This story was updated on Thursday, August 25, 2011 at 9:08 a.m. EDT to reflect that StubHub has changed its position and will issue refunds to Kenny Chesney fans who cannot make the rescheduled date.
Country superstar Kenny Chesney has two sold-out shows at Gillette Stadium in Massachusetts this coming weekend. He has rescheduled the Sunday, August 28, concert to Friday, August 26, due to Hurricane Irene, which is expected to swamp the Boston area on Sunday.
On his official Web site, Chesney explains that the move is to ensure the safety of his fans. But, that hasn’t stopped some of them from complaining that moving the show up, instead of further out, is a major annoyance.
According to published reports, Hurricane Irene, which is causing some North Carolina communities to evacuate, is expected to be a Category 1 or Category 2 hurricane in the New England area by Sunday.
Chesney’s Saturday, August 27, show at Gillette Stadium has not been rescheduled and will go on as planned. The Zac Brown Band is the featured warm-up act.
“I want the last weekend of the Goin’ Coastal Tour to be a great experience for everybody,” Chesney said in a statement, adding that all tickets for the Sunday show will be honored at the Friday concert. “But I also want it to be the safest experience for everyone. I’ve always said Foxboro is a highlight of our tour, because the fans are ready for a great night of music and fun no matter what night it is!”
On the artist’s Facebook page, several fans were thankful that the show wasn’t cancelled altogether, but others were trying to find takers for their Sunday tickets because they could not make the Friday date.
Chesney’s site states that refunds for fans who cannot make the rescheduled date will be “offered at point of purchase,” but according to USA Today, StubHub initially was not going to issue refunds, but the company has reversed course.
“We are in fact issuing refund for fans that request it, given the situation,” StubHub spokesperson Joellen Ferrer told TicketNews. The company’s reputation for addressing customers’ concerns is considered to be one of the best in the ticket resale industry.
StubHub’s initial stance was similar to what other third-party ticket marketplaces have in place, such as TicketNetwork and Razorgator, which also do not normally issue refunds for rescheduled shows. All three exchanges issue refunds in the event of a cancellation.
“Unfortunately, the circumstances surrounding postponed events are unpredictable. Although we will try to help you resolve your ticket situation, we are not responsible for postponed events, partial performances, or venue, date, or time changes. No refunds will be issued for postponed events,” StubHub originally stated on its Web site. But the situation surrounding the hurricane, and Chesney’s quick decision to reschedule, ultimately resulted in StubHub altering its position.
