily rate stands at 339 euros, which is 19.7% more than a year ago. Most bookings come from domestic tourism, although interest from other parts of Spain is also growing. According to the magazine Gran Hotel, searches for travel to Madrid have risen by 134%, with significant increases in some international markets.
The Community of Madrid has activated a special transport plan. Metro de Madrid will reinforce service by up to 260% on the lines and time slots with the highest expected demand, especially for the return journey after each performance. Additionally, a free electric bus shuttle will connect Villaverde with Legazpi and Atocha between 11:00 PM and 2:00 AM. The EMT will also expand its service, and special traffic measures will be implemented around the venue. The City Council recommends using public transport and avoiding private vehicles due to the expected restrictions and road closures.
Economically, estimates released before the residency place the potential impact of the twelve concerts at around 150 million euros, a figure that the organisation presents as a forecast rather than a final balance. The spending is distributed among accommodation, dining, leisure, transport, commerce, and cultural activities. The nearly month-long duration allows for the distribution of visitor arrivals rather than concentrating them over a few days.
For reference, the residency of Karol G in 2024 and the ten concerts of Bad Bunny this summer at the Metropolitan Stadium gathered around 500,000 attendees, with an estimated impact of around 200 million euros at that time.
The first concert will be on September 18 at the Shakira Stadium in Villaverde. For travel, the recommended option is public transport: Metro with reinforcement of up to 260% and the free electric bus shuttle between Villaverde, Legazpi, and Atocha from 11:00 PM to 2:00 AM.
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