2012 CMA Music Festival Sets Attendance Record
Luke Bryan Performs at LP Field
Photo By: Donn Jones/CMA
The 2012 CMA Music Festival set a new attendance record with daily attendance topping 71,000 fans, a 9.2 percent increase over the 65,000 in attendance in 2011 and a sell out for the third consecutive year at LP Field.
The increase was attributed to expanded seating at LP Field for the nightly concerts and mild temperatures that drove increased attendance in the free event and concert areas downtown.
“Third time’s the charm and to achieve a sell out for a third straight year and increase attendance says a lot about the strength of this event, the dedication of our fans, the support of our industry and local community, and the popularity of our music and artists,” said Steve Moore, CMA Chief Executive Officer.
Attendance figures for 2012 include four-day ticket packages, promotional and single night tickets, as well as attendance in non-ticketed free areas and events. In all, more than 450 artists performed more than 200 hours of concerts.
Week-long mild temperatures in Nashville resulted in increased attendance in the numerous free areas including The Buckle, Fan Alley, public events, and concert venues. In fact, there was record attendance on Friday and Saturday at Chevrolet Riverfront Park with more than 25,000 fans attending the free concerts throughout each day on the sloping bank of the Cumberland River. Crowds for the new BIC Soleil Bella Beach Stage were strong and attendance at the Bud Light Stage on the Bridgestone Plaza increased over 2011. The new BMI Stage at LP Field was bustling each evening as crowds entered the stadium for the nightly concerts.
“Eighty percent of our four-day ticket holders come from outside of Tennessee,” said Moore. “What we are seeing is gains with our locals who are coming out to support our free areas in increasing numbers.”
According to the Nashville Convention and Visitors Bureau, the direct visitor spending generated by CMA Music Festival in 2011 was $30 million, a $6 million increase over 2010 making the Festival the top annual generator of tourist income in Nashville. And it appears that 2012 was a boon to business again. Figures for 2012 will be released by the NCVB at a later date.
“More stages, more music, and more fans. This event outperforms itself every year and at every level and the ‘halo’ effect lasts all year long,” said Butch Spyridon, President of the NCVB.
CMA Music Festival benefits downtown businesses, but it also supports 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, The CMA Foundation donates proceeds from the event to music education on the artists’ behalf through CMA’s Keep the Music Playing program. To date, CMA has donated more than $6.1 million to the cause.
CMA’s valued corporate partners are contributing to this worthy and important initiative, too.
For the third consecutive year, longtime partner Chevrolet invited music industry professionals to a pre-Festival Industry Test Drive. Held at CMA on June 1, the event featured a wide variety of Chevrolet cars and trucks. For every test drive, Chevrolet donates $25 to the Keep the Music Playing program.
“Another great year at the CMA Music Festival where Chevrolet’s support of Country Music, engagement with passionate music fans, and offerings of multiple Chevrolet activities made for a fun, multi-day experience for fans and customers alike,” said Phil Caruso, Manager, Chevrolet National Promotions. “CMA Music Festival is good example of how Chevrolet continues to play a role in popular culture and the lives of many musical artists and their fans.”
Tickets for 2013 CMA Music Festival, which will be held Thursday through Sunday June 6-9, are on sale now.
CountryMusicIsLove’s Trip to the 2012 CMA Music Festival is Sponsored by Chevrolet, the Official Ride of Country Music
