Grand Theater recognized again as a top theatre venue worldwide

MARSHFIELD--The Grand Theater caps off a record-breaking year with a spot in the 2024 Top 200 Theatre Venues Worldwide as compiled by Pollstar. The publication’s Year End Edition ranked The Grand 105th in the world based on 75,620 tickets sold – the Grand Theater’s highest-ever position on Pollstar’s list. The Grand has appeared in Pollstar’s Top 150 rankings since 2017.
In addition to finishing in the Top 150 overall, The Grand again shined in comparison with similar markets and venues, ranking second in terms of market size and fourth for theaters under 1,300 seats. The Grand consistently has been among the top five venues of its size since 2017, and in the top two for market size since 2018.
The public response to shows at The Grand in 2024 – 75,620 tickets sold for $3,472,020 in revenue – marks the third consecutive year of record numbers. This year, The Grand served more than double the number of patrons it did eight years ago.
“It has been another record-setting year at The Grand and to be recognized in Pollstar’s Top 150 worldwide for the eighth consecutive year is a tribute to the hard work done by our entire team,” says Sean Wright, Executive Director. “To once again have one of the highest finishes of similarly-sized markets is especially gratifying, because it demonstrates just how incredibly supportive our amazing community is of our 97-year-old historic theater.”
The Grand ranks 17th in the world this year for all venues 97 years or older, regardless of size or market. The Grand Theater is operated by the Performing Arts Foundation (PAF), a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization created to realize the community-supported restoration of the theater in the 1980s, and that continues to rely on local support and
charitable contributions to bring worldclass performing artists to Wausau every year.
Pollstar is the international trade publication for the concert and performing arts industry. The Grand has been ranked alongside world-renowned theaters such as Radio City Music Hall (New York, NY), Ryman Auditorium (Nashville, TN), and Royal Albert Hall (London, UK).
“We couldn’t do it without our outstanding patrons, from our loyal season subscribers to new patrons experiencing The Grand for the first time,” Wright says. “It’s great to be recognized with some of the elite venues in the world, and it motivates us to continue to present the best in the performing arts for our audiences to enjoy.”