The 64-year-old performer arrives in Dunedin by private plane late this afternoon with an entourage of 38 aboard.
"Even I'm not sure exactly what time he's coming in," promoter Capital: C Concerts managing director Phil Sprey said yesterday.
"When he arrives in Dunedin they won't be taking him through the terminal; it will all be done behind private screens."
The Forsyth Barr Stadium looked as if it was being prepared for an invasion yesterday, as an army of riggers and technicians put the final touches on the concert set-up.
"Some people will have never seen anything like this. The fact it's Elton John and a new stadium means that people who wouldn't usually go to a big concert want to be a part of it.
"It's going to be very memorable," Mr Sprey said.
Sir Elton, born Reginald Kenneth Dwight on March 25, 1947, is one of the most successful music artists in history, with more than 250 million records sold.
In 2004, Rolling Stone magazine ranked him No 49 on its list of the 100 greatest artists of all time.
The concert will start at 7.30pm with Hokitika country singer-songwriter Katie Thompson, followed by Auckland rock guitarist Kara Gordon.
Sir Elton is expected to take the stage about 8.30pm for two hours, backed by his long-time band and Croatian rock cello duo 2Cellos.
The sound and lighting equipment was tested last night and the support acts would sound-check this afternoon, Mr Sprey said.
"Elton doesn't rehearse before a concert. He's been doing it for years. After 3000 concerts, you know what you're doing."
Sir Elton's modified Yamaha piano arrives at the stadium this morning from his last concert, on Tuesday, in Malaysia.
"It's specially made for him. It has to be reinforced, because he stands on it and climbs all over it on stage."
Sir Elton will travel to Sydney after the concert tonight for the start of his Australian tour tomorrow.
