Lady Gaga breaks concert attendance record: What are the biggest concert venues in MA?

• The biggest concert in Massachusetts history was singer Ed Sheeran at Gillette Stadium on July 1, 2023.
• Gillette, Fenway Park in Boston, and the Xfinity Center in Mansfield are some of Massachusett’s biggest concert venues.

Lady Gaga broke the record for the highest-attended concert by a female artist when over 2 million people attended her concert in Copacabana beach in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil Saturday.

Could such a concert even be held in Massachusetts? Here’s a look at the biggest concerts and concert venues in the Bay State.

What is the biggest concert in Massachusetts history?

The biggest concert in Massachusetts history was singer Ed Sheeran at Gillette Stadium on July 1, 2023.

For that event, 71,723 attended Sheeran’s concert, which broke the single-show attendance record at Gillette.

However, if you count orchestral concerts, the Boston Pops free concert on the Esplanade on the Fourth of July has attracted over 500,000 attendees. 

What are the biggest concert venues in Massachusetts?

Gillette Stadium (Foxboro)

Concert capacity: 65,878 (depending on stage size)

Gillette transforms from a football stadium to a huge concert venue in the warmer months, hosting artists from Beyonce to Kendrick Lamar. 

It was the first NFL stadium Taylor Swift ever headlined, and she gave three performances in The Eras Tour there in May of 2023. While she’s played 13 shows at Gillette, it’s country star Kenney Chesney that has played the venue more than any other: at least 24 times.

While 65,878 is the football capacity, depending on the stage size it’s possible for the event space to fit more people.

Fenway Park (Boston)

Concert capacity: 37,755

Since 2003, at least one concert has been held at Fenway Park thanks to the Fenway Concert Series. Last year, artists like Noah Kahan and the Foo Fighters performed at the iconic baseball stadium. This year, the season kicks off May 29 with Shakira.

Xfinity Center (Mansfield)

Concert capacity: 19,900

The Xfinity Center in Mansfield is an outdoor amphitheater that features open air seating and a lawn. It has 7,000 reserved seats, 7,000 lawn seats and 5,900 general admission seats. 

This year, performing artists include Halsey, Wiz Khalifa, and the Doobie Brothers.

TD Garden (Boston)

Concert capacity: 19,600

It’s currently Celtics season, but the TD Garden hosts concerts of all types year round. This summer, artists like Tyler the Creator, Gracie Abrams and Stevie Nicks will take to the stage.

DCU Center (Worcester)

Concert capacity: 14,800

This indoor arena located in downtown Worcester holds a range of shows. Since the building was opened by Frank Sinatra in 1982, it has hosted the likes of Aerosmith, Elton John, and Madonna.

Other Massachusetts venues

• Agganis Arena (Boston): 7,200
• Blue Hills Bank Pavilion (Boston): 5,000
• Leader Bank Pavilion (Boston): 5,000
• Roadrunner (Boston): 3,500
• Orpheum Theatre (Boston): 2700
• Boston Opera House (Boston): 2,677
• Symphony Hall (Boston): 2,625
• House of Blues Boston (Boston): 2,200
• Shubert Theatre (Boston): 1,500
• Jordan Hall (Boston): 1,051