Colombia consolidated its position in 2025 as the leading market for concerts and live entertainment in South America, according to industry figures and international rankings. During that year, the country’s stadiums and arenas generated more than US$99 million from musical and entertainment events, surpassing traditional powerhouses such as Brazil, Chile, and Argentina. The figure confirms a trend that has been rising since the post-pandemic period and positions the country as a strategic stop on global tours.
The recognition is not only financial. Pollstar, one of the most influential publications in the live entertainment industry, included five Colombian venues among the most important in South America.
Colombia’s most important concert venues in South America
Pollstar’s ranking highlights the operational capacity, audience reach, and gross revenue of venues, and Colombia stands out with figures that underscore its leadership. Estadio Nemesio Camacho El Campin, in Bogota, ranked second in South America, with more than 329,000 cumulative attendees and approximately US$35.4 million in revenue, making it the most profitable venue in the country in 2025.
Close behind is Estadio Atanasio Girardot in Medellín, which welcomed around 280,000 attendees and generated close to US$28 million, securing a spot in the regional Top 5. The stadium has become the epicenter of large-scale concerts in Colombia, particularly for urban music and Latin pop artists.
Another major highlight of the year was Vive Claro Arena, also in Bogota. Recently inaugurated, the venue managed to enter South America’s Top 5 in its very first year of operation, with nearly 200,000 attendees and an estimated US$20 million in revenue, an exceptional performance for a debut venue.
The list is completed by Estadio Metropolitano Roberto Melendez in Barranquilla, which surpassed 120,000 attendees and generated around US$10 million, placing it among the 25 most important venues in the region. In Cali, Estadio Olimpico Pascual Guerrero also made the list, with close to 100,000 attendees and approximately US$6 million in revenue.
Medellin and Bogota, engines of the musical boom
Colombia’s leadership can largely be explained by the consolidation of Medellin and Bogota as anchor cities for the live entertainment industry. Medellin, internationally recognized as the “capital of reggaeton,” not only attracts global urban music stars but is also advancing ambitious infrastructure plans.
The city is planning an investment exceeding COP 750 billion to expand and modernize Estadio Atanasio Girardot, increasing its capacity to nearly 60,000 spectators, adding a full roof, and meeting FIFA standards, which will enhance its versatility for large-scale events.
Bogota, meanwhile, continues to strengthen its position with a diverse range of venues and programming that spans rock, pop, urban music, and family entertainment. The entry of Vive Claro Arena into the regional ranking confirms the capital’s ability to absorb new infrastructure and meet the demands of major international promoters.
Colombia compared to the rest of South America
In regional comparison, Colombia ranked first in concert revenue in 2025, surpassing Brazil, which generated close to US$80 million, followed by Chile, with around US$60 million, and Argentina, with approximately US$55 million. Beyond the numbers, Colombia’s competitive edge lies in the combination of modern infrastructure, increasingly professional local promoters, and a highly receptive audience.
The future schedule reinforces this trend. For 2026, performances by international artists such as Bad Bunny, Doja Cat, Ed Sheeran, Rosalia, and BTS have already been confirmed, reaffirming Colombia’s role as a key stop on the most ambitious global tours. In this context, this weekend Medellin will host one of the year’s most significant events, with Bad Bunny performing three consecutive concerts. Ticket sales alone are expected to generate nearly US$7 million per night, a figure that highlights the country’s immediate economic impact and powerful drawing capacity.