1990 consumer expenditures for admissions to performing arts events were $5.0 billion in current terms, a $1.1 billion increase from 1989, and $4.1 billion in constant dollar terms (1987=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 1990, expenditures for performing arts events surpassed those for both spectator sports and motion pictures. Performing arts admission receipts totaled $5.0 billion in 1990, while admission receipts for motion picture theatres rose only $0.2 billion from 1989 to $4.1 billion, and admissions to spectator sports events increased $0.2 billion to $4.5 billion.

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.