Live Nation announces a US$1 billion investment in smaller venues.
Live Nation makes most of its bones on filling mid-to-large venues. But with so many small venues struggling, Live Nation knows that this farm system for emerging artists is in trouble. That’s why the company has made investments in smaller venues just as the Opera House in Toronto, the KEE to Bala in Ontario cottage country, and the soon-to-open History outpost in downtown Ottawa.
These investments are not restricted to Canada, of course. This week, Live Nation announced plans to invest US$1 billion in 18 venues across the US. Some will be brand new. Others with be refurbished.
Seattle, Denver, and Seattle will see larger venues open. Smaller markets such as Riverside MS and Allentown PA will get smaller places. Once completed, they will add to Live Nation’s network of 150 American venues (that’s equal to about 4% of all music venues in the country.)
The company wants to bring “more big shows to smaller cities across America…Our mission is simple: help artists deliver more unforgettable live experiences – and in doing so, create jobs, revive cities, and lift up the communities we touch.” The goal is to bring music closer to fans who, in many areas, are forced to travel long distances to see a major artist.
The result, the company says, will be US$2.9 billion in economic activity, not to mention new life into the live music scene.
Here’s the full list of cities that will benefit.
- Allentown, PA
- Atlanta, GA
- Birmingham, AL
- Denver, CO
- Indianapolis, IN
- Memphis, TN
- Milwaukee, WI
- Nashville, TN
- Orlando, FL
- Portland, ME
- Portland, OR
- Pittsburgh, PA
- Raleigh, NC
- Richmond, VA
- Riverside, MO
- Seattle, WA
- Shakopee, MN
- Virginia Beach, VA
(Via MBW)
