Written by: Mikala Lugen | Photo(s) by: Colin McKinley / Alpine Music Photo
Red Rocks Amphitheatre Is World’s Most-Attended Venue in 2021
Colorado’s Red Rocks Amphitheatre was deemed the most attended concert venue throughout the whole world for 2021.
Billboard’s Boxscore has named the iconic outdoor amphitheatre as the top-grossing, most attended concert venue of any size, anywhere in the world for 2021. The venue broke its own season record by hosting 233 ticketed paid events during this year’s 80th anniversary season. The previous record of annual shows was the venue’s 2019 season with 168 concerts.
Even operating under the shadow of the COVID-19 pandemic with reduced capacities and social-distanced seating sections, Billboard is reporting more than $60 million of gross ticket revenue for 134 of the amphitheatre’s concerts.
“It’s been an absolute whirlwind, and extremely gratifying, getting from a year that devastated so many in our industry to our own record-breaking season,” said Ginger White, executive director of Denver Arts & Venues, the city agency that operates Red Rocks. “We’re proud to play a part in Denver’s economic and cultural recovery by providing so many Colorado residents and visitors a place to gather for the joyous return of live music.”
Throughout its seven-month season, the venue saw applauding show highlights, including its 80th anniversary celebration; a six-night run with electronic producer Zhu, breaking the record of the most nights by one artist ever in a Red Rocks season; the return of the Grateful Dead members to its stage with two nights of Dead & Co; and record-extending dates from Widespread Panic, marking the band’s 61st, 62nd, and 63rd sold-out shows at the venue.
Red Rocks Amphitheatre has already announced a fully-stacked schedule of shows for its 81st concert season, including Gorgon City, Kevin Gates, 420 On The Rocks, Trevor Hall & Citizen Cope, Jason Isbell, The Infamous Stringdusters, Michael Franti, Tash Sultana, Glass Animals, Barenaked Ladies, STS9, Brandi Carlile, and more. Visit the venue’s website for additional information and ticketing details.