For an unprecedented fifth consecutive week the Eugene O’Neill Theatre remains in control of TicketNews’ exclusive venue rankings list, behind the Broadway smash “The Book of Mormon.” While this theatre maintains its stronghold on the top spot, there is some new company in the top three this week.

The release of highly anticipated concert tickets lead to a change-up in this week’s venue rankings.

Taking the second place position this week was Los Angeles’ Staples Center. The venue, which is home to the Lakers, Clippers, and Kings, saw a rise this week thanks to the popular British-Irish boy band, One Direction.

One Direction has taken the world by storm, selling out concerts for their 2012 and 2013 tours. The band was previously scheduled to have a two night stand at the arena from August 7-8. However on August 30, the band announced a third date for August 9, 2013 with tickets going on sale to the public this past Saturday, September 8.

Box Office Fox Event Information Database

One Direction was just at the Staples Arena September 6, for the MTV Video Music Awards where they performed for the crowd and walked away with Moonmen for Best New Artist, Best Pop Video, and Most Share-Worthy Video. The band also just announced their sophomore album titled “Take Me Home” will be released on November 13, in time for the 2013 tour.

Rounding out the top three this week is the United Center in Chicago, IL. The venue saw a boost this week from the announcement of Prince’s Welcome 2 Chicago residency, marking the musician’s first time performing in the city since 2004.

Currently there have only been two Prince performances scheduled at the arena for September 24 – 25. Tickets for both tour dates went on sale Thursday, September 6. Many expect Prince will continue to release more dates as he did with previous residencies. The concerts are sure to draw crowds as the colorful artist is known for his lively performances and for being joined by popular guest stars.

TicketNews Exclusive Rankings and Power Scores are based on ticket sales for venues from the TicketNetwork Exchange™. A Power Score illustrates a given venue’s significance among all other venues listed in the Exchange. Two factors are used to calculate a power score: total ticket sales for a venue, and total ticket sales overall.

Top Venues

Week Ending 9/09/12

       Venue Score
1 Eugene O’Neill Theatre Tickets 3.06
2 Staples Center Tickets 2.21
3 United Center Tickets 2.10
4 MetLife Stadium (Formerly New Meadowlands Stadium) Tickets 2.01
5 Dallas Cowboys Stadium Tickets 1.70
6 Pantages Theatre – CA Tickets 1.60
7 Arthur Ashe Stadium Tickets 1.50
8 Madison Square Garden Tickets 1.42
9 Yankee Stadium Tickets 1.13
10 Barclays Center Tickets 1.08
11 MGM Grand Garden Arena Tickets 1.08
12 Thomas & Mack Center Tickets 1.02
13 CenturyLink Field (Formerly Qwest Field) Tickets 0.98
14 American Airlines Arena Tickets 0.98
15 Soldier Field Stadium Tickets 0.80
16 Toyota Center – TX Tickets 0.78
17 Caesars Palace – Colosseum Tickets 0.75
18 Wells Fargo Center – PA (formerly Wachovia Center) Tickets 0.73
19 Lambeau Field Tickets 0.73
20 Oracle Arena Tickets 0.69