The inaugural Rise Up Concert Series, hosted at St. Pete Pier from November 2023 to January 2024, wrapped up with a significant boost to the City of St. Petersburg and its local businesses. With over 37,000 attendees across 11 concerts, averaging about 3,300 tickets sold per event, the series left a lasting impression and had a major economic impact.

In collaboration with Live Nite Events and Pier Events, the series showcased renowned national acts like Ludacris, The Revivalists, Andrew McMahon and Iration. Beyond providing stellar entertainment, this star-studded lineup generated substantial economic benefits, particularly benefiting local hotels, restaurants, and bars.

Millions of direct spending at St. Pete small businesses

All added, the Rise Up Concert Series generated a direct spending amount of over $3.37 million for Downtown St Pete businesses.

The concert series’ success also bolstered the operational budget of St. Pete Pier, collecting $67,990.50 in venue rental and ticketing commissions, according to a press release. This revenue helped alleviate the financial burden on the city, supplementing other essential services like Police, Fire, EMS, Parks & Rec Fees, Permit Fees, and cleaning.

Organizers made a $30,000 donation to Friends of the Pier, Inc., a nonprofit committed to financing family-friendly activities on the Pier. This contribution funded over 25,000 eggs for the recent Easter Egg Hunt event at St. Pete Pier.

Plans underway for 2024 concert series

“Bringing concerts to the St Pete Pier has always been a part of our plan to make the St Pete Pier a place for everyone from all backgrounds,” said Ferdian Jap, Partner at Pier Events, LLC, the company contracted by the City to manage events at the St Pete Pier. Jap continues, “from music lovers with concerts, families with events such as Fall Fest and Ice Cream Fest, sports enthusiasts with the Rockin Roller Rink & Putt Putt, young adults with fun and exciting festivals like Piertoberfest and NYE on the Pier, to the health conscious with our regular Sunset Yogas and Pilates classes.” 

Preparations for the 2024 Rise Up Concert Series are underway, with a promising lineup and continued commitment to community and economic enrichment.