The 40th annual CMA Music Festival generated approximately $30 million in direct visitor spending for the city of Nashville, according to a press release from the organization. The figure was up from $24 million last year, and $15.5 million in 2001.
“This year’s event produced record crowds, record ticket sales, record hotel room night sales and record growth,” Butch Spyridon, president and CEO of the Nashville Convention & Visitors Bureau, said in a statement. “It was a huge win for the city and a great way to celebrate the event’s 40th anniversary.”
This year’s festival was a sell-out, boasting average daily attendance of 65,000 over four days. The week kicked off with the Billboard Country Music Summit, which featured appearances from Carrie Underwood, Kenny Chesney, Jason Aldean and more.
In addition to the increased revenue the Festival brought to the city, the CMA will again donate a portion of the event proceeds to “Keep the Music Playing” a program that supports music education and children in Nashville’s schools.
“Obviously, we couldn’t be more pleased with the record-setting turnout for this year’s Festival,” said Steve Moore, CMA’s Chief Executive Officer, who also appeared at the Billboard Country Summit. “The numbers speak volumes about the importance of the event, the interest from fans, dedication of the artists and the collaboration by all involved. I want to express my thanks to everyone for a spectacular event.”