Nate Bargatze’s “Big Dumb Eyes” world tour has achieved a remarkable milestone, breaking attendance records at Salt Lake City’s Delta Center. The tour, which continues until mid-August, has already garnered the title of the highest-grossing comedy show of 2023, according to Billboard. With over 76 performances completed, Bargatze has sold more than 677,000 tickets, accumulating a gross total of $56.7 million. This figure surpasses the $43.7 million earned by Kevin Hart’s “Acting My Age” tour, placing it firmly in the top spot for the year.
Record-Breaking Shows in Utah
Bargatze’s popularity in Utah became evident during his recent performances, where he achieved the highest attendance for a comedy act at the Delta Center, attracting more than 56,500 fans. This accomplishment makes “Big Dumb Eyes” the second most attended event in Delta Center history, trailing only behind a concert by Garth Brooks in 2015. The comedian previously held shows at the Eccles Theater in 2022 and performed three times at the Delta Center earlier in 2023.
During a guest appearance on ESPN’s “College GameDay” in late October, Bargatze expressed confidence in BYU’s chances against Iowa State, playfully noting, “This is a business decision right here. I’ve got four shows in Salt Lake City. BYU, baby!” This light-hearted comment showcased his connection to the local audience, which has embraced his clean comedic style. In a conversation with Deseret News, Bargatze acknowledged the appeal of clean comedy in Utah, referencing other successful comedians like Jim Gaffigan and Brian Regan.
Expanding Horizons Beyond Comedy
As the tour continues, Nate Bargatze is also exploring new opportunities in the entertainment industry. Recently, he announced his decision to step away from his podcast to focus on television and film projects. Following his hosting duties for the Emmy Awards in September, Bargatze will host and serve as executive producer for a new game show titled “The Greatest Average American,” set to premiere in February 2024. The show aims to celebrate the notion of being “perfectly average,” with a grand prize of $67,920, reflecting the average American salary.
In addition to his television ventures, Bargatze will make his feature film debut alongside Mandy Moore in “The Breadwinner,” which is scheduled for release on March 13, 2024. Furthermore, he is in the planning stages of developing an amusement park in Nashville, where he envisions creating safe spaces for families to enjoy.
“I want to create moments for you guys and your families,” he remarked, emphasizing his commitment to building trust with his audience. As Nate Bargatze continues to expand his reach beyond stand-up comedy, his journey reflects a blend of humor, creativity, and a genuine desire to connect with fans in meaningful ways.
