For international artists and world-class shows in promotional tours, it makes sense to add a stop in Central America as they head South from performing in North America or vice versa; in the last years the usual stop is the region is Costa Rica, but why?

Costa Rica is smaller in area than the majority of Central American countries (with the exception of El Salvador) and the least populated, yet, last year it was the only stop in the region for concerts of artists such as Justin Bieber, Bruno Mars and Ed Sheeran; and in the past the country has also been a stop for Metallica, Lady Gaga, Guns N’ Roses, Paul McCartney, Shakira, among many more. In 2017 there were a total of 102 massive shows authorized, the majority of which, 65, were of international artists.

The reason is simple, Costa Rica is the only country in the region with A class venues (according to information published in national daily La Nacion); this are the National Stadium and Parque Viva.

The fact that the country also provides state of the art technology and equipment (audio, video, lightning), the level of production, security, guarantees, organization, adequate infrastructure such as comfortable dressing rooms and even adequate conditions for the stage hands, make the country the best alternative.

There are downsides, of course, ticket prices are generally high, which has to do with the taxes that reach 30.5% of each ticket sold; there are many requirements to comply with, and the response of the different entities that have to approve the permits for these shows is generally very slow.

The National Stadium has a maximum capacity of 42,000 people, while Parque Viva can fit 20,000.

This year the country has already announced several international shows: Cirque du Soleil, The Killers, Cesar Milan and Andrea Bocelli.