SF Opera Free Simulcasts Pay Off

According to an article in the Wall Street Journal on Thursday, SF Opera has figured out that the free ball park simulcasts have brought in about $880,000 in new-patron tickets. Since it spent about $800,000 for the past 4 simulcasts, this is a small profit. The key is holding the event in a venue instead of an open-air plaza or park. The opera can thus monitor attendees by collecting information about them when they register on-line for early admission.

Compared to some of its rivals, SF Opera is doing well financially. Attendance was up for the 2008-09 season. Its deficit of $1.3 million is modest compared to the $14 million emergency loan that Domingo had to take out for the LA Opera.

30,000 are expected for the Friday, September 24th simulcast of Aida. For a chance to sit in the field, advanced registration is a must.