The new Pacha New York, which replaces the Brooklyn Mirage concert venue, is set to kick off a weekend of dance music shows. However, the ticket prices are turning out to be quite a shock for many.
Tickets for the opening weekend starting on June 21 are priced at a minimum of $150, significantly higher than the Brooklyn Mirage’s starting price of just $20.
For those looking for an exclusive experience, a VIP ticket to dance backstage with British DJ Michael Bibi will cost a staggering $672.
The following day’s concert features South African DJ Black Coffee, where general admission tickets soar to $177, while VIP tickets reach an astonishing $800.
For perspective, a weekend ticket to see Sarah Landry at the Mirage last year went for only $56, even though she has significantly more Spotify streams than Bibi.
Landry’s show was ultimately relocated to the Knockdown Center after the Mirage couldn’t secure the necessary permits ahead of its outdoor venue opening, a concern that seems to be lingering for Pacha, which is an outpost of the famous Ibiza venue.
This ambitious venue was purchased by Five Holdings, the parent company of the Pacha Group, with plans to entirely demolish and rebuild. However, there have been delays that have kept construction equipment from reaching the site.
Pacha, whose parent company is based in Dubai and has clubs worldwide, assures that it will be ready for the June 20 weekend, even providing vouchers to those who lost money when the Mirage failed to open last summer.
During a community meeting this week, there were worries among locals about drunk partygoers roaming through residential areas. However, the rising ticket prices seem to have stirred even more anger.
“This place is being ransacked. They’re trying to become more of a club than an event space,” said one former patron, speaking anonymously. DJ Steve Aoki is slated to perform for about $80 in 2024.
People on social media are expressing their discontent, with many feeling that this price hike signifies the decline of rave culture in New York City.
“I’m not sure why everyone is excited about this reopening. Going back to $500 bottle service is tough for me,” one commenter noted on Reddit.
“At this rate, you’ll be paying legal fees,” quipped another.
“Lol, Mirage is done. Just a money-making scheme,” someone else remarked.
Pacha Group has not responded to any requests for comments.
