LION KING Generates Estimated $11.4 Million To Local Economy

Disney’s THE LION KING is celebrating a sold-out record breaking engagement which ended on Sunday, March 31.  The triumphant three-week premiere engagement grossed more than $3.5 million at the box office and entertained more than 37,000 theatergoers.  The engagement, which played 23 performances from March 14 through March 31, broke the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall’s record for the highest-grossing and most attended engagement in their history.

It is estimated that the Sarasota engagement of THE LION KING generated an economic benefit of more than $11.4 million to the Sarasota economy from travel, hotels, restaurants, parking and other businesses patronized by both theatergoers and production staff. This figure is based upon a Touring Broadway League report which found that, on average, Broadway tours contribute an economic impact 3.27 times the gross ticket sales to the local metropolitan area’s economy. 

“Bringing THE LION KING to Sarasota has been an effort many years in the making,” stated Mary Bensel, Executive Director of the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall. “It has been thrilling to see the joy and excitement of the entire community at this special premiere which was also the first time the hall has ever presented a three-week run. This completely sold out production also broke all box office records. Audiences of all ages and backgrounds have been moved by these amazing performances and the actors have been a joy to work with. This production surpassed our highest expectations on all levels. Bravo to all!”

“What a delight to bring THE LION KING to Sarasota in its premiere engagement,” said Jack Eldon, Vice President, Domestic Touring and Regional Engagements, Disney Theatrical Productions. “We are overwhelmed by the response to the show and thank the Sarasota community and Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall for a sensational run.”

The North American touring productions of THE LION KING have been seen by more than 20 million theatergoers in over 80 cities throughout North America.