AEW attendance has taken a huge blow in recent months, with TV tapings doing poorly and only pay-per-view events performing well.
The Wrestling Observer Newsletter is reporting that AEW has made some recent changes to live events that could have affected ticket sales.
AEW previously offered late ticket price drops or buy-one-get-one-free offers. However, recent AEW events haven’t done this, resulting in low attendance.
This means that late sales that generally improve the numbers haven’t occurred.
There had been an increase that led to better sales in the fourth quarter of 2023, with AEW Dynamite up 4.7% from the year before and AEW Collision averaging 3,400. However, the numbers have changed.
For instance, one fan noted that the February 28th episode of AEW Dynamite in Huntsville, AL (which currently has 1,202 tickets out as of this past Tuesday) was only offering lower-level “official platinum” seats that were already very expensive.
The Probst Arena could hold around 7,000 if sold out, and when told that only higher-priced seats were available, the fan stated that he would assume it was if he didn’t know better.
If fans are of the notion that the event is sold out or close to selling out, they aren’t likely to buy tickets. The same goes for AEW only putting expensive seats up for sale.
Some of the changes can be directly attributed to the change in management from Rafael Morffi to Kosha Irby who is in charge of booking venues as well as merchandise.
It is speculated that AEW may book bigger markets and fewer shows in towns like Bossier City, LA, or Savannah, GA in the future.
While smaller markets cost less to book, they also draw fewer people, thus affecting ticket sales.
AEW Attendance Takes a Hit: What Could Be the Cause?
All Elite Wrestling (AEW) has been making waves in the professional wrestling industry since its inception. With a fresh approach and a roster of talented performers, the promotion has garnered a loyal fan base. However, recent reports suggest that AEW’s attendance has taken a significant blow in recent months, with TV tapings struggling to draw crowds while pay-per-view events continue to perform well.
According to The Wrestling Observer Newsletter, AEW has made some changes to its live events that could have affected ticket sales. In the past, AEW would offer late ticket price drops or buy-one-get-one-free offers to entice fans to attend their shows. However, these promotions have been absent from recent AEW events, resulting in low attendance figures.
Late ticket sales are often crucial in boosting overall attendance numbers. By offering discounted prices or special deals closer to the event date, promotions can attract fans who may have been hesitant to purchase tickets at full price in advance. Without these incentives, AEW has seen a decline in last-minute ticket purchases.
While AEW experienced an increase in attendance during the fourth quarter of 2023, with AEW Dynamite up 4.7% from the previous year and AEW Collision averaging 3,400 attendees, the numbers have since changed. This decline in attendance is evident in specific instances, such as the February 28th episode of AEW Dynamite in Huntsville, AL. One fan noted that only higher-priced “official platinum” seats were available for this event, which were already very expensive. The Probst Arena, with a capacity of approximately 7,000, had only sold 1,202 tickets as of that Tuesday.
When fans perceive an event as sold out or close to selling out, they are less likely to purchase tickets. Similarly, if a promotion only offers expensive seats for sale, it can deter potential attendees who may be seeking more affordable options. These factors contribute to the decline in AEW’s attendance figures.
Some of these changes in ticketing strategies can be attributed to the recent change in management from Rafael Morffi to Kosha Irby, who now oversees venue bookings and merchandise. It is speculated that AEW may shift its focus towards booking bigger markets and reducing the number of shows in smaller towns like Bossier City, LA, or Savannah, GA. While smaller markets may be more cost-effective to book, they also tend to draw fewer people, ultimately impacting ticket sales.
AEW’s recent struggles with attendance highlight the challenges faced by wrestling promotions in maintaining consistent fan interest. While the promotion continues to deliver high-quality content, adjustments to ticketing strategies and venue selection may be necessary to ensure sustained growth and success. As AEW moves forward, finding the right balance between ticket affordability and maximizing attendance will be crucial in maintaining a strong presence in the wrestling industry.