When JP Desrosiers arrived at work at 6 a.m. Friday, almost 60 people were lined up waiting to get inside to purchase tickets.
“At it’s peak, there were probably 150 people waiting for tickets before they went on sale,” said Desrosiers. “There was nobody camped out. I came over (Thursday) night around 8:30 to check and there was nobody here.”
Tickets went on sale at 10 a.m.
A select number of presale tickets were available Thursday through Jackson’s fan club and by the promoter. Those tickets, said Desrosiers, were quickly snapped up.
Jackson takes the stage inside Eastlink Arena at Credit Union Place on May 1.
By 3:30 p.m. Friday, more than 4,000 tickets had been sold. Just shy of 5,000 tickets are being sold for the event.
Tickets were sold through Ticketmaster.
“It went flawless. It was very steady,” said Desrosiers. “We’re about 85 per cent sold out right now. I am thinking, I don’t have any guarantees, that we will be sold out by the end of the day tomorrow or the end of the weekend at least.”
Asked if there would be a possible second show added at Credit Union Place, Desrosiers said there has been nothing confirmed with the promoter.
“On every show day, there’s always a chance that seats get opened. But if people want tickets I wouldn’t wait,” he added.
Jackson, known for hits “Summertime Blues”, “Livin’ On Love”, “Its Five O’Clock Somewhere” and “Chattahoochee” traditionally doesn’t play smaller arenas like Credit Union Place.
Desrosiers said hounding on his part help cement the deal to bring the country superstar to Summerside.
“This promoter was looking the last little while to step outside of St. John’s and look towards other parts of the Maritimes. I’m always trying to chase down new business,” he added. “I hounded him until he finally said he’d bring Alan Jackson in. Our demographic helps. We’re a rural location. The success of the country music festival every summer obviously helps to show there’s a market here.”
The city has hosted several successful concerts, including back-to-back sold-out concerts by Sir Elton John, Bryan Adams and John Mellencamp.
When asked if Jackson’s concert would be the biggest of 2013 for the city, Desrosiers said there could be more to come.
nmacphee@journalpioneer.com
It looks like it will be a sell out! Great news and great job Summerside! Some like to criticize, but they obviously don't undestand economics. Just sayin! Oh, and keep the shows coming! They are great for the community and local businesses too.