The financial support of 125 thousand euros - to which 325 thousand euros in indirect support are added - was approved by a majority in a meeting of the municipal executive of Coimbra, with votes in favour from the Juntos Somos Coimbra coalition (PSD/CDS/NC/PPM/ALIANÇA/RIR/VOLT) and votes against from the PS and the CDU.

The city government's support for the promoter Everything Is New provides for direct financial support of 125 thousand euros, in addition to exemptions relating to the use of the Stadium (between May 19 and June 10), replacement of the lawn and irrigation systems, cleaning of landscaped areas, provision of stalls and fences, support for communication and promotion, exemptions from noise licenses, improvised enclosure and occupation of public space, totalling 325 thousand euros.

It also proposes close collaboration between municipal services, the promoter and the security and civil protection forces, in order to guarantee all logistical, operational and security conditions for the event, which “is expected to attract thousands of visitors and have broad media coverage”.

According to the vice-president of the Coimbra City Council, Francisco Veiga, this show “is part of the strategy of promoting and enhancing tourism in the municipality, reinforcing Coimbra's position in the organisation and hosting of major international events, with an impact on the economy”, contributing to “the national and international projection of the territory".

“These events are more than just moments of fun; they are true drivers that have an impact on boosting tourism, which tends to be a structural boost in supporting the restaurant and hotel sector, acting as catalysts for local and regional commerce. These events allow us to establish Coimbra as an essential reference on the national and European scene, consolidating our position in hosting major live shows, with an impact on the region’s tourist appeal,” he said.

Disagree

The PS councillors, who voted against, highlighted that they disagree “with the business model that has been adopted by the Municipality”.

“At Coldplay, the financial support was €110,000 per show, now it is €125,000, but they do not explain why it reaches this amount. Even the replacement of the lawn is paid for by the City Hall”, said Regina Bento.

The socialist councillor also highlighted that it is “a highly commercial event, with tickets costing between 80 and 150 euros”, for 40 to 50 thousand seats.

“We can project gross revenue of more than four million euros, entirely for the private entity and without any financial return to the Municipality. It is a direct subsidy to a private operation,” she said.

In May 2023, Estádio Cidade de Coimbra hosted four Coldplay concerts, also produced by Everything Is New.

On that occasion, the Council supported the promoter with 440 thousand euros (110 thousand euros for each concert), in return for the selection, choice and promotion of the city of Coimbra and the Coimbra City Stadium for holding the concerts.

According to a study by Coimbra Business School/ISCAC, the direct economic impact of Coldplay was “36 million euros, with a 48% increase in revenue in the hotel industry and 55% in the restaurant industry during the event”.