Two international publications rank Michigan State University’s Wharton Center as one of the top theaters in the world based on tickets sold and gross dollar amounts.
The July 2019 issue of Venues Today magazine ranks the Wharton Center for Performing Arts at number ten internationally for venues with a capacity of 2,001 to 5,000 seats. The ranking is based on mid-year gross figures from November 2018 through May 2019.
The number ten ranking was based on the “Hamilton” gross during the week of May 21-26, which was $2,591,188. The magazine also ranks Wharton Center’s 2019 engagement of “Hamilton” at number one for both the gross dollar amount and tickets sold from May 2019 to June 2019.
Pollstar magazine’s mid-year issue ranks Wharton Center at #51 in the top 200 theater venues in the world, regardless of size. This ranking is based on ticket sales.
“We are thrilled to be ranked by both magazines in the top ten venues of our size,” said Mike Brand, Wharton Center’s executive director. “Both of these lists included venues from all over the world and we are proud to be recognized.”
“The rankings send a message to producers and promoters that Michigan State University’s Wharton Center is the place to be and we continually prove that each year,” Brand said.
Brand also pointed out that the Wharton Center is a major contributor to the local economy.
“When you add up the numbers, the Center has a huge impact in the mid-Michigan region, including patron visits to restaurants and hotels, as well as the ripple effect of our own expenditures and local employment,” Brand said.