AXS is losing fans among Minnesota concertgoers Music fans in Minnesota are growing frustrated with AXS, the ticketing service used at major venues like First Avenue and the Target Center, as technical glitches and security measures disrupt their ability to purchase tickets. Concertgoers report issues such as apps failing to load tickets, credit card errors, and last-minute cancellations, leaving them stranded in long lines or unable to secure seats. These problems have sparked complaints among regular attendees, who argue that AXS’s security protocols, while intended to combat bots, are complicating the ticket-buying process for real fans. Rosei Skipper, a Rochester-based live-music enthusiast, described her experience with AXS as “literally stuck outside” during a show at St. Paul’s Turf Club. She and a friend were unable to access their tickets on the app, forcing them to wait in freezing weather. “He hasn’t been able to buy tickets from AXS for years,” Skipper said, explaining that her friend’s credit card address was repeatedly flagged as invalid. Similar stories emerged from other fans, including Colleen Sheehy, who missed out on affordable seats for Bruce Springsteen’s March 31 concert at Target Center, and Cyndie Lind, who abandoned her attempt after encountering an unspecified error. AXS representatives attributed many of these issues to their efforts to block bots and resellers, which often scoop up tickets and resell them at inflated prices. Dean DeWulf, head of North American Venues at AXS, defended the company’s security measures, stating that they “work hard every day to fight bad-actor abuse and ensure fairer access for fans.#first_avenue #rochester #axs #target_center #turff_club
Downtown Sioux Falls bar announces closure A long-standing bar in downtown Sioux Falls has announced its closure after nearly seven decades of operation. The Top Hat Bar, situated on First Avenue, revealed on Tuesday that it will shut down at the end of the year following the expiration of its lease. The decision was shared through a social media post, which also hinted at the owners’ plans to establish a new bar in a different location. Established in 1954, the Top Hat Bar has been a fixture in the city’s nightlife scene for decades. The venue was acquired by its current owners in 2006, marking a significant milestone in its history. The announcement of its closure has sparked discussions among locals, many of whom have fond memories of the bar’s contributions to the community. While the exact details of the new project remain undisclosed, the owners have expressed optimism about the future of their venture. The closure of the Top Hat Bar represents the end of an era for Sioux Falls, where the establishment has served as a gathering place for generations. As the city continues to evolve, the bar’s legacy will be remembered as a cornerstone of its cultural and social landscape.#owners #sioux_falls #top_hat_bar #first_avenue #closure
