BILLY JOEL’S NEW YEAR’S EVE CONCERT SETS BARCLAYS CENTER ATTENDANCE RECORD

“We are thrilled that so many people wanted to ring in the New Year at Billy Joel’s first arena show in New York City since 2006,” said Barclays Center CEO Brett Yormark. “In this city, being first matters, and we are proud that Billy, an iconic New Yorker, chose Barclays Center to make his dramatic return. Billy told the crowd that it was his first performance in Brooklyn since he was about 17 years old, and the borough was delighted to welcome him back. It was an unforgettable event and continues our goal to bring the best to Brooklyn and to further provide an unprecedented customer experience.”
 
The concert also received worldwide exposure. Moments after the ball dropped in Times Square, Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest broadcast a live cut-in from Barclays Center of Joel singing a spirited ‘You May Be Right.’ 

The show concluded a major year for Barclays Center. According to Billboard and Venues Today’s 2013 year-end reports, Barclays Center finished first in revenue and tickets sold for major U.S. arenas with capacities of 15,001 or more. Barclays Center was also ranked second in the world in tickets sold (The O2 in London was No. 1) and third in revenue (The O2 and Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne were No. 1 and No. 2).
 
Since its momentous opening on September 28, 2012, Barclays Center has hosted nearly 2.8 million people at 281 events, which have included world-class entertainers such as JAY Z (eight sold out shows to open the building), Barbra Streisand, The Rolling Stones, Paul McCartney, Beyoncé, Rihanna, Andrea Bocelli, Michael Bublé, Pearl Jam, the MTV Video Music Awards and, most recently, Billy Joel.