MusicFest Sellout Sets New Attendance Record

CMA is reporting its second consecutive CMA MusicFest sellout. The country music organizations which puts on the massive downtown event has released the following informatin. Average daily attendance over the four days was 65,000.

In 2010, Festival attendance jumped 16.7 percent over 2009 when attendance was 56,000. The 65,000 attendance in 2011 includes four-day ticket packages, promotional and single night tickets, as well as attendance in non-ticketed zones and events.

“To meet the outstanding sell out of 2010 again in 2011 speaks volumes about the strength of this event, the dedication of our fans, the support of our local community, and the popularity of our music and artists,” said Steve Moore, CMA Chief Executive Officer.

Despite record-setting temperatures in Nashville, attendance in the numerous free Zones, public events, and concert venues was equally strong. In fact, there was record attendance Saturday at Chevrolet Riverfront Park with more than 25,000 fans attending the free concerts throughout the day on the sloping bank of the Cumberland River.

According to the Nashville Convention and Visitors Bureau, the direct visitor spending generated by CMA Music Festival in 2010 was approximately $24 million, about $1 million above the 2009 figure, easily the top annual generator of tourist income in Nashville. And it appears that 2011 was a boon to business again. Figures for 2011 will be released by the NCVB at a later date.

“Eighty percent of our four-day ticket holders come from outside of Tennessee,” said Moore. “And we are seeing gains with our locals who are coming out to support our free areas and purchasing a growing number of tickets to attend the single night concerts at LP Field.”

CMA Music Festival was a boon to downtown businesses, but it also benefits music education in Music City. The artists and celebrities participating in CMA Music Festival donate their time. They are not compensated for the hours they spend signing autographs and performing. In appreciation of their exhaustive efforts, CMA donates half the net proceeds from the event to music education on their behalf through a partnership with the Nashville Alliance for Public Education called “Keep the Music Playing.” To date, CMA has donated $4.7 million.

Tickets for 2012 CMA Music Festival which will be held Thursday through Sunday, June 7-10, go on saleSaturday, July 30 (10:00 AM/CT). (Call Ticketmaster at 1-800-745-3000 or 1-800-CMA-FEST [262-3378]). To purchase tickets online, visit www.CMAfest.com or www.Ticketmaster.com. Prices do not include applicable handling fees. Ticket prices are subject to change without notice. All sales are final and non-refundable. Four-day ticket package categories correspond to a different level of seating at LP Field. Children 3 years and younger are admitted free.

2012 CMA Music Festival Four Day Ticket Package Prices

Seating Level                                      Price

Gold Circle                                          $325

Floor                                                    $225

Lower Level Premium                         $225

Lower Level                                         $180

Club Level Premium                           $180

Club Level                                           $160

Upper Level Reserved                         $125

Upper Level General Admission         $115