Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena has been named No.1 for concert ticket sales in 2021, not only in the US but around the world, beating New York’s Madison Square Garden into second place. The accolade is afforded by concert trade title Pollstar in its End of Year Sales Report.
Since its resumption of live events in May, initially with substantial social distancing, the Music City landmark recorded sales from show and concert tickets of 336,227 in the period surveyed. The first artist to play at the arena after the lifting of restrictions was Keith Urban on May 21.
Other highlights of the concert year at the Bridgestone have included the CMT Awards in June; James Taylor with special guest Jackson Browne in August; shows by Alanis Morissette, Eric Clapton, and Harry Styles in September; Alan Jackson, the Zac Brown Band, and the Doobie Brothers in October; and the CMA Awards in November. This month, the venue has played host to such attractions as the Trans-Siberian Orchestra, Evanescence, and Chris Stapleton. It’s also home to the Nashville Predators of the National Hockey League.
Executive vice president of entertainment and venues David Kells says: “The power of sports and entertainment lifting people up during trying times was fully on display this year. Thank you to everyone at Vanderbilt Heath, Nashville Metro Public Health Department and Bridgestone Arena for working to maintain a safe environment for everyone who enters the doors at 501 Broadway.
“We would also like to thank all the touring professionals, artists, agents, managers and promoters for trusting us to host your events. We are truly thrilled to host the best performers and athletes in the world in Downtown Nashville night after night.”
Pollstar’s Top 10 World Venues (Show & Concert Ticket Sales) are as follows:
1. Bridgestone Arena (Nashville, TN)
2. Madison Square Garden (New York, NY)
3. Forum (Inglewood, CA)
4. MGM Grand Arena (Las Vegas, NV)
5. State Farm Arena (Atlanta, GA)
6. Golden 1 Center (Sacramento, CA)
7. Toyota Center (Houston, TX)
8. Spark Arena (Auckland, New Zealand)
9. Staples Center (Los Angeles, CA)
10. American Airlines Center (Dallas, TX)
