Billy Joel show was Barclays Center's biggest yet

“We are thrilled that so many people wanted to ring in the New Year at Billy Joel’s first arena show in New York City since 2006,” Barclays Center chief executive Brett Yormark said in a statement. “In this city, being first matters, and we are proud that Billy, an iconic New Yorker, chose Barclays Center to make his dramatic return. … It was an unforgettable event and continues our goal to bring the best to Brooklyn and to further provide an unprecedented customer experience.”

Joel’s attendance numbers were higher than other sold-out shows at Barclays Center because his open stage setup allowed the arena to sell 100 seats behind the stage, which turned out to be pretty good seats since Joel played on a stage that rotated throughout the show. There were also an additional 600 spots made available when the arena allowed each suite holder to purchase six standing-room-only passes. There were also 100 seats set on the concourse opposite the stage.

Joel’s tour continues in Sunrise, Fla., next week and returns to the area on Jan. 27, when his monthly residency at Madison Square Garden begins.