I'm one of those that tried the symphony subscription route but gave it up. After a few minutes I wished for a good book to read while listening to the music. I love opera but I just don't want to watch an orchestra for two hours. A dying art, I'm afraid.
You have a point. Used as background music for other events, it has a better chance. For example, 4th of July (Tchaikovsky's 1812 Overture), the old British Vauxhall tradition and dancing just to name a few other options.