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Ticketing

All articles tagged with #ticketing

AGs subpoena FIFA over World Cup ticketing practices at MetLife Stadium
world7 hours ago

AGs subpoena FIFA over World Cup ticketing practices at MetLife Stadium

New York and New Jersey attorneys general have issued subpoenas to FIFA over World Cup 2026 ticketing, focusing on MetLife Stadium where eight matches including the final will be played. They allege fans were misled about seat locations and accuse FIFA of “fake scarcity” and anti-consumer practices amid dynamic pricing that has driven up prices. The investigation is supported by the NYC Department of Consumer and Worker Protection, with FIFA not commenting. The inquiry highlights ongoing controversy over high ticket costs and seat allocations for the tournament in the U.S., Canada and Mexico.

State AGs Question FIFA on World Cup 2026 Ticket Pricing
world9 hours ago

State AGs Question FIFA on World Cup 2026 Ticket Pricing

State attorneys general have summoned FIFA to explain World Cup 2026 ticket pricing, citing concerns about potentially misleading practices and a lack of price transparency, as officials clash with FIFA over costs (including eight matches at MetLife Stadium). The probe follows prior concerns from California’s AG, and local transport issues persist even as NJ Transit cuts a fan fare from $150 to $98 to ease access.

Nebraska Softball Regional Ticket Chaos Highlights Access Gaps
sports15 days ago

Nebraska Softball Regional Ticket Chaos Highlights Access Gaps

Nebraska’s Lincoln Regional (No. 4 seed) sold out, but the ticket rollout sparked a predictable backlash: a tiered sale gave Husker Athletic Fund season-ticket holders first access, followed by non-HAF holders and the public, with reserved seats gone by noon and high-priced SeatGeek resales surfacing before many could buy. Critics say the process favored donors and affected players’ families, exacerbated by Bowlin Stadium’s small capacity. The controversy raises questions about postseason access for softball fans and families if future host rounds occur.

Court ruling challenges Live Nation’s live-music grip, but relief isn’t immediate
business1 month ago

Court ruling challenges Live Nation’s live-music grip, but relief isn’t immediate

A New York federal jury ruled Live Nation to be an illegal monopoly, potentially forcing penalties or divestitures that could loosen its dominance in promotion, venues, and ticketing over time; but ticket prices are unlikely to drop immediately since penalties haven’t been set and an appeal is likely, and broader demand dynamics will continue shaping prices.

Jury Rules Live Nation–Ticketmaster Abused Ticketing Market Power
business1 month ago

Jury Rules Live Nation–Ticketmaster Abused Ticketing Market Power

A Manhattan federal jury concluded that Live Nation and its Ticketmaster subsidiary illegally monopolized the U.S. ticketing market, finding anticompetitive conduct that led to higher fees for fans at major venues (about $1.72 per ticket). Remedies will be decided by a judge, and the case follows a DOJ settlement with divestitures and fee caps that was not fully embraced by many states pursuing their own claims.

LA28 Ticket Frenzy: Early Drops Bring High Prices and Tech Glitches
business1 month ago

LA28 Ticket Frenzy: Early Drops Bring High Prices and Tech Glitches

LA28 kicked off the Olympics’ earliest ticket release with local presales and a general drop, pricing tickets from $28 to $5,519 and adding a 24% service fee. While nearly half of tickets are under $200 and most under $400, many fans still feel priced out amid demand-driven pricing. Users faced access issues like “Access Denied” during time-slot windows, though LA28 said pricing reflects analytics, venue capacity, session type, and demand. Multiple future drops are planned, with limits of 12 tickets per person (plus 12 for soccer).

FIFA’s New Front-Category Tickets Sparks World Cup Seating Controversy
sports-business1 month ago

FIFA’s New Front-Category Tickets Sparks World Cup Seating Controversy

FIFA introduced new Front Category 1 and Front Category 2 ticket tiers for the 2026 World Cup after selling Category 1 as the top tier with vague maps, only to allocate seats later and then offer higher-priced front-row seats in the same sections, prompting accusations that original maps misled buyers. FIFA says maps were indicative, not exact seat layouts, and hasn’t disclosed how many Front seats will be sold or how many tickets remain. The move, along with hospitality packages and opaque seat allocations, has fueled fan frustration and questions about transparency.

Fans allege FIFA misled them on World Cup 2026 seat allocations and maps
sports1 month ago

Fans allege FIFA misled them on World Cup 2026 seat allocations and maps

World Cup 2026 ticket buyers say FIFA misrepresented seat locations with category-based maps that were updated after purchases, leaving many Category 1 tickets in lower or corner sections and hospitality areas occupying prime seats; critics accuse lack of transparency and some consider legal action, while FIFA says maps were guidance and final seat locations can change.

