The discussion in the entertainment blogosphere and throughout the industry is how slow ticket sales are this summer. This is pretty scary since the first day of summer was just the other day. Why are ticket sales so slow?
My personal opinion is because our industry has not learned a thing over the past year. Last year during the heart of the recession when we couldn’t sell tickets even when we gave them away. I thought that all the high powered industry talent would finally wake up and listen to the customers. Our customers want to be entertained. They want a memorable good experience. They don’t want to spend their life savings to have this. Why should they?
When I was a teen, I looked forward to the summer concert season. I couldn’t wait for the “special event” schedule to come out for the amphitheatre near my home. My whole summer was planned around the concerts. It was part of my good summer experience. While I see venues trying to market a “concert series”, I don’t see the customers buying it. That good ole summertime vibe just isn’t there.
Going to see summer concerts should be like going to the amusement parks. The Six Flags of the world offer season passes. They bank on getting customers to come to the park more than once. Summer concert venues should be doing the same. Why can’t we make these venues a place we want and can afford to spend several hot summer nights?
We are not going to achieve this when we blow the customer’s budget for one show. Do you really think charging $40 per car to park is customer friendly? I just heard about an event where it cost more to park your car then buy the ticket. Do you really think charging $9.00 for a beer is going to keep customers coming to your venue?
Summertime is when we try to kick back a little. Think about your good summer experiences and bring them back to our customers.
