Dubai: Intimate gig vs sell-out stadiums — all concert-goers have a preference depending on the venue and the artist.
Anyone hoping that Madonna’s concert would be as packed as her concerts in other countries will be sorely disappointed, as the number of tickets available is 22,000 — less than those available for other concerts at Yas Arena, including Metallica.
Organisers Flash Entertainment have confirmed just that number will be sold for the June 3 gig at Yas Arena, and no more.
Although Yas Arena has a capacity to accommodate up to 45,000 people, the figure depends on the set up and layout on an event-by-event basis.
Add to that the number of expected international Madonna fans who will travel to the UAE to see the Queen of Pop and the need to buy tickets early increases again.
Tickets, priced from Dh350, go on sale later this month. However, Flash could not confirm the number available at this price or the upper ticket categories at this stage.
Flash confirmed categorically a second wave of ticket sales will not take place and also added the number of tickets sold to one person will be limited. More details will be released nearer the time.
“In 2011, over 20,000 people attended the Shakira/Amr Diab and Metallica shows at the Yas Arena. For the Madonna show, in order to provide completely flexible ticket categories — including seating — a total of 22,000 tickets will be available. Considering her huge regional appeal, we anticipate tickets to sell very quickly once they go on sale,” said a Flash spokesperson.
An average of 41,000 fans attended each show of Madonna’s last tour in 2008-2009. Media reports have put other Flash Entertainment concerts held at Yas Arena, including Prince and Metallica, at approximately 35,000 attendees each.
Madonna’s concert weekend is expected to draw thousands of fans to Yas Island, Abu Dhabi . In 2011, Yas Arena welcomed more than half a million to see performers including Aerosmith, Shakira, Beyonce, Paul McCartney, Eric Clapton, Stevie Wonder, Britney Spears, Metallica, Janet Jackson and Amr Diab.
In all, the Arena has hosted more than 50 artists in the past three years.
Tickets will go on sale at midday UAE time on February 27 from thinkflash.ae or by calling 800 FLASH (800-35274).
