Coronavirus: Ticketmaster to issue refunds for as many as 18K postponed shows

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.

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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.

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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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