Middlesbrough's economy has been boosted by £1.9m by two electric gigs at the Riverside Stadium, new figures have revealed. 

Pop legends Take That and Teesside singer-songwriter James Arthur delighted fans at the home of the Boro this year with two huge concerts. 

More than 33,000 people flocked to the ground to watch the Greatest Day trio on their This Life tour while over 22,000 attended James’ emotional homecoming show. 

Data analysis has shown the two big events brought a welcome boost of more than £1.9million to the town. 

The numbers were crunched using the STEAM model, which estimates how much a visitor or gig-goer spends and brings to a local economy.

The figure doesn’t factor in overnight stays, or the boost to the two events brought to the wider regional economy - with more analysis expected to show how the gigs brought benefits well beyond £2m to Teesside. 

The two major events came after a string of concerts at the stadium over the last few years, including the Arctic Monkeys in 2023, The Killers in 2022, and Take That once again back in 2019. 

Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said: “It’s been great to see how Middlesbrough and the football club have planted themselves firmly on the map when it comes to bringing global acts to Teesside.

“Having one of our own in James Arthur light up the Riverside stage was wonderful and bringing a world-renowned mega group like Take That twice to our doorstep is an achievement itself.

“These figures show how these events don’t just forge memories for a lifetime, but also bring in visitors to our towns who spend their money and spend at our region’s fantastic local businesses.”

Middlesbrough Mayor Chris Cooke added: “Both nights at the Riverside were absolutely brilliant and showed off Middlesbrough at its very best.

“The football club now has a great track record of delivering these huge events and they’ll live long in the memory.

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“Bringing these big names to the area gives a huge boost to our hotels, restaurants and bars. They are great news for Middlesbrough town centre. I look forward to our town welcoming more big acts in the future.”

Helena Bowman, Head of Business Operations at Middlesbrough FC, said: "We work hard to bring big name acts to the Riverside and it's been an absolute joy to have two stellar performances on our turf already in 2024.

"We’re bolstering our reputation in attracting the best to the Boro – and it’s wonderful to see just how these events benefit our wider home town.”