Southern Gospel News SGNScoops Digital

NASHVILLE, Tenn.— For the third consecutive year, the Winter Jam Tour Spectacular reigns as the #1 tour in the world (first quarter). Leading Pollstar’s 2013 Worldwide First Quarter Ticket Sales Charts – Top 100 Tours, Winter Jam attendance surpassed all other tours to date this year, including outings by Pink, Maroon 5, Justin Bieber and Bon Jovi, among others.

Concluding its 18th season March 30 with a record-setting 42 sellouts since launching in January, the 44-city mega tour hit some of the country’s largest arenas. With a combined total audience of nearly 554,000 people, this year’s tour was the biggest in Winter Jam history.

Founded and hosted by GRAMMY®-nominated NewSong, the Winter Jam 2013 Tour Spectacular was headlined by GRAMMY®-winning, multi-platinum recording artist TobyMac. Presented by World Vision and promoted by Premier Productions, the tour also featured RED, Matthew West, Jamie Grace, Sidewalk Prophets and Royal Tailor, with a message from national speaker Nick Hall. Additionally, the Youth Music Vault Pre-Jam Party included performances from Jason Castro, OBB and Capital Kings.

Highlights of this year’s unprecedented tour included sellouts at such top venues as Chicago’s Sears Centre; Atlanta’s Philips Arena; The Sprint Center in Kansas City; Oklahoma City’s Chesapeake Energy Arena; and Cleveland’s Wolstein Center, among numerous others. Winter Jam’s capacity “hometown” stop at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena February 9 featured a string of special guest appearances, including Newsboys’ Michael Tait, Francesca Battistelli, Mandisa and for KING & COUNTRY. The tour concluded March 30 at San Antonio’s AT&T Center, with an opportunity for fans around the world to view the show live online.

“Without fail, God uses Winter Jam to touch lives for His Kingdom in ways that exceed our greatest expectations every year,” said NewSong’s Eddie Carswell, founder of Winter Jam. “Record sellouts have allowed more people than ever to hear the Gospel of Jesus Christ during the tour, while providing opportunities to help the least of these around the world. Behind the scenes, Winter Jam is a special family. Lifelong friendships are made among the tour’s amazing artists and crew.”

Created by NewSong in 1995, Winter Jam has consistently featured the genre’s biggest names, introducing Christian music to new audiences across the country while providing a powerful platform for the Gospel message.

For further information, visit www.jamtour.com or  www.turningpointpr.com.