Two Arkansas concert venues are receiving international recognition after earning spots in Pollstar’s 2026 Mid-Year Rankings, highlighting the state’s growing presence in the live entertainment industry.
The Walmart Arkansas Music Pavilion (AMP) in Rogers ranked among the world’s top amphitheaters, while Simmons Bank Arena in North Little Rock earned a place on Pollstar’s list of the world’s top arenas.
Based on mid-year box office data, the Walmart AMP ranked No. 11 in the world and No. 9 in the United States among amphitheaters for ticket sales. The venue also placed No. 15 globally and No. 12 nationally based on gross ticket revenue.
The rankings place the Northwest Arkansas venue alongside some of the entertainment industry’s most successful outdoor concert venues.
“We are proud that our ticket sales reflect that we’ve been able to continue offering a slate of shows that resonate with audiences in our region,” said Nick Zazal, general manager of the Walmart AMP. “A growing destination like Northwest Arkansas deserves a premier venue that is capable of hosting some of the biggest and best acts in the entertainment business, and it is always nice when the industry takes notice. A sincere thank you to all the fans who come out night after night to support live music.”
Meanwhile, Simmons Bank Arena announced that it ranked No. 75 in the world and No. 29 in the United States in Pollstar’s 2026 Mid-Year Arena Rankings.
In a message shared on social media, the North Little Rock venue credited concertgoers for helping achieve the recognition.
“Thank you to every guest who bought a ticket, sang along, laughed until you cried, cheered from your seat, and made memories with us this year. Every event you’ve attended helped make this possible,” the post said.
Together, the rankings showcase Arkansas’ growing reputation as a destination for major concerts and live entertainment, with two of the state’s premier venues earning recognition alongside some of the world’s most prominent performance spaces.
Photo courtesy of Walmart AMP
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