On Tuesday, August 5, The Academy Is… announced their forthcoming Almost Here 20th anniversary tour, and fans already have their pre-sale tickets purchased and ready to go. However, some viewers of TAI’s VIP packages noticed a rather unique price point.
Across their United States tour dates, The Academy Is… is offering two VIP packages: “Attention Attention” VIP Experience retailing at $275, and the “Almost Here” VIP Package for…$6,000.
For reference, the current general admission artist presale ticket is around the $50 mark across cities.
Included in the “Attention Attention” VIP Experience is one general admission ticket, a meet-and-greet, a signed VIP laminate, a commemorative show ticket, venue first entry (when available), and early merch shopping (when available).
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Now, if you look at the “Almost Here” VIP Package for, again, $6,000, you’ll get to “Open for The Academy Is… and enjoy all the perks of being a superstar—without any of the pressure to perform!” While unclear, this does not seem to literally indicate an opening tour slot, but refers to the backstage access perks.
If you examine the package further, it says that buyers will receive everything from the “Attention Attention” VIP Experience as well as backstage green room access and space to “warm up your vocals with Bill Beckett before stepping on stage.”
Purchasers can also bring up to three guests, have their own show rider, take show memorabilia (set lists, guitar picks, etc.), receive custom band art, and become a lifetime guest lister with free band tickets for every TAI headlining show. (Perhaps this hints at many more tours to come?)
Naturally, some fans noted that this price is not one they’d pay, such as @amazingamanda_eka.
Additionally, alternative TikToker @valeriesvoice noted that The Academy Is… offered a $1,000 VIP during a previous run, which also included soundcheck viewing, band Q&A, and a post-show Zoom. She asks, “Times are tough, but are they that tough?”
Rest assured, the multi-thousand-dollar VIP package is still available in all cities, except for New York City. If you’re seeking out general admission tickets, they are available with code “SISKYBUSINESS.” All general tickets go live on Friday, August 8 at 10 AM local time. Check out the full run below and grab your tickets here.
Tour Dates:
- Dec. 20—Santa Ana, CA @ Observatory
- Sept. 20—Chicago, IL @ Concord Music Hall
- Nov. 13—Columbus, OH @ The Bluestone
- Nov. 14—Cleveland, OH @ House Of Blues
- Nov. 15—Detroit, MI @ The Fillmore
- Nov. 21—Boston, MA @ House of Blues
- Nov. 22—New York, NY @ Irving Plaza
- Nov. 23—Philadelphia, PA @ The Fillmore
- Dec. 4—McKees Rocks, PA @ Roxian Theatre
- Dec. 5—Sayreville, NJ @ Starland Ballroom
- Dec. 6—Silver Spring, MD @ The Fillmore
- Dec. 12—Englewood, CO @ Gothic Theatre
- Dec. 19—Los Angeles, CA @ The Belasco
