Austin’s Moody Center has achieved the remarkable distinction of being the highest-grossing midsize venue worldwide in 2025, according to calculations from Billboard. This marks the second consecutive year that the venue, with a seating capacity of 15,000, has topped the list. Previously, it was briefly overtaken by Dickies Arena in Fort Worth in 2023.
The Moody Center grossed $89.8 million from October 1, 2024, to September 30, 2025, hosting approximately 854,000 paying attendees across 94 shows. This translates to an impressive average gross of about $955,300 per show. Notably, a press release from the Oak View Group, which manages the venue, indicated that there were 140 ticketed events in the year, excluding home games for the University of Texas basketball teams. It appears that Billboard’s calculations focused primarily on concerts.
The general manager of Moody Center and president of Oak View Group Austin, Jeff Nickler, commented on this achievement, stating, “This milestone is a testament to the incredible music fans who continue to show up in record numbers. Along with our loyal regional audience, our data shows that fans from all over the country are choosing to travel to Austin to see their favorite artists at Moody Center.”
Star-Studded Performances and Future Events
This year, Moody Center established itself as a premier venue for high-profile performances. Major artists such as Billie Eilish, Ariana Grande, and Mumford and Sons graced the stage, contributing to its success. Looking ahead to 2026, fans can anticipate performances from renowned artists including Lady Gaga, Doja Cat, and Florence and the Machine.
Despite this success, Moody Center faced controversy this year. Tim Leiweke, the co-founder and former CEO of Oak View Group, was indicted in a bid rigging scheme from the venue’s inception. Leiweke allegedly engaged in a deal with another CEO to manipulate subcontracting agreements. He received a presidential pardon from Donald Trump in December, five months after the indictment.
Texas Venues Shine in Billboard Rankings
Moody Center was not alone in its success; it was part of a strong showing for Texas venues on the Billboard list. The American Airlines Center in Dallas and Dickies Arena in Fort Worth ranked fifth and sixth, respectively. Additionally, venues in Houston, including NRG Stadium and Toyota Center, secured ninth and tenth places.
The highest-grossing venue overall was The Sphere in Las Vegas, Nevada, which generated $420.5 million due to its premium ticket pricing. In comparison, Madison Square Garden in New York followed as the runner-up with a gross of $294.8 million.
The competitive landscape of live music and entertainment continues to evolve, with Moody Center at the forefront of this dynamic industry in 2025. As it prepares for another year filled with exciting performances, it is clear that the venue plays a vital role in shaping Austin’s reputation as a hub for live entertainment.
