This annual update of information from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis presents new data for 1988 and revises some data for 1986 and 1987 that was reported in note #30.

1988 consumer expenditures for admissions to performing arts events were $4.4 billion in current terms and $3.2 billion in constant dollar terms (1982=100). Since 1982, the Research Division has reported on annual admission expenditures for the performing arts and two other types of admission expenditures - motion picture theatres and spectator sporting events based on data from the Bureau of Economic Analysis. In 1988, expenditures for performing arts events surpassed that for spectator sports, for the 4th consecutive year and, for the first time, motion pictures. Performing arts admission receipts totaled $4.4 billion in 1988, while admission receipts for motion picture theatres remained at $4.2 billion, and admissions to spectator sports events totaled $3.2 billion. The trends (in constant dollars) for these 3 categories of admission expenditures are:

1. Admission to performing arts events has experienced consistent growth over the last four years. Since 1984 admissions increased 39 percent in constant dollars.
   
   
2. Admissions to motion picture theatres peaked in 1984, in constant dollar terms, then began a downward trend. The decline since 1984 is 12 percent.
   
   
3. Spectator sports admissions remained flat or declined each year since 1984 in constant dollar terms. The overall decline since 1984 is 12 percent.

This annual update of information from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis presents new data for 1988 and revises some data for 1986 and 1987 that was reported in note #30.