According to Billboard’s latest year-end venue rankings, the Moody Center has been named the highest-grossing venue in the world in the 10,001–15,000 capacity category for the fourth consecutive year. The ranking places the Austin-based arena ahead of major international venues across North America, Europe, and Australia.
The recognition reinforces Austin’s standing not just as a culturally significant music city, but as one of the most consistently successful live entertainment markets anywhere.
What Billboard’s Ranking Measures
Billboard’s annual venue rankings are based on verified industry data, including:
Gross ticket revenue
Total attendance
Number of ticketed shows
In the most recent reporting period, Moody Center generated nearly $90 million in ticket revenue, welcomed more than 850,000 attendees, and hosted over 90 ticketed events in a single year. Since opening in April 2022, the venue has scanned more than 3 million tickets and hosted over 450 events.
Why Moody Center Continues to Outperform
Moody Center occupies a unique position in Austin’s entertainment ecosystem. Located on the University of Texas campus, the arena serves as the home court for Texas Longhorns men’s and women’s basketball, while also functioning as a premier stop for global touring artists, comedians, and large-scale live events.
With a capacity just over 15,000, the venue sits between smaller theaters and massive stadiums. That scale allows it to attract top-tier performers while maintaining consistently high attendance rates, a key factor in its sustained Billboard rankings.
The Investment Behind the Venue
The arena was built through a $375 million public-private partnership designed to support both collegiate athletics and large-scale entertainment.
Key funding components included:
A $130 million contribution from the Moody Foundation, one of the largest private donations in University of Texas history
Additional investment from Oak View Group, Live Nation, and C3 Presents
The result is a modern venue capable of hosting year-round events while anchoring activity around the UT campus and downtown Austin.
What This Says About Austin’s Live Music Economy
Moody Center’s continued success reflects broader trends across the city:
Sustained demand for live entertainment throughout the year
Austin’s ability to attract major national and international tours
A growing population that supports high-volume cultural programming
At a time when many cities are competing for touring acts and major events, Austin has positioned itself as a reliable, high-performing market rather than a seasonal or trend-driven stop.
Why It Matters Beyond Music
Beyond the accolades, the venue’s performance has tangible impacts on Austin:
Jobs tied to event production, staffing, and operations
Increased business for nearby restaurants, hotels, and transportation services
Greater visibility for Austin on a global entertainment stage
As live events continue to rebound and evolve, Moody Center’s sustained performance suggests Austin’s cultural and economic investment in live entertainment is delivering long-term returns.
