Showgoers Struggle With Ticket Distribution Companies

SANTA CLARITA, CA - Ticketmaster and StubHub are under fire after recently altering their refund policies. The change comes after concerns with COVID-19 put a pause on future events worldwide.

Going to a concert is typically an enjoyable experience, but ticket holders are stressed. Due to the coronavirus pandemic, many events have either been put on hold or have been cancelled all together.

As if this wasn't stressful enough, ticket distribution companies have decided to add to concerns. Both Ticketmaster and StubHub have decided to make refunds harder for their customers.

Ticketmaster originally offered refunds for postponed, rescheduled, or cancelled events. However, they changed their policy in mid-April to only include refunds on officially cancelled occasions.

StubHub, which used to pride itself on its "FanProtect" promise of a cash refund has abandoned it amid virus concerns. The ticket resale company gradually eliminated the cash option from their policy in March, instead offering a coupon to their buyers.

The sudden change in the policies has met a lot of criticism. StubHub is facing a lawsuit in Wisconsin's federal court from angry patrons, while Ticketmaster received a condemning letter from two members of the United States Congress.

Questions about why the companies made this decision in the first place continue to arise, as the company's primary business isn't even with its ticket buyers. Ticket distribution companies such as Ticketmaster and StubHub primarily make their profits through dealings with concert promoters and venues.

Meanwhile those with messed up concert plans are wondering if they will ever see their ticket money. Avid showgoers may be missing even up to $1000 as large events continue to hang in limbo.

Included in the many upcoming shows cancelled is the Hella Mega Tour with Weezer, Fall Out Boy, and Green Day. The 2020 Summer Olympics as well as theater productions on Broadway have also been postponed, with officials believing they will not return until next year.