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 …
Ticketmaster cancels remaining sales for US leg of BTS member Suga’s solo tour
Ticketmaster has cancelled the general Verified Fan presale and general onsale for the US leg of BTS member Suga’s solo tour in April and May, due to the level of demand during the first presale. The Live Nation-owned ticketing platform announced yesterday (Thursday) that “due to extremely high demand during today’s Army Member Presale, there …
Eventbrite set to lay off roughly 8% of workforce
Ticketing service provider Eventbrite has said that it will lay off around 8% of the company’s workforce to cut costs. As reported by Reuters, Eventbrite is also planning to relocate about 30% of the remaining roles, including moving development roles to Spain and India from Argentina and the US. The company will also relocate nearly …
US visa price hikes could make international touring difficult
Artists and those in the music industry have discussed the damage that will be done to international touring, should a 260% price hike for US visas be allowed to proceed. It was recently revealed that the US Department of Homeland Security was planning to increase touring visa fees for foreign acts by more than 250%. …
FIFA’s Request for Information offers opportunity to be involved with 2026 World Cup
FIFA, football’s global governing body, is seeking proposals from interested companies that can deliver a ticketing solution for the FIFA World Cup 2026, which will be taking place across Canada, Mexico and the US. The 2026 World Cup will be the first edition to feature 48 teams, an expansion on the current 32 teams. FIFA …
President Biden calls for limits on concert and sporting ticket fees
US President Joe Biden has called on Ticketmaster and other companies to lower service fees which are often added to tickets for concerts or sporting events. The President met with the Competition Council yesterday (Wednesday) and promoted his ‘Junk Fee Prevention Act’. This Act would also include restrictions on early cancellation charges imposed by TV, …
Oak View Group introduces Theater Alliance and initial members
Oak View Group (OVG) has formed a Theater Alliance alongside an inaugural roster of 39 theatres and performing arts venues, in 18 markets across the US. The alliance will benefit from collective buying power, sponsorship opportunities, industry best practices and resources, and shared proceeds from an annual fundraising gala. OVG, the venue development, advisory and …