Beyoncé’s 'Cowboy Carter' concert is a record-breaker for Chicago

Chicago has once again proven its status as a premier entertainment destination, thanks to Beyoncé’s Chicago concert, part of her Cowboy Carter Tour, at Soldier Field. The city shattered its previous hotel occupancy records, with an unprecedented 46,450 hotel rooms filled last Saturday—marking the highest single-day Chicago hotel bookings record in the city’s history.

The city’s hospitality sector saw a significant boost throughout the week of May 11-17, a period that included both Beyoncé’s performances and the National Restaurant Association Show at McCormick Place. Nearly 280,000 hotel rooms were occupied during this week, generating an impressive $84.7 million in hotel revenue and $14.7 million in hotel taxes. The average Chicago hotel occupancy rate soared to 85%, underscoring Chicago’s appeal as a world-class travel and event destination.

These record-breaking hotel bookings in Chicago highlight the city’s growing reputation as a must-visit for major events, concerts, and conventions. The ability to attract global superstars like Beyoncé, coupled with high-profile industry events, cements Chicago’s position as a top choice for both leisure and business travelers.

The surge in hotel bookings and revenue not only reflects Beyoncé’s impact on Chicago tourism, but also showcases Chicago’s robust infrastructure and vibrant tourism industry. As Chicago continues to host headline events and international gatherings, the city is poised to break even more records in the future, reinforcing its status as a leading destination for entertainment and hospitality.

Sources:

• Bloomberg: Beyoncé helps drive Chicago hotel bookings above Messi’s record

• Business Times: Beyoncé helps drive Chicago hotel bookings above Lionel Messi’s record

• Instagram: Choose Chicago