Fans Brave Cold Evening to Secure Elton John Tickets
YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio -- To paraphrase one of Elton John's biggest hits, Thursday night's all right for…waiting.
Longtime Elton John fan Jim O'Neill, a resident of Lake Milton, staked out the coveted first-in-line spot outside the Covelli Centre in downtown Youngstown Thursday -- a full 24 hours before tickets went on sale at 10 a.m. Friday -- for the international pop star's second appearance at the venue.
Just before the box office opened, more than 130 people were lined up outside the arena for a chance to get their hands on tickets for what is likely the biggest entertainment event to hit the city since John last played here in May 2010.
“It says something for the community that he enjoyed our last show," O'Neill said. "He’s coming back to hopefully turn it on again.”
The least expensive seats of $26 sold out within 10 minutes. At posting, a limited amount of single seats were still available, but most of the show was sold out by mid-afternoon, reported Kelsey Rupert, director of marketing and sales for the Covelli Centre. The remaining seats at the arena are priced at $76 and $136.
Others waiting since the night before had set up chairs, umbrellas, and winter coats to brave the early December weather.
“Bring a lot of clothes, be mentally prepared for the cold that we’ve had, and come ready for a long night,” O'Neill laughed.
Sir Elton John’s 2010 performance sold 7,000 seats in 30 minutes. This show sold just more than 6,000 tickets, a reduced number because the stage this time is larger and will require more room
A limited number of single tickets for the show are still available and can be purchased on ticketmaster.com, by phone at 800-745-3000, or at the Covelli Centre box office.
"This is one of those things that you'd never think lighting would strike twice in the same place," Rupert said. "It's really exciting to have him here again."
Copyright 2013 The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.
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