Widespread Panic Delivers Widespread Vibes and Economic Energy to Asheville

Three epic nights of Widespread Panic attracted more than 19,000 fans from out of town who contributed more than $8 million to a wide variety of local businesses. Photo Credit: Steve Atkins

WIDESPREAD PANIC DELIVERS WIDESPREAD VIBES AND ECONOMIC ENERGY TO ASHEVILLE

Three shows drew more than 19,000 attendees and $8 million in direct spending to the Asheville Area

Widespread Panic's 2025 Asheville tour featured three sold-out nights and capped off a busy month for the Harrah’s Cherokee Center - Asheville. The concert series contributed more than $8 million to the Asheville, N.C., economy, according to Explore Asheville and the Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority. The report showed that over 19,000 guests attended the events, with 81% represented as out-of-market visitors. In addition, the concerts helped raise $32,944 in funds for local non-profit organizations through the venue’s Community Give Back programs.

In total throughout July, the venue hosted 37 event dates highlighted by The Big Crafty, Craft Fair of the Southern Highlands, and Widespread Panic. Fans from across 49 U.S. states, six Canadian provinces, and three different countries attended the shows in Asheville this past weekend. This month’s tour stop is the band’s first return in Asheville since August 2021, representing the venue’s first show after COVID-19 closures. In 2023, the band had to cancel their scheduled performance due to illness.

Vic Isley, president & CEO of Explore Asheville and the Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority, said, “Thanks to Widespread Panic and their fans for bringing good vibes and economic energy to town over their three shows at the ExploreAsheville.com Arena. More than 80% of ticket holders were visitors from out of town, and a total of more than 19,000 fans contributed $8 million to a wide variety of local businesses. This is just one more demonstration of the significance of large entertainment and arts facilities to our quality of life and economic well-being.” Over the years, the tourism development authority has invested more than $7.2 million in capital improvements to Harrah’s Cherokee Center - Asheville to attract high profile events to our community.

Widespread Panic by the Numbers:

Show Dates: July 24 – 26, 2025
Direct Spending: Estimated at $8 million in a wide variety of local businesses, including lodging, food & beverage sales, retail, recreation, transportation, rental space, and business services. Source: Explore Asheville
Total Tickets: 19,315
Ticket Holder Demographics:

19% regional residents; 81% out-of-market visitors
Top five markets outside of the Asheville area: Charlotte, Atlanta, Raleigh-Durham, New York, and Los Angeles

Local nonprofit organizations’ payouts: $32,944

Local businesses felt a boost in foot traffic and sales this past weekend from the influx of Widespread fans at a much-needed time in the community’s recovery. In 2023, visitors spent $3 billion at local businesses, with 12% ($366 million) on recreation and entertainment.

“There is a symbiotic relationship between live music events and the number of visitors at the Moogseum, said Craig Frustaci, assistant director of the Bob Moog Foundation and The Moogseum. “We had an extremely strong weekend from Wednesday to Monday, thanks to Widespread Panic’s three-night run. Fans toured The Moogseum and purchased merchandise, between dining and shopping at many locally-owned businesses downtown. Despite lower visitation in early July compared to last year, the live music performances helped us finish the month out strong.”

“Widespread Panic and the Home Team crowd have always been, and continue to be, one of our favorite events to host. We hope the band makes plans to return someday in the future,” said Chris Corl, General Manager of the Harrah’s Cherokee Center - Asheville. “Following the closure of our venue last year from September 27 to early December, we are looking forward to a full year of concerts, sports, and events at our venue this year.”

Throughout August, the venue will host 15 days of events, including the next big run of events at the ExploreAsheville.com Arena on August 23-24 with comedian LeAnne Morgan, who will be performing four shows throughout the weekend, and a sold-out Thomas Wolfe Auditorium performance with Louis C.K. More information and tickets can be found at HarrahsCherokeeCenterAsheville.com.