Despite a troubled economy and falling festival ticket sales across the nation, the 2009 CMA Music Festival reeled in its best attendance numbers ever, notching a 7.2% increase over the previous year. Average 2009 daily attendance was 56,000. In 2008 the average daily attendance was 52,000.
According to the CMA, a great deal of the uptick was due to single ticket sales plus crowds at the festival’s free zones and various concert venues. This year the Riverfront stages were free to the community for the first time. Other free areas included the Dr Pepper®-McDonald’s® Family Zone, Fun Zone, Sports Zone, and the new Music City Zone on the Public Square at Metro Courthouse. Single night tickets at LP Field were especially well received jumping 19.5% this year.
Heidi Newfield performs at the Riverfront Stage Thurs., June 11. Photo: Theresa Montgomery
Category: Artist, Featured, Organizations
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David M. Ross has been covering Nashville's music industry for over 25 years. dross@musicrow.comView Author Profile
