Los Angeles, California — Beyoncé embarks on her highly anticipated “Cowboy Carter” tour today, but ticket sales have raised eyebrows as thousands of seats remain unsold just hours before the opening night. The tour, which began with a kickoff concert at SoFi Stadium, encompasses 32 shows across the U.S. and Europe, concluding on July 26 in Las Vegas.
Despite the success of her country album that recently garnered multiple accolades at the Grammys, including Album of the Year, reports indicate that the demand for concert tickets has not equaled the excitement surrounding the album’s release. Ticketmaster’s seating maps revealed that over 3,000 seats were still available at SoFi Stadium shortly before the 7 p.m. showtime.
Sources suggest that high resale prices may be a significant barrier for fans hoping to attend. Resellers, who purchase large quantities of tickets only to mark them up significantly, have created an inflated market. An insider pointed out that this situation may deter casual viewers while expressing hope that lowering resale prices could boost sales as the concert date approaches.
In recent weeks, several fans have noted substantial discounts on resale tickets, with some listed in the nosebleed section for as low as $20. Comparisons were drawn to popular fast food offerings, illustrating just how the market has shifted. Conversations on social media reflected mixed feelings, with fans expressing relief that prices may finally be dropping.
While speculation about low turnout has circulated, particularly following the recent announcement of the tour, additional factors may be influencing ticket sales. Concerns regarding Beyoncé’s associations within the industry, particularly with Sean “Diddy” Combs, have prompted discussions among some fans. Combs is embroiled in serious legal troubles, with a trial set for May amid allegations of sex trafficking and racketeering.
Although the couple is said to be unfazed by perceptions of dwindling support, some within Beyoncé’s circle are apprehensive about how a broader audience may react to such associations. However, the tour’s promoter reported that the event is nearly sold out across all dates, casting doubt on the narratives of poor attendance.
Beyoncé continues to enjoy commercial success, with her “Cowboy Carter” album topping the Billboard charts. She achieved a historic Grammy win, marking a significant milestone for Black women in the music industry. As the tour unfolds, the duality of critical success and ticket sales highlights the complexities of concert economics in the current market.
As fans eagerly prepare for this weekend’s shows, the outcome of the tour remains uncertain, but renewed hope for ticket sales persists as the opening night approaches.