Ohio in Top Ten States for Independent Stages’ Contributions to GDP, Economic Output, Employment, Wages & Benefits and Fans Served,
But Only 20% of Ohio’s Independent Stages Were Profitable In 2024
October 8, 2025 – Today, the National Independent Venue Association (NIVA) unveils 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 Ohio:
- Generated $3 billion in total economic output.
- Contributed $1.5 billion directly to the state GDP.
- Supported 21,604 jobs across the local economy.
- Paid $951.1 million in wages and benefits.
- Served over 5 million fans
- Produced $122.3 million in annual state and local tax revenue.
Ohio’s independent live sector ranks among the top ten states in terms of Contribution to GDP (10th), Economic Output (10th), Fans Served (9th), Jobs Supported (9th), Wages & Benefits (9th) and Industry Employees (7th). Ohio has 312 independent venues & festivals, which ranks (9th) nationally.
“In addition to the vital role we play in the cultural life of communities across the state, Ohio’s independent venues and festivals are a significant contributor to the State’s economy and employment. We are facing stiff financial challenges that put these cultural and economic contributions at risk, which is why we support Ohio Senate Bill 186 – the effort to establish an Ohio Live Music Fund to support these small businesses and the jobs they create,” said Sean Watterson, Co-Owner of The Happy Dog & Chair of the Ohio Chapter of the National Independent Venue Association.
Despite these strong numbers, only 20% of Ohio’s independent stages and festivals were profitable in 2024. This is significantly lower than the national total of 36% on stages that were profitable in 2024. The Great Lakes region struggled compared to other regions, with Pennsylvania at 28%, Illinois at 22%, and New York at 19% profitability.
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 Ohio, the independent live sector generates $3 billion in economic output and supports 21,604 jobs. That scale rivals some of the largest investment and job announcements in the state, and it should be top of mind for governors, 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 Ohio governments to ensure they are not providing public funding and preferential treatment to 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 Ohio 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.
To access the full report and learn more, visit www.nivassoc.org/stateoflive.
ABOUT NIVA The National Independent Venue Association (NIVA) is the national trade association representing thousands of independent live entertainment venues, festivals, promoters, and more. NIVA works to preserve and nurture the ecosystem of live entertainment. NIVA empowers members and their teams with member benefits, advocacy on the state, local, and federal levels, an annual industry-leading conference, and more.
NIVA led the Save Our Stages campaign, culminating in landmark legislation in 2020 that established the $16.25 billion Shuttered Venue Operators Grant program, the largest arts investment in U.S. history.
NIVA is committed to equity in its support of independent stages. It seeks to create and encourage opportunities for venues, promoters, and festivals owned, operated, and staffed by people of color, women, non-binary, LGBTQ+, veterans, and people with disabilities.