D23 Unveils Ticket Tiers and Big Lineup for August Anaheim Disney Fan Weekend
entertainment2 months ago

D23 Unveils Ticket Tiers and Big Lineup for August Anaheim Disney Fan Weekend

Disney announced D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event’s August 2026 return to Anaheim, detailing tiered Gold Member ticket access, new perks for Disney+ subscribers, and a range of passes (Fan Pass, Ultimate Fan Pass, Preferred Fan Pass) with extensive programming across the Anaheim Convention Center and Honda Center, plus new experiences like Mundo Pixar, the Lorcana Championship, and Walt Disney Archives exhibits; city-wide celebrations and dozens of panels are planned. Tickets go on sale March 31 for Gold Charter Members, April 2 for other Gold Members, with waitlists available for those unable to purchase.

Slack chats reveal Live Nation staff bragging about price gouging customers
business2 months ago

Slack chats reveal Live Nation staff bragging about price gouging customers

Newly released court documents show two Live Nation regional ticketing directors bragging about inflating ancillary fees and “robbing fans blind,” including $250 VIP parking, in private Slack messages that call fans “so stupid.” The exchanges surfaced amid the DOJ antitrust case, even as Live Nation says the remarks don’t reflect its values and notes it has capped amphitheater fees at 15% and invested in fan amenities.

Slack DMs Reveal Live Nation Execs Bragging About Overcharging Fans
business2 months ago

Slack DMs Reveal Live Nation Execs Bragging About Overcharging Fans

DOJ settlement with Live Nation leads to release of 2022 Slack direct messages in which two executives joke about overcharging fans and price-gouging for tickets and ancillary services; Live Nation says the chats don’t reflect company policy. The agreement imposes caps on service fees (15%), limits exclusivity to four years, divestitures at 13 venues, and a nearly $300 million payout to states, while some attorneys general push to continue the case.

Live Nation Ticketing Executives Brag About Sky-High Parking Fees in Unsealed Messages
music2 months ago

Live Nation Ticketing Executives Brag About Sky-High Parking Fees in Unsealed Messages

Two Live Nation amphitheater regional ticketing directors boasted in private Slack chats about gouging fans with high ancillary fees—such as VIP parking up to $250—as part of an antitrust case. Live Nation said the remarks don’t reflect their practices and noted they cap amphitheater fees at 15% while investing in fan amenities; the case is on hold after a tentative settlement, though some state attorneys general may pursue the matter.

DOJ Takes on Live Nation Over Ticketmaster Monopoly in Antitrust Trial
business2 months ago

DOJ Takes on Live Nation Over Ticketmaster Monopoly in Antitrust Trial

The Justice Department sued Live Nation (owner of Ticketmaster), alleging a market-wide monopoly that stifles competition, pressures venues and artists, and overcharges fans with high ticket prices and fees; the government seeks remedies that could include breaking up the company and undoing the 2010 merger. Live Nation denies the monopoly claim, arguing the market is highly competitive and that the case will hinge on market definitions and evidence from executives, with a six-week trial.

Surprise World Cup sale exposes price barriers behind apparent demand
sports2 months ago

Surprise World Cup sale exposes price barriers behind apparent demand

FIFA opened an additional sales window for the 2026 World Cup after claiming high demand, but analysis shows many high-priced matches still have tickets available. The inventory appears to consist of leftovers or mispriced seats, with the U.S. opener (priced up to $2,735 for Category 1) still unsold, while cheaper or less glamorous games sold more quickly. Experts say demand exists, but pricing is likely suppressing sales, and it remains unclear how FIFA will adjust pricing or timing before the next sales phase. Most games are expected to sell out, but the path there remains uncertain.

Jury to weigh alleged Live Nation-Ticketmaster monopoly in landmark antitrust trial
business2 months ago

Jury to weigh alleged Live Nation-Ticketmaster monopoly in landmark antitrust trial

The DOJ and 39 states accuse Live Nation Entertainment and Ticketmaster of maintaining a monopoly over live events, venues, and primary ticketing. Jury selection is underway in Manhattan with opening statements expected soon. Judge Arun Subramanian narrowed the case to three core claims (amphitheater power, venue-facing ticketing, and related contracting) to determine whether coercive contracts and switching costs exist, and what remedies—such as restrictions on exclusivity or structural changes—might look like. The trial will reveal industry mechanics behind venue choices and touring decisions, and while it won’t instantaneously overhaul the system, it could reshape how the market operates in the future. Witness lists include industry figures from artists to venue executives, illustrating the behind-the-scenes dynamics that influence fan experiences and pricing.