Ticket Industry News

When the refund program for Michael Jackson concert tickets went into effect today, July 1, concert promoter AEG Live released extra details for fans hoping to recoup the cost of their tickets or gain a memento from the concerts that might have been.

As outlined in the company's June 29 announcement, the plan primarily allows fans to choose between receiving either a full ticket refund (plus service charges and booking fees) or their original concert ticket, billed as a commemorative souvenir designed by Jackson himself. Most ticket prices ranged from £50 to £75 on the primary market, or approximately $70 to $105.  Full Story...

Fenway Park in Boston, MA made a big move this week to take the top spot in TicketNews's exclusive venues rankings for the week ending Sunday, June 28. Fenway jumped three spots to claim the title of number one, toppling Citi Field from its leader position of last week. The Park benefited from two new August dates added to the Paul McCartney tour, which again decisively tops TicketNews's Top Concert Events. Ticket sales for Fenway's own Boston Red Sox stay strong and maintain the team at number two in TicketNews's Top Sports Events rankings. Fenway Park power scores an impressive 4.88 this week.  Full Story...

After getting slammed with record rainfall in the region during the past several weeks, the State Fair Meadowlands in E. Rutherford, NJ, is offering a first to fairgoers during the 18-day event that runs June 25-July 12 -- free rain insurance.

The fair will validate ticket stubs that will be good for any other day during the fair if rain falls continuously for more than 30 minutes before 9 p.m. Opening night was the only exception. Since the start of the fair, weather conditions have been dry. However, the upcoming forecast this week includes isolated thunderstorms.  Full Story...

"National Association of Ticket Brokers (NATB) - Members to Issue Full Refunds or Credits for Cancelled Michael Jackson Shows"

WASHINGTON, DC (PRNewswire) June 29, 2009 - The National Association of Ticket Brokers ("NATB") announced today that, as per its Code of Ethics and policies, all of its members are required to issue refunds and/or credits for the full purchase price including the service fees charged by them for tickets purchased from them for the shows cancelled due to the untimely and tragic death of Michael Jackson. In fulfilling its role as an association formed by, and consisting of, dedicated ticket brokers to promote consumer protection and advocacy, the NATB calls on Ticketmaster and all other primary sellers of these event tickets to follow suit by ceasing their practice of retaining fees on tickets sold for cancelled events so that all ticket buyers get full refunds.  Full Story...

While individual ticketing companies are stepping forward to address issues of refunding Michael Jackson's star-crossed residency in London, one thing is clear: Most of the financial weight will fall on the shoulders of AEG Live. What remains to be seen is how the fallout of Jackson's unexpected death will affect the concert promoter's long-term bottom line.   Full Story...

While many fans are still struggling with the shock of Michael Jackson's untimely death on June 25, many in the industry are scrambling to address the repercussions. While an official statement from concert promoter AEG Live is forthcoming, companies within the ticketing industry are stepping forward individually to address the issue of ticket refunds.  Full Story...

"Ticketmaster Appoints Jane Kleinberger Executive Vice President of College Athletics"

WEST HOLLYWOOD, Calif. (Ticketmaster Entertainment) June 23, 2009 -- Ticketmaster, a Ticketmaster Entertainment, Inc., (NASDAQ:TKTM) operating business, has appointed Jane Kleinberger to the newly created position of executive vice president, College Athletics. The announcement was made today at the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA) conference by David Butler, President, Ticketmaster North America.  Full Story...

By Kelly McWilliams

Citi Field blasted through the competition once again to hold on to its number one perch in TicketNews's exclusive venues rankings for the week ending Sunday, June 21. With an impressive power score of 5.07, the Flushing, NY stadium is enjoying strong ticket sales for Paul McCartney's appearances on July 17, 18 and 21. The rocker also held firm to his number one position this week in TicketNews's Top Concert Events rankings. McCartney's dates are the first ever musical events to be held at Citi Field, the new home to the New York Mets. The Mets also are enjoying solid ticket sales this season, hitting at number five in this week's Top Sports Events rankings.  Full Story...

If you own a secondary ticket brokerage and you're interested in selling, Commerce Holdings, Inc., located in Universal City, CA, wants to hear from you.

In an unsolicited letter sent out to several brokers earlier this month, David Clark, the company's marketing director, spelled out the goals for the company, namely to acquire ticket brokerages that have "At least 1 Million in Gross Sales for over 2 years," been a going concern for at least two years, and able to "Produce net margins of 23-30%."  Full Story...