Live Nation Entertainment, the parent company of Ticketmaster, has announced a significant investment of $1 billion in building 18 new live music venues across the United States. This move is seen as a strategic response to the growing demand for live music performances from fan-favorite artists and a reflection of the company’s optimism about the future of the live entertainment industry.
Strong Demand and Ticketing Reforms
The investment in new venues comes at a time when Live Nation is experiencing strong demand for live music performances. The company attributes this growth to long-overdue ticketing reforms and the increasing fan demand. According to Joe Berchtold, Live Nation’s Chief Financial Officer, two-thirds of the concert fan growth is expected to occur in the second half of the year.
- Intimate clubs
- Large outdoor amphitheaters
- Mid-sized theaters
These new venues will range in size and capacity, catering to different audience preferences and needs. The company aims to bring more big shows to smaller cities, providing a platform for both established and emerging artists to perform.
A Portfolio of 150 Venues
Live Nation already boasts a portfolio of 150 venues across the United States, representing roughly 4% of all music venues nationwide. The company’s extensive network of venues has enabled it to hire 37,000 U.S. workers to help deliver unforgettable experiences for fans.
| Location | Capacity | Venue Type |
| New York City | 5,000 | Outdoor Amphitheater |
| Los Angeles | 10,000 | Indoor Arena |
| Chicago | 5,000 | Intimate Club |
A Response to Industry Challenges
The Department of Justice and dozens of state attorneys general have sued Live Nation and its ticket-selling unit, Ticketmaster, for allegedly monopolizing markets across the live concert industry in ways that hurt artists and fans. The department is also conducting a criminal antitrust probe of Live Nation and AEG’s response to concert cancellations at the beginning of the pandemic in 2020.
“Live Nation venues have hired 37,000 U.S. workers to help deliver unforgettable experiences,” said the company. “To support this historic run, we are committed to investing in our venues, our artists, and our fans.”
Executive Order and Industry Reforms
President Donald Trump signed an executive order in March aimed at protecting fans from “exploitative ticket scalping” and reforming the U.S. live entertainment ticketing industry. This move is seen as a positive step towards promoting fair and transparent ticketing practices.
Conclusion
The Live Nation Entertainment investment in new live music venues represents a significant shift in the company’s strategy and a reflection of the growing demand for live music performances. As the live entertainment industry continues to evolve, it is clear that companies like Live Nation will play a crucial role in shaping the future of live music. With its commitment to investing in its venues, artists, and fans, Live Nation is poised to deliver unforgettable experiences for years to come.
