VENU to Launch Blockchain-Powered Digital Platform for Live Music Engagement in 2026

VENU, a premium hospitality and live entertainment company, plans to launch a blockchain-powered digital platform in early 2026. The platform will introduce tokenized digital memberships, fan rewards, and soft ticketing services, expanding its entertainment ecosystem beyond the stage. With a growing network of physical venues and a target of 25 amphitheaters and 15 indoor entertainment complexes by 2030, VENU aims to own over 350,000 seats, positioning it as one of the largest players in U.S. live entertainment.

VENU Holding Corporation (NYSE American: VENU), a leading developer, owner, and operator of upscale live music venues and premium hospitality destinations, has announced plans to launch a digital, blockchain-powered platform in early 2026. This initiative aims to expand VENU’s entertainment ecosystem beyond traditional venues, introducing tokenized digital memberships, fan rewards, and soft ticketing services. The platform leverages cutting-edge blockchain technologies through partnerships with crypto industry leaders, redefining digital ownership and fan engagement.

The digital platform will be a cornerstone of VENU’s forward strategy, aiming to significantly increase ticket sales and invite a larger audience to enjoy unique live experiences. The company’s CEO, J.W. Roth, explained that the platform will dramatically improve live-streamed entertainment and unlock new experiences for fan ownership. VENU’s aggressive scaling of its physical venue footprint, with the opening of three new amphitheaters in 2026 and a target of 25 amphitheaters and 15 indoor entertainment complexes by 2030, positions the company as one of the largest players in U.S. live entertainment. By 2030, VENU aims to own over 350,000 seats, equating to over 20 million annual tickets sold with over $2 billion in gross ticket sales volume.

VENU’s blockchain initiative is not just a tech bolt-on but a core part of its strategy to innovate in the live entertainment industry. Roth emphasized the potential of real-world asset (RWA) tokenization, which involves using technology to bring tangible goods or services to the blockchain, supercharging their utility. The first successful use-case of RWA tokenization was dollar-backed stablecoins, with over $250 billion in circulation today. Roth believes that VENU’s seats, soft ticketing platform, and overall fan experiences could be the next assets to be tokenized.

The digital engagement layer that VENU plans to introduce will unify benefits across its properties, reduce friction in soft ticketing and rewards, and create a direct channel to its superfans and partners. Roth envisions this as a key factor in catapulting VENU into becoming a global distributor of live music. With growing institutional interest and a digital strategy aligned with future-forward trends, VENU is poised to become a significant player in the intersection of entertainment, real estate, and blockchain innovation.

VENU plans to provide further updates as discussions progress and definitive agreements are reached.

References:
[1] https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250820767909/en/Venu-Holding-Corporation-to-Add-Cutting-Edge-Digital-Product-to-Its-Existing-Platform-for-Music-Fans-Globally
[2] https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2025/08/20/3136514/0/en/24-7-Market-News-VENU-to-Launch-Blockchain-Powered-Digital-Platform-to-Transform-Live-Music-Engagement.html