Bigger events like Hamilton draw in 30 to 35 percent of all sales from outside Spokane.
SPOKANE, Wash. — Spokane’s entertainment industry is taking a hit with ticket sales slower than normal.
Even some big shows are filling fewer seats than expected.
The two-week run of Hamilton here at the First Interstate Center is over, and fewer people than expected were in the room when it happened.
It’s larger than real-life production, but Spokane’s showing of Alexander Hamilton’s life story didn’t have the large turnout you’d expect.
It’s a trend the city’s entertainment industry has been feeling all year.
Matt Meyer of the Public Facilities District (PFD) noticed the decline in ticket sales.
“Once we got into the new year, January, we did see a slowdown in ticket sales,” Meyer said.
Meyer says it’s common to feel a pinch after elections, but this year’s been extra tight.
“We allude it back to the uncertainty of the economy and the times we’re in right now,” Meyer said. “Honestly, in the last two weeks, I’ve lost four shows at the arena.”
Inflation, tariffs, other budget crunchers and losses in large part all because of a loss in tourists from our neighbor to the north.
Bigger events like Hamilton draw in 30 to 35 percent of all sales from outside Spokane. Around 10 percent comes from Canada, according to Meyer.
“Right now, you can’t expect them to come down and watch a show about how the United States was formed and the government behind it,” Meyer said.
Meyer says PFD has redirected some of its focus to marketing and bringing in different acts. The industry isn’t panicking just yet.
“We’re starting to look at those smaller shows where it’s easier for them to get up, get out and go on tour,” Meyer said. “Not just the venues but even the artists wondering where everything is gonna land.”
There’s optimism that the summer will bring more visitors and stay-cationers to Spokane and its shows.
PFD reports the Great Outdoor Comedy Festival, set to hit the stage this August, is already selling better than last year.