Walmart AMP revenue rises 8%; ticket sales up
by November 26, 2019 2:28 pm 3,077 views
The Walmart Arkansas Music Pavilion (AMP) in Rogers sold over 7,000 more tickets, and top-line revenue increased 8.7% this year, from last year. Meanwhile, construction started Nov. 1 on a $17.1 million project to expand the venue, west of Interstate 49.
“We had another strong season at the Walmart AMP this year,” said Brian Crowne, vice president of the Walmart AMP. “I’m particularly proud of the variety of acts that we were able to present this season and the large number of concerts that sold out. I think that just shows that our partnership with Live Nation continues to help us bring in top acts that our region wants to see.
“Construction is underway now for our expansion project, and we’re excited about next season and the new opportunities for patrons and artists that will come when the construction is complete this spring.”
Ticket sales rose 3.8% to 201,917 in 2019, from last year. Ticket revenue increased less than 1% to $7.7 million, and the average ticket price rose by 5 cents to $38.74. Top-line revenue increased to $17.5 million this year, from $16.1 million last year. Total revenue rose as a result of increases in client usage and ancillary revenues, according to a spokeswoman for the Walton Arts Center, which owns the AMP.
The number of shows increased by four to 31 shows in the Cox Concert Series. Five were sellouts, up from two in 2018, and more than 9,500 tickets were sold for each of the following five shows: JMBLYA; Luke Combs; Nelly, Flo Rida and TLC; Breaking Benjamin; and Hootie & the Blowfish and Barenaked Ladies. The number of additional events, or anything not on the Cox Concert Series, increased by two to 10. The total number of shows and events increased by six to 41.
Shows announced for the 2020 Cox Concert Series include Journey with The Pretenders on June 22 and The Black Crowes on June 24.
The expansion project will increase the capacity by 1,000 to a total capacity of 11,000 and include a new box office, expanded entry plaza, reconfigured entrances, additional tiered seating and concession stands and more restrooms. A 15,000-square-foot covered plaza will also be built at the top of the lawn, offering flexible viewing and event space as well as private restrooms. The area can also be used for private events during shows.
Core Architects of Rogers is the project designer, and CDI Contractors, with offices in Little Rock and Fayetteville, is the contractor.