US Representatives Jan Schakowsky and Gus Bilirakis, Ranking Member and Chair, respectively, of the Innovation, Data, and Commerce Subcommittee of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, have introduced a bipartisan legislation that would require all event ticket sellers to display the total ticket price inclusive of all fees. The legislation would mean the total ticket …
Fix The Tix launches plan for US Congress on ticketing
Fix The Tix, a coalition of 30 US organisations representing live entertainment, music and performing arts, has published a plan it believes can “reform” ticketing in the country. The group was launched last month and features organisations such as the National Independent Venues Association (NIVA), the Association of Performing Arts Professionals (APAP) and more. In …
Fix The Tix Coalition opposes BOSS Act in the US
The Fix The Tix Coalition, a campaign group set up by North American live entertainment and ticketing groups, has opposed the BOSS Act. US Congressman Bill Pascrell Jr and House Energy and Commerce Committee Ranking Member Frank Pallone Jr recently introduced the updated BOSS and SWIFT act legislation. Fix The Tix was formed earlier this …
Massachusetts lawmakers introduce ‘Taylor Swift’ ticketing bill
Ahead of Taylor Swift’s performances at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts, two lawmakers introduced a Transparent Ticket Pricing act, which would require ticket sellers to fully disclose the total cost of tickets inclusive of fees. Swift performed two concerts at Gillette Stadium over the weekend, one of which endured heavy rain. State Representative Dan Carey …
US Senators introduce legislation to improve competition in the ticketing markets
US Senator Amy Klobuchar, chair of the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Competition Policy, Antitrust and Consumer Rights, and Senator Richard Blumenthal, have introduced legislation to improve competition within the live event ticketing markets. A press release stated: “Today’s primary ticketing market is dominated by one company that by some estimates has locked up 70 to …
NITO backed by agents, managers and artists to tackle unfair concert ticketing
The National Independent Talent Organisation (NITO) has teamed up with independent agents, managers and artists to tackle unfair concert ticketing in the US. NITO was formed during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, and worked alongside the National Independent Venue Association (NIVA) and other stakeholders to help secure Shuttered Venue Operating Grants for venues, …
US Senators Blumenthal and Whitehouse introduce new junk fee legislation
US Senators Richard Blumenthal and Sheldon Whitehouse have introduced a new legislation that would eliminate excessive fees and enforce transparency in the marketplace around hidden fees. According to a press release from Senator Blumenthal, hidden fees cost Americans billions of dollars annually. The introduction of the ‘Junk Fee Prevention Act’ follows calls from President Joe …
World Baseball Classic breaks attendance records in 2023
The 2023 World Baseball Classic broke attendance records, as well as viewership and merchandise sales records. This year’s event welcomed 1,306,414 people, which is the highest attendance in the history of the tournament. The 2023 total is also a 20% increase on the previous record in 2017 of 1,086,720. The tournament was hosted across Japan, …
Eventim, Mammoth and AG Entertainment Touring create joint venture
Ticketing and live entertainment company CTS Eventim, along with US promoters Mammoth and AG Entertainment Touring, have created a joint venture. Eventim, Mammoth and AG Entertainment Touring hope the partnership will strengthen their positions within the global touring market, and help with signing major acts for US and global tours. Mammoth was founded by Jeff …
Ticketmaster to offer partial refund to The Cure ticket-holders over ‘unduly high’ fees
Ticketmaster will offer ticket-buyers for The Cure’s US tour dates with partial refunds, following complaints over “unduly high” ticket fees. Yesterday (Thursday) frontman Robert Smith said that Ticketmaster’s high fees “sickened” him and went looking for answers from the ticketing company. One fan purchased four tickets at $20 (£17/€19) each, but incurred fees such as …