How Long Before Ticketmaster Gives Refunds?

I've resigned myself to the fact that there won't be many shows (or any) this summer. Sure, some things will start reopening next month but the priorities will not be on giant group gatherings like mega tours or sporting events. Those are "nice to haves" and not requirements for a functioning society. COVID-19 isn't going away anytime soon, and social distancing is going to be with us for a long time. So the question is: how long will Ticketmaster hang on to our ticket dollars? At this point, I wish someone would make an announcement and decision on The Stadium Tour. I am supposed to see Motley Crue/Def Leppard in early July with a few friends. I bought all the tickets. If the tour isn't happening, I would like my significant amount of money back. I fear bands (and Ticketmaster) will drag things out unnecessarily long when we all know the eventual outcome.

I am supposed to see Aerosmith at Fenway Park in Boston in early September. Even that seems like a pipe dream right now. Same for my Food and Wine trip to Disney World at the end of September. Predictions are calling for another major spike of the virus in the fall - will concerts with 40,000 people and crammed festivals at Disney World really make sense then? I doubt it.

Live Concerts May Not Return Until Fall 2021: Healthcare Advisor https://t.co/VkwXJU2crS pic.twitter.com/nblz6Rbuzh

— BLABBERMOUTH.NET (@BLABBERMOUTHNET) April 12, 2020

Breaking: A sailor who tested positive for COVID-19 on the USS Theodore Roosevelt has died of coronavirus, says Navy. Nearly 600 sailors on board have now tested positive.

— Jim Sciutto (@jimsciutto) April 13, 2020

Comments

[Kixchix]

I wouldn’t hold your breath on refunds just yet. I know your not and understand your concern. That’s a lot of money. Your logic is correct. However this is business AND the businesses themselves don’t know what will be. If (huge “IF”) things open for shows after Memorial Day the organizers of events don’t know if government will have restrictions. Government in NY may have no shows. Governments in Ohio May have shows. Governments in Iowa may be business as usual. The variables are endless. No general admission? Only one person person three seats at a stadium? If you refund 2/3’s of seats can the show go on? Extra costs for “distancing” enforcement. Extra costs for our lawyers chomping at the bit to litigate.

A Brave New World.

[steverox]

I agree with you.

What I'm worried about is that the shows will go on and it's going to be a "attend at your own risk" type situation, but no refunds. Then I don't know what I'll do to be honest.

Take the Stadium Tour for example, I have 5 tickets for Cincy. If the show goes on, I'm sure the bands, crew etc. can take enough precautions to be relatively safe. But what about the 50,000 fans (assuming all show up)? There will be lines to get into the stadium (security screening), lines at concessions, lines to get into your seat, and then of course the seats are all close together. You simply cannot practice social distancing at such an event, it won't work.

I think if I'm not sure I have immunity, and there is no vaccine or cure, it's not going to be possible to attend a mass-event like this, even if it goes on. I hope the promoters and organizers and bands realize this.

[Dale]

Breaking news at 2:00 pm Indiana ( est) Ally I hope this helps https://sleazeroxx.com/ticketmaster-changes-its-refund-policy-from-postponed-rescheduled-or-canceled-to-canceled/?fbclid=IwAR17Ct1DDm57yIxM719Kz1aq3u7dDN3pP3qS9xcc3-b8jGJwAhV5vQKYabg

[Allyson]

So by the link that Dale shared - it is bad news. At this point, you can fully expect a bunch of "postponed" shows for who knows when in the future, thereby tying up large sums of our money.

"Digital Music News has reported that Ticketmaster has quietly changed its refund policy to cover only “cancelled” events, which does not include the events that promoters have indefinitely “postponed” or rescheduled to a date/time that presumably some ticket holders cannot make.

Ticketmaster’s refund policy previously stated: “Refunds are available if your event is postponed, rescheduled, or canceled.”

[bryon]

Wow... Ticketmaster sneakily changing their policies like that is shady, even for them. Unfortunately, I'm not surprised a bit.

I see that at least one class action suit has already been filed, and the public outcry will be so loud that I can't imagine they don't back-peddle. The government's going to bail them out anyway.

[GNR]

Remember we all do have some sort of immunity... our own immune systems to fight viruses.

[stu]

sure i’m concerned about not being able to make the rescheduled show. but i’m more concerned about monies paid and not being able to, or wanting to do it when it comes around. example, i bought a meet & greet ticket for liz phair who is opening the alanis show in june. do i really want to go through the m&g process right now? and if the show is pushed to a later date and phair is no longer on the bill, do i want to even go? if i do go, but the m&g is not an option how do they refund partial money? too many questions. and that’s just 1 show.

[Him]

I mentioned the "postponed" gambit when I lamented not being able to see DLR last month. This is their way of doing business. They need our money and don't care if we want it back. Fact is, they are worried, like a lot of other businesses, right now. But I don't really care about them or how they will manage this crisis (save for the grunt-level people who work for them). Luckily, I can absorb the loss right now. Others can't.

Thing is, what are you/we/I gonna do about it? Nothing. Full stop. As was mentioned in earlier postings, unless they are forced to change their practices (not likely) or another contender steps in (also not likely), this will be business as usual even if nothing is usual right now (see also: major airlines, insurance companies, health care providers, etc.). That said, at least some other industries have shown a modicum of sensitivity. And a small measure makes a big difference these days.