Following tremendous pushback from angry customers, Ticketmaster announced Friday it will issue refunds for more than 18,000 events postponed due to the novel coronavirus pandemic.
Live Nation Entertainment, the global concert giant that owns Ticketmaster, announced a program to offer refunds and coupons for canceled and postponed shows, after weeks of criticism and growing pressure from lawmakers https://t.co/BsEloMelmR
— The New York Times (@nytimes) April 17, 2020
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According to Billboard, the ticket retailer has canceled or postponed 30,000 events, accounting for roughly $2 billion in ticket sales.
Per the new policy, beginning May 1, fans will receive emails from Ticketmaster to initiate a full refund but not until the postponed shows announce the rescheduled dates. Fans will then have 30 days to request their refunds, The Washington Post reported.
Ticketmaster has faced recent criticism – on multiple fronts – for not immediately offering refunds after shows were postponed because of the pandemic.
Ticketmaster is refusing to give refunds for indefinitely postponed shows. @RepKatiePorter and I are calling on the heads of @Ticketmaster @LiveNation to stop confiscating fans’ money and demanding they issue full refunds to *all* customers who request them. pic.twitter.com/H8azggOIYD
— Bill Pascrell, Jr. (@BillPascrell) April 17, 2020
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“People across the country are having to make adjustments in their lives to keep everyone safe. Ticketmaster can do its part by giving people their money back,” Rep. Katie Porter (D-Calif.) told Billboard, adding, “Let’s be clear: they can do this without government action, and they can do it today. Ticketmaster should do the right thing and stop trying to profit off a pandemic.”
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Meanwhile, global promoter Live Nation not only announced pending refunds for postponed shows but also that it will offer credit for future shows as well as donation opportunities for unused tickets.
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