U2 confirms Moncton concert date

Iconic rock band U2 has confirmed it will play an outdoor concert at Magnetic Hill in Moncton on July 30.

The Moncton concert is the last date on U2's North American tour and is the first time the band has played in Atlantic Canada.

"The Moncton show is set to be the final date of the U2 360 Tour in North America and we're really looking forward to bringing this now legendary 360 production into Atlantic Canada for the first time," said Paul McGuinness, U2's manager, in a statement.

The Moncton stop will have a special appearance with Montreal's Arcade Fire. As well,the band Carney will open for U2.

Moncton Mayor George LeBlanc said the city is honoured to have U2 play at the outdoor concert venue, which has already hosted major bands, such as the Rolling Stones and AC/DC.

"To host one of the biggest bands, on one of the biggest stages, as part of one of the biggest tours for their final North American date is an honour," LeBlanc said in a statement.

The concert stop in Moncton will also see some changes to the Magnetic Hill concert site.

Donald K Donald, the concert promoter, said there was no venue in Atlantic Canada big enough to hold the concert, so they are altering Magnetic Hill to fit the band's stage.

"There is no stadium big enough in Atlantic Canada so we will build one and they will come," he said in a statement.

"The impossible will become possible. Moncton will host the last North American U2 360 Tour date and it promises to be the biggest and greatest entertainment spectacle in Atlantic Canada history."

Ticket prices will go on sale on Feb. 8 and range from $29.50 to $275. The general admission tickets are $65.

It wasn't long after speculation started last week about U2's pending concert date started that hotel rooms in southeastern New Brunswick started filling up.

A standard room is now going for more than $200 and some hotels are charging $379.

Along with the Rolling Stones and AC/DC, the Eagles and Bon Jovi have also played outdoor concerts at Moncton's Magnetic Hill site.