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Ethan B.
West Sacramento

One time, I was purchasing tickets for an Ariana Grande concert because she's one of my favorite artists. I really was looking forward to her tour featuring her new album 'thank u, next'. I then went to the Ticketmaster app to see how much the tickets were priced and to my surprise the subtotal for tickets near the back of the arena were $676.70! I couldn't believe this. Who actually does this to their fans? I was excited to hear that my favorite artists was going on tour but was unfortunately stopped dead in my tracks from the sticker shock. Ticketmaster has ruined the music industry and they continue to deliver a disservice to millions of fans like me.

Jason K.
San Francisco

The outrageous fees are always the story, but the limitations that basically deprive you of owning your tickets is what I’ve been outraged about. For example, they collude with arenas to set arbitrary prices that prevent you from selling your ticket(s) for less than a certain amount. EVERY show I’ve tried to re-list they have an above market minimum that you can sell it for. If I bought a ticket and want to sell it for $1, I should be allowed to do so.

Maureen N.
San Juan Capistrano

I got presale for the last Coldplay tour for the Las Vegas concert. I waited and then finally got in. I had set up credit cards etc. beforehand. I went to pay for my ticket, it spun for ages then dumped me. I went back in and when I got to the same (GA) ticket it was DOUBLE the price. I refuse to pay that (and couldn't afford it), so did not get to see Coldplay after all. I can't believe they can dynamically raise prices so fast and people are OK with that.

Jodie B.
Auburn

I purchased tickets to see Billy Joel in Las Vegas last year. I ended up selling the tickets back to Ticketmaster. I've been trying to get my refund ever since. They continue to send me emails to get my refund, but every time I've tried and reached out for help I haven't had a response. I'm older, fighting cancer and can't seem to get a live person. I'm at the end of my rope! And frankly, I could use the money!

Maria M.
Santa Monica

Paul McCartney tickets on Ticketmaster . the tickets for the Rancho Cucamonga show ranged from t$1000 to $4200 for face value. The tickets for all the other shows from Las Vegas all the way across the country worth of more of a standard show price. I would've paid about $150 for a ticket to any other of his shows. Why Rancho Cucamonga only? I had to decide that Paul McCartney was not worth it. I think he was rude for partaking in all of this issue.

Mark M.
San Rafael

Its not a horror story, But, whenever there's a concert in town I want to see, I take time to really get in line and ready to choose my seats EARLY....then I wait ....when its time to choose, all the seats I like are already taken, this never happened just a couple of years ago, I'm not looking for premium seats just good seats maybe 1st or 2nd row mezzanine or maybe isle seats..... GONE ...... Am I competing against bots ?

Rebecca P.
Apple Valley

I love concerts—the “energy…is unreal”—but I can’t afford them anymore. “Even nosebleed seats are too much,” and most people I know can’t pay these prices. I get that costs have risen, but make shows affordable for those without much to spend. “Monopolies were supposed to be illegal.” Lower prices so everyone can enjoy live events!

Louis B.
San Rafael

I had second row tickets to see Cyndy Lauper next Tuesday night in Concord, CA. Due to unforeseen circumstances, the show was cancelled. The real reason is poor ticket sales. They charge too much.

Katrina F.
Granite Bay

Does Ticketmaster buy their own tickets to "resell" for popular acts? How else does one explain how quickly things sell out? Needs better control over bots. I have resorted to going to venues in person to buy my tickets to save all the ridiculous fees.

Kimberly
Montclair

I’m seriously over Ticketmaster and their ridiculous hidden fees. It’s beyond frustrating to see a ticket listed at one price, only to have it jump up by $20–$40 with “service” and “processing” fees that make zero sense. Why is it always a surprise charge at checkout? It feels dishonest, greedy, and just plain shady. We deserve transparency not a bait-and-switch every time we want to enjoy a concert or event.

Roberto A.
Rancho Cucamonga

My wife bought tickets from Ticketmaster to the Daddy Yankee show. Our credit card was charged and the tickets were in our account – until they disappeared. We couldn’t get any help from Ticketmaster before the show, and when we arrived with our emailed receipt from Ticketmaster, the venue said they couldn’t help us.

We didn’t get to see the show, never got a refund and also had to pay for a hotel we booked to see the show. Ticketmaster fails fans.

Annette F.
Anaheim

In 2023 I bought Shakira tickets and was “promised a fan presale code” but never got it. After 20+ calls to Ticketmaster’s “abysmal” support, only X/Twitter helped. The show was canceled, then postponed, and I couldn’t attend. Getting a refund was another struggle. It’s unacceptable that basic support requires using social media.

Everyone has a Ticketmaster Horror Story

Whether it’s paying too much, restrictions on what you can do with your tickets, or tickets vanishing from your account – Ticketmaster fails.

Empower Fans, Not Monopolies was formed to fight for consumers and improve the ticket-buying experience. 

Personal stories show state lawmakers the real-world impacts of Ticketmaster’s monopoly on fans like you. 

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