New report: Illinois independent music, performance venues contribute $3.9B to economy
National study indicates 78 percent of independent stages in Illinois are struggling with unprofitability due to inflation, Live Nation, and predatory ticket resale
On Oct. 8, 2025, the National Independent Venue Association (NIVA) unveiled the economic impact findings from the regional The State of Live report — the first comprehensive national study examining the economic contributions of independent venues, festivals, and promoters across 50 states and Washington, D.C.
According to The State of Live report, conducted in 2025, independent stages in Illinois:
- Generated $3.9 billion in total economic output.
- Contributed $2.3 billion directly to the state GDP.
- Supported 25,913 jobs across the local economy.
- Paid $1.3 billion in wages and benefits.
- Produced $288.8 million in annual state and local tax revenue.
“Every night we see how live music fuels Illinois’ culture and economy,” said Rory O’Connor, owner of Castle Theatre in Bloomington. “But with rising costs and predatory ticket resale practices, it’s harder than ever for independent stages to stay afloat. This report makes clear what we’ve long known. Our stages are vital community anchors, and we need fair policies to keep them alive for the next generation.”
At the same time, only 22% of independent stages in Illinois reported profitability in 2024, reflecting national trends in which 64% of independent stages nationwide are struggling to remain financially viable due to inflation, anti-competitive practices, and predatory ticket scalping.
Nationally, the State of Live report, released earlier this year, found that independent stages generated $153.1 billion in economic output, and contributed $86.2 billion directly to the U.S. GDP, supported more than 907,000 jobs, and paid over $51.7 billion in wages and benefits — eclipsing the U.S. beer, gaming, and airline industries.
“Independent venues and festivals are more than cultural assets. They are major economic drivers,” said Stephen Parker, executive director of NIVA. “In Illinois, the independent live sector generates $3.9 billion in economic output and supports 25,913 jobs. That scale rivals some of the largest investment and job announcements in the state, and it should be top of mind for the Governor, legislators, and local officials when making decisions about investing in the arts and live entertainment. Independent stages are proven community anchors and should have a seat at the table when leaders set priorities for economic growth and cultural investment.”
The impact and struggles of the independent live sector unveiled by this report reflect the urgent need for Illinois governments to ensure they are not prioritizing public funding and preferential treatment for alleged monopolist and noted industrial scalper Live Nation. It also underscores the need for resale ticket price caps to stop price gouging of consumers in Illinois by resale platforms and predatory scalpers.
The State of Live report serves as a critical resource for policymakers, community leaders, and industry stakeholders working to protect and grow the independent live entertainment sector. Conducted by leading economic research firm TEConomy Partners, this groundbreaking report provides clear evidence that independent venues, festivals, and promoters play a vital role in powering the United States economy and sustaining local communities nationwide.
The full Illinois State of Live report is available HERE.
To learn more about the State of Live initiative, visit www.nivassoc.org/stateoflive.
Images courtesy of NIVA.
