Based on overall ticket sales, Nebraska’s Lied Center for Performing Arts ranked among the top 100 theater venues in 2018.

As reported in Pollstar Magazine’s annual year-end report of the top venues in the world, the Lied Center at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln ranked 85th overall. The result, based on ticket sales from mid-November 2017 to mid-November 2018, was the Lied’s highest-ever ranking.

“This past year was one of the greatest in our history,” said Bill Stephan, executive director of the Lied. “Attendance growth is due to the exceptionally talented artists performing on our stage and the generous support of the people of Nebraska who make these performances possible.”

Shows factored into the ranking included Misty Copeland performing in American Ballet Theater’s ‘Firebird’; Broadway’s ‘Jersey Boys,’ ‘Kinky Boots’ and ‘The Color Purple’; Audra McDonald; Snarky Puppy; and the Mariinsky Orchestra. Lied Center commissioned works and world premieres by Philip Glass and Danny Elfman also assisted the final total.

“The Book of Mormon’s” record-breaking attendance of 15,000 in December 2018 was not included in the ranking. The eight performances of the comedy musical averaged 1,850 people per show in the 2,200-seat theater.

Lincoln’s Pinnacle Bank Arena was also recognized as No. 119 in Pollstar’s top 200 arena venues.

Learn more about the Lied Center and find tickets to upcoming events.