Bringing big name performers to its stage has helped PPG Paints Arena rank 11th in the United States and 21st in the world in ticket sales for concerts and other live touring events in 2019, according to figures released by Pollstar.

“That’s probably the highest that we’ve been,” says Gary Desjardins, general manager for ASM Global, arena operator.

Among some of the top ticket sellers mid-year 2019 are Elton John, KISS, Bob Seger & the Silver Bullet Band and Ariana Grande, all of whom entertained large crowds at the Pittsburgh arena this year.

Data is drawn from gross tickets sales for all live touring events (concerts, comedy shows, kids’ shows), excluding sporting events, according to PPG Paints Arena.

“We had a nice mix of events, actually. Our family show market is really strong in Pittsburgh,” Desjardins adds.

Along with Jurassic World Live, touring productions including the Harlem Globetrotters, Paw Patrol Live, Cirque du Soleil and Monster Jam all help fill the arena, he says.

“On the concert side, there was a little bit of something for everyone,” Desjardins says.

From hard rock to nostalgia, heavy metal to pop and country, the fans turned out for Cher, Eric Church, New Kids on the Block, Queen, Iron Maiden, Phil Collins, the Jonas Brothers and Alabama.

“You look at all of that, and we did pretty well,” he says.

Comedy also sells, with last June’s WDVE Comedy Festival bringing in fans for local comedians, and the popular Jim Gaffigan scheduled for a Jan. 10 performance.

Desjardins credits booking director Kate Dordick for selecting acts that sell.

“We’re all very fortunate to have a great arena in a great city, which makes this kind of success possible. The promoters and touring acts love the building and love the city, and I can’t say enough about our staff and the job they do here every day,” he says.

The arena will host NCAA Division 1 Women’s Volleyball Championship games on Dec. 19, featuring No. 1 Baylor vs. No. 4 Wisconsin at 7 p.m. and No. 3 Stanford vs. No. 7 Minnesota at 9:30 p.m., both on ESPN.

The national championship match is 8 p.m. Dec. 21 in the arena.

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