Country music concerts are a beloved American tradition, allowing fans to see their favorite stars perform live on stage. However, ticket prices for top country artists can vary widely, from affordable shows at small venues to expensive stadium concerts costing hundreds of dollars per seat. So which country musician is the most expensive to see on tour today?
Factors That Determine Country Concert Ticket Prices
Several key factors impact how much tickets cost for a major country artist’s tour:
- Artist popularity – More popular acts who sell lots of albums and streaming can charge higher prices.
- Tour venue size – Larger stadiums and arenas cost more to book and have higher operational expenses.
- Production values – Shows with expensive lighting, video screens, pyrotechnics and effects cost more to produce.
- Demand – Artists with dedicated fan bases and limited tour schedules can raise prices.
- Location – Concerts in major metro areas typically have higher ticket prices.
- VIP packages – Meet & greets, exclusive merchandise and front row seats add costs.
Taking these factors into account, let’s look at some of the top-grossing country concert tours over the past few years and the average ticket prices for the biggest country stars.
The Most Expensive Country Concert Tours: 2019-2022
Here are some of the highest-grossing country music tours from the past four years and their average ticket prices, according to data from Pollstar and SeatGeek:
Artist | Tour | Year | Average Ticket Price |
---|---|---|---|
Garth Brooks | The Garth Brooks Stadium Tour | 2019 | $129 |
George Strait | Strait to Vegas | 2019 | $118 |
Eric Church | The Gather Again Tour | 2022 | $115 |
Luke Bryan | Farm Tour | 2022 | $122 |
Kenny Chesney | Here & Now Tour | 2022 | $105 |
As the table shows, Garth Brooks had the highest average ticket prices on his massive 2019 stadium tour, topping over $125 per seat. Other country superstars like George Strait, Eric Church and Luke Bryan also cracked the $100+ average ticket threshold in recent years.
Most Expensive Upcoming Country Concert Tours in 2023
Looking ahead at 2023 concert tours, here are some of the most expensive country shows scheduled with average ticket prices:
Artist | Tour | Average Ticket Price |
---|---|---|
Luke Bryan | Country On Tour | $230 |
George Strait | Strait to Vegas | $215 |
Kenny Chesney | I Go Back Tour | $156 |
Eric Church | Outsiders Revival Tour | $125 |
Luke Bryan tops the list with his newly announced 2023 stadium tour already posting an average ticket price over $200. Country legend George Strait also cracks $200 for his exclusive Las Vegas residency shows. Meanwhile, Kenny Chesney and Eric Church are in the $100+ range as usual.
Most Expensive Country Concert of All Time
Looking back through history, what was the most expensive country concert ever in terms of average ticket price? The winner:
Garth Brooks Central Park Concert in New York City
- Year: 1997
- Venue: Central Park in New York City
- Average Ticket Price: $250
Country icon Garth Brooks drew over 1 million fans to his free 1997 concert in Central Park, marking one of the biggest concerts of all time. Even though the concert was free, surrounding hotels, restaurants and tour groups packaged tickets with rooms and meals, with prices averaging $250 each according to The New York Times – making it the most expensive country show in history based on effective ticket costs.
Most Expensive Country Concerts By State
While the overall national average ticket prices provide a helpful benchmark, prices for country concerts can vary widely in different U.S. cities and states. Here is a sampling of the highest country ticket prices by state for recent tours:
State | Artist & Tour | Venue | Average Ticket Price |
---|---|---|---|
California | Luke Bryan, Farm Tour | FivePoint Amphitheatre | $425 |
Texas | George Strait, Strait to Vegas | Dickies Arena | $391 |
New York | Luke Bryan, Farm Tour | CNY Jazz Fest | $275 |
Florida | Kenny Chesney, Here & Now Tour | Raymond James Stadium | $245 |
California, Texas, New York and Florida emerge as some of the priciest states for premium country concerts, with Luke Bryan, George Strait and Kenny Chesney commanding $200+ tickets in major metro venues.
Least Expensive Country Concert Tours
At the other end of the spectrum, here are some of today’s top country artists who offer more affordable ticket options:
- Zac Brown Band – Average ticket price $60
- Carrie Underwood – Average ticket price $75
- Tim McGraw – Average ticket price $80
- Lady A – Average ticket price $85
- Dierks Bentley – Average ticket price $90
Mid-tier country stars like Zac Brown Band, Carrie Underwood and Tim McGraw deliver plenty of hit songs at concerts, but keep average ticket prices under $100. Rising acts and country legends late in their careers also help keep concert costs down for fans.
How Country Concert Ticket Prices Have Changed Over Time
For some historical perspective, here is a comparison of average country concert ticket prices through different eras:
- 1970s: $15
- 1980s: $25
- 1990s: $50
- 2000s: $75
- 2010s: $100
- 2020s: $125
Country concert tickets cost just $15 on average in the 1970s. Prices rose moderately through the 80s and 90s. But the 2000s saw a sizable jump to $75 as country music exploded in popularity. Today’s $125 average reflects the premium prices top stars can charge, especially for stadium shows.
How Country Concert Prices Compare To Other Genres
Context on pricing for other leading music genres live shows:
- Pop – $150 average ticket
- Rock – $135 average ticket
- Hip-hop/R&B – $125 average ticket
- Country – $125 average ticket
By today’s standards, country concerts are priced competitively alongside similarly popular genres like hip-hop and rock. Global pop superstars make up the top of the pricing spectrum. But major country acts like Garth Brooks and Luke Bryan can keep pace, especially for big stadium dates.
Conclusion
While steep prices for front row seats may draw headlines, country music concert tickets on average tend to align with fan expectations. Top country artists deliver an extraordinary live concert experience that for many is worth the occasional splurge, especially for once-in-a-lifetime shows. For much of their touring schedules, superstars like Luke Bryan and Kenny Chesney and rising acts keep prices accessible for the everyday country fan.