Eric Bischoff Commends AEW‘s Strategic Venue Choice
eric Bischoff,a veteran wrestling promoter,recently offered notable praise for All Elite Wrestling’s decision too utilize smaller,historically important venues like the 2300 Arena for their television tapings. While acknowledging a different personal connection to the arena’s past then some fans,Bischoff believes AEW is making a savvy business move.
He discussed the importance of a vibrant audience during a recent podcast appearance,emphasizing its impact on both live attendees and viewers at home. A packed venue conveys a sense of importance, signaling to your audience that the event is worth their time and attention.
Conversely, a sparsely populated arena can send the wrong message, suggesting a lack of interest. Bischoff experienced this firsthand during his tenure with WCW.
He proactively addressed similar issues by moving WCW’s syndicated production to a controlled sound stage. This allowed him to manage the audience and ensure a more energetic atmosphere, even if ticket sales were low.
Here’s why Bischoff believes AEW’s strategy is working:
Nostalgia Factor: The 2300 Arena holds significant meaning for many wrestling fans, creating a built-in draw.
Television Suitability: The venue’s size is appropriate for television production, ensuring a visually appealing broadcast. Strategic Capacity: Choosing a smaller venue avoids the optics of a large arena with empty seats. It’s better to fill a smaller space than to have a half-empty larger one.
Bischoff pointed out the challenge of filling larger arenas when ticket sales are sluggish. He believes AEW’s choice demonstrates a practical understanding of audience perception and television presentation.
Two shows remain at the 2300 Arena: Dynamite on Wednesday and a Collision taping on Thursday. Following thes events, AEW will head to London, Ontario, for a special September to Remember episode of Dynamite* on September 17th.
All Out will then take place at Toronto’s Scotiabank Arena on september 20th. Ultimately, Bischoff’s assessment highlights AEW’s thoughtful approach to building its brand and delivering a compelling product to its audience. It’s a move that leverages history while prioritizing a strong on-screen presentation, a lesson learned from years in the industry.
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