Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena has seen big music audiences this year, thanks in part to hockey. According to Pollstar, the venue ranked ninth in the country for selling the most concert tickets. That’s up 14 spots since the same time last year.
Sean Henry, President and COO of Bridgestone Arena, says the success comes from a new marketing “philosophy.” He says the venue is booking more events and marketing more aggressively. It’s also advertising music events to hockey fans and vice versa.
“Perhaps you’re hitting a Predator or hockey mindset and introducing a musical act to them. Conversely you’re showing those that are thinking only of American Idol the fact the Predators are playing on a Thursday night and you’re really crossing them over,” he said.
The Arena ranks 23rd worldwide for concert attendance—just in April they held six sellout events, from Stanley Cup playoffs to Lady Gaga. In that week, 92,000 people walked through the Arena’s doors. That’s about the population of Roanoke, Virginia.
On Air - 90.3 WPLN-FM