Despite WPIX boost, Barclays Center Nash Bash country concert leaves many empty seats

Well, according to Twitter, those attending the Nash Bash country music concert at the Barclays Center last night had a fine time.

And WPIX 11, again fulfilling its partnership with the arena, reported, vaguely, Country music takes over Brooklyn with Barclays Center concert. 

But other than the "thousands" of country music fans cited by WPIX, how successful was the event?

First, consider that to fill seats, a good number of comps were apparently given out--otherwise Hill Country BK wouldn't have had a stack, as pictured at right.

(Otherwise, tickets were a seemingly reasonable $30.)

I snagged a ticket for bubkes and visited briefly. (It was my first concert at the arena--the bass was loud--though I've gone to a few Brooklyn Nets and college basketball games, never paying full price.)

I saw a lot of empty seats, even as the arena was cordoned off into a theater configuration, with the upper sections closed off. I'd estimate far fewer than the 7,000 people expected.

Numerous concession stands were closed, and there was a long line at one women's restroom.

There may well be an audience for country music at Barclays. The largest group, when canvassed from the stage by the hosts, appeared to be from Long Island. 

But I don't think arena CEO Brett Yormark should be making the claim that there are "385 country bars" in Brooklyn.