Ticketmaster, one of the largest ticketing companies in the world, is facing a lawsuit over the pricing of Drake concert tickets. Fans of the rapper alleged that Ticketmaster intentionally inflated prices and imposed exorbitant fees, making it impossible for many to attend the event. The case is just the latest instance of a growing trend of consumers taking legal action against companies over unfair pricing practices. In this article, we will examine the details of the case and the broader implications it could have for the ticketing industry.
A Canadian law firm has filed a class-action lawsuit against Ticketmaster, the world’s largest ticket seller, for allegedly inflating ticket prices for an upcoming Drake concert. The lawsuit was filed on behalf of a Quebec man who claimed that he had overpaid for a 14 July show before a second tour date was announced. The ticket price for the same seat at the second show was CAD 360 cheaper, the lawsuit claims.
The law firm, LPC Advocat Inc, described the lead plaintiff as a massive fan of the Toronto rap star who purchased “Official Platinum” tickets for Drake’s Montreal show for CAD 789.54 each. Ticketmaster announced a second Montreal tour date the following day, and the same seats were being sold for CAD 427 each. The lawsuit claims that Ticketmaster inflated ticket prices for the first show by marking them as “Official Platinum” and “some of the best seats in the house,” though they were in the upper deck of the arena. It alleges that Ticketmaster was aware that a second Drake show would be added and misled consumers into buying high-priced tickets for the first show.
“There is no way that Drake didn’t know that he was performing two nights in Montreal,” lawyer Joey Zukran, who filed the lawsuit, told the BBC. The lawsuit, which must still be certified, is seeking the court to bar Ticketmaster from branding tickets as “Official Platinum” if they are not the best seats available, and for the company to refund ticket holders the price difference and CAD 300 in damages.
This is not the first time Ticketmaster has faced criticism for its ticket pricing policies. The company has often been accused of having too much control over the live music market and artificially inflating the cost of tickets with fees and service charges. Fans and politicians alike have called for more transparency in the ticket pricing process.
Earlier this month, The Cure’s frontman Robert Smith criticised Ticketmaster when it emerged that, in some cases, additional fees were charged to fans buying tour tickets that added up to more than the face value of the ticket. In response, Ticketmaster agreed to offer partial refunds to ticket-holding fans of the British band.
Ticketmaster, which represents about 70% of all tickets sold in the US, has repeatedly faced criticism for its pricing policies. Companies like Stubhub and Seatgeek have emerged as alternatives to Ticketmaster, offering more transparent pricing models and, in some cases, lower prices. These companies often allow fans to resell their tickets directly to other fans, eliminating the need for intermediaries like Ticketmaster.
In conclusion, Ticketmaster faces another lawsuit over its ticket pricing policies, alleging that the company inflated the price of tickets for a Drake concert. The lawsuit seeks to ban Ticketmaster from branding tickets as “Official Platinum” if they are not the best seats available and to refund ticket holders the price difference and CAD 300 in damages. Ticketmaster has faced criticism in the past for its opaque pricing policies, with fans and politicians calling for more transparency in the ticket pricing process. Alternatives to Ticketmaster, such as Stubhub and Seatgeek, have emerged, offering more transparent pricing models and, in some cases, lower prices.
In conclusion, the controversy surrounding Ticketmaster and their alleged unfair pricing practices for Drake’s tour has sparked outrage among fans and sparked a lawsuit. While Ticketmaster has stated that they haven’t violated any laws, it remains to be seen how this legal battle will play out. In the meantime, it’s important for consumers to be aware of the potential for ticket price manipulation and to carefully consider their options before making a purchase. This case is just one example of the ongoing debate over the fairness of ticket pricing in the entertainment industry, and it serves as a reminder that transparency and consumer protection should be top priorities for all involved.
