Wausau’s Grand Theater Named One of the Top Theaters in the World

Thursday, December 14th, 2023 -- 8:00 AM

(Thomas Schumacher, WSAU) Wausau’s Grand Theater is ending the year on a high note after being named one of the top theaters in the world by Pollstar.

According to Thomas Schumacher with WSAU, the poll ranked the Grand Theater 125th in the world after welcoming over 62,000 visitors and grossing over $2.6 million in ticket sales in 2023. Overall, the Grand was ranked 2nd for market size and 4th for venue size.

Executive Director Sean Wright spoke about being ranked in the poll for the seventh straight year, saying, “It’s incredible to be recognized as one of the top 200 venues in the world and to be amongst the company of venues like the Ryman, Radio City Music Hall, and the Grand Ole Opry."

"And it shows number one the amazing community and region we have here that supports the Grand, and it’s a tribute to our entire staff who bring hundreds of thousands of people through our door every year.”

When asked about the economic climate since the pandemic ended and if the Grand has seen the bounce back that many businesses and organizations have seen over the last two years Wright said, “Absolutely, our numbers are up, as is the entire live entertainment industry."

"And this year saw the first time that a single concert tour hit a billion dollars in sales with Taylor Swift’s tour and while we’re not bringing her to the Grand as much as we’d love to our industry remains strong and we have seen that bounce back since the pandemic and our holidays sales remain strong as well.”

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