AusLeisure

Melbourne's Rod Laver Arena is now ranked sixth worldwide for ticket sales in 2010 with US Music Trade magazine Pollstar reporting year-to-date sales totalling 395,475 tickets for concerts held to 30th September.

Placed ninth mid-year, three sold out Lady Gaga concerts and two Yusuf Islam shows helped boost Rod Laver Arena's standing.

In addition, a Melbourne and Olympic Parks Trust (MOPT) statement highlights that "the Australian Open, and therefore the month of January, is not included in Pollstar's figures - so to rank among world renowned venues such as O2 (London) and Madison Square Garden (New York) is all the more remarkable."

A top three ranking for Rod Laver Arena in 2010 is still a possibility as the New Year approaches and with the venue's December schedule including The Wiggles, Bon Jovi, Gorillaz, Linkin Park, Muse and the Eagles. In 2011, following the Australian Open, Michael Buble, Usher, Rihanna, Roxy Music, Chemical Brothers and Andre Rieu will kick start what promises to be another big year for Rod Laver Arena.

MOPT Chief Executive Brian Morris explains "we are always pleased that an Australian venue is considered in the top 10 worldwide, and Rod Laver Arena has been attracting the cream of world performers for over 20 years now. Despite unsettled economic times, concerts continue to perform above average with good ticket sales across the board.

"Melbourne continues to grow as an international concert destination, and the 17 sold out P!nk shows last year was testament to the venue's popularity."

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