- My Forums
- Tiger Rant
- LSU Recruiting
- SEC Rant
- Saints Talk
- Pelicans Talk
- More Sports Board
- Coaching Changes
- Fantasy Sports
- Golf Board
- Soccer Board
- O-T Lounge
- Tech Board
- Home/Garden Board
- Outdoor Board
- Health/Fitness Board
- Movie/TV Board
- Book Board
- Music Board
- Political Talk
- Money Talk
- Fark Board
- Gaming Board
- Travel Board
- Food/Drink Board
- Ticket Exchange
- TD Help Board
Customize My Forums- View All Forums
- Show Left Links
- Topic Sort Options
- Trending Topics
- Recent Topics
- Active Topics
Started By
Message
Internal emails reveal Ticketmaster helped scalpers jack up prices
Posted on 9/22/25 at 10:11 am
Posted on 9/22/25 at 10:11 am
LINK
quote:
The Federal Trade Commission sued Live Nation and Ticketmaster on Thursday, alleging that the companies tacitly worked with scalpers to profit from jacking up ticket prices on the secondary market.
As the FTC alleged in a press release, Ticketmaster's years of turning a blind eye to scalpers violated the FTC Act and the Better Online Ticket Sales Act, costing customers "billions in inflated prices and additional fees." Further, artists' efforts to keep event costs low were repeatedly frustrated by executives' greedy bid to drive Ticketmaster revenue by reaping as many additional fees as possible, the FTC alleged.
Rather than blocking scalping, Ticketmaster allegedly provided tech support to help so-called brokers exceed "fake" ticket limits that seemingly only applied to genuine customers buying tickets to see events.
The FTC's investigation revealed that five of the biggest brokers controlled thousands of fake or purchased Ticketmaster accounts buying hundreds of thousands of event tickets and making it impossible for fans to "have a shot at buying fair-priced tickets," FTC chair Andrew Ferguson said.
4
Posted on 9/22/25 at 10:26 am to Major Dutch Schaefer
When able, some of the bands we go see use AXS (AEG) or seated (encore) which are much more user friendly and fan focused. Also for many shows, cash or trade is face-value resale where you won’t get scammed.
the live nation/ticketmaster merger was a colossal mistake to allow and I believe this won’t be fixed until/unless they are forced to divest. Bill Graham would be appalled to see what has become of BGP
the live nation/ticketmaster merger was a colossal mistake to allow and I believe this won’t be fixed until/unless they are forced to divest. Bill Graham would be appalled to see what has become of BGP
This post was edited on 9/22/25 at 10:28 am
Posted on 9/22/25 at 10:32 am to Major Dutch Schaefer
Why don't artists sell their tickets for market value and avoid all this and then they can make the actual money?
There is no reason for Taylor Swift to sell her tickets for $200, when the actual market value was $1000 and up.
Underpricing tickets is what creates the black market.
I understand that is not always possible, as it is often hard to anticipate demand. But for events that the demand is know, like Taylor Swift or the current Oasis tour, they should be selling their tickets for much more.
Is it just a PR move, where they don't want to be seen gouging their fans? I think that ship has sailed.
There is no reason for Taylor Swift to sell her tickets for $200, when the actual market value was $1000 and up.
Underpricing tickets is what creates the black market.
I understand that is not always possible, as it is often hard to anticipate demand. But for events that the demand is know, like Taylor Swift or the current Oasis tour, they should be selling their tickets for much more.
Is it just a PR move, where they don't want to be seen gouging their fans? I think that ship has sailed.
Posted on 9/22/25 at 10:34 am to Major Dutch Schaefer
RICO
Posted on 9/22/25 at 10:39 am to Bjorn Cyborg
I think you have to distinguish between mega stars like Taylor Swift and “normal” live shows. For the most part bands want to keep their prices fair and their tickets accessible to their fans. Bands that depend on a loyal fanbase, especially those fans who see multiple shows, are mindful of this. Record sales can’t sustain a living for the great majority of musicians…they need a full house at the show, of fans who are engaged with the music and are likely to be repeat customers.
throw out swift/etc. they DO make money selling records. For the remaining 90%, their livelihood depends on a trustworthy relationship with showgoing fans
throw out swift/etc. they DO make money selling records. For the remaining 90%, their livelihood depends on a trustworthy relationship with showgoing fans
Posted on 9/22/25 at 12:02 pm to cgrand
quote:
I think you have to distinguish between mega stars like Taylor Swift and “normal” live shows.
Sure, but there also isn't the huge black market for "normal" live shows. There has to be a supply/demand issue to create the black market, and the mega stars create that by underpricing their tickets.
Posted on 9/22/25 at 12:04 pm to Bjorn Cyborg
Ticketmaster has a monopoly on literally all government owned venues, most venues over 500 capacity, and virtually ALL venues over 2000 capacity. If you’re a performer, you have no choice but go through ticketmaster.
Posted on 9/22/25 at 12:24 pm to kingbob
quote:
Ticketmaster has a monopoly on literally all government owned venues, most venues over 500 capacity, and virtually ALL venues over 2000 capacity. If you’re a performer, you have no choice but go through ticketmaster.
That's certainly an issue. But if the tickets are priced correctly, there is not much room for scalpers.
Taylor Swift pricing her tickets at $200 instead of $1,000, would have created a black market regardless of whether Ticketmaster was involved or not.
Posted on 9/22/25 at 12:33 pm to Major Dutch Schaefer
One of the largest, most visible monopolies in this country for decades and growing, and no one will do a thing about it.
Page 1 of 1
Popular
Back to top
Follow TigerDroppings for LSU Football News