Ticketmaster quietly adds new hidden charges to cover crackdown on ‘junk fees,’ report says Months after U.S. regulators banned surprise fees that appear while purchasing tickets, Ticketmaster raised the cost of other fees to “offset the revenue loss,” according to a report. The company had previously vowed to display all-in ticket pricing upfront after a Federal Trade Commission (FTC) ban on so-called “junk fees” took effect in May 2025. While Ticketmaster stopped charging small amounts it tacked on at checkout to comply with the rules, it increased the price of other fees to make up for the loss, documents obtained by The Guardian revealed. In an email to the Findlay Toyota Center in Arizona last year, Ticketmaster stated, “To account for the loss of order processing revenue, we must adjust fees to offset the revenue loss.” The venue had eliminated its $6 order processing fee but raised its service fee by $2 per ticket. The Guardian obtained copies of Ticketmaster’s contracts with 26 venues nationwide, most of which included an order processing fee similar to the one mentioned in the email. However, such fees are no longer allowed under FTC rules. At least eight venues amended their contracts to raise other fees following the all-in pricing rules, according to the report. Grouping an illegal fee with another charge could violate the FTC’s rule against misrepresenting fees, which took effect in May 2025. John Newman, a former economist at the FTC, warned that Ticketmaster may effectively still be charging the fee by disguising it as something else. “That type of behavior can run afoul of the FTC rule,” he said. The Independent has contacted Ticketmaster for comment. In a statement to The Guardian, the company said, “Since May 2025, tickets on Ticketmaster.#ticketmaster #live_nation_entertainment #ftc #the_guardian #findlay_toyota_center
Ticketmaster secretly raised fees at 26 venues after FTC Internal documents obtained from publicly owned venues reveal that Ticketmaster eliminated order processing fees as required by federal regulations but quietly raised service charges to offset the lost revenue, effectively shifting costs without reducing overall prices for consumers. The findings, first reported by The Guardian, show that after the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) banned surprise fees at checkout, Ticketmaster stopped charging order processing fees in apparent compliance with the all-in pricing rule. At the same time, the company increased per-ticket service charges at affected venues, leaving buyers paying the same or more despite the regulatory changes. Internal communications sent to venues explicitly acknowledged the need for fee adjustments to compensate for the revenue loss caused by the regulatory shift. The strategy is exemplified by the Findlay Toyota Center in Arizona, where the venue eliminated its $6 order processing fee to comply with all-in pricing requirements. Ticketmaster responded by raising the per-ticket service charge by $2, resulting in no meaningful reduction for buyers. Similar tactics were applied across multiple venues, including Wintrust Arena in Chicago, where ticket fees increased by 2.3%, and Florida State University, which saw a 3% rise. In California, where a state law banning hidden mandatory charges took effect in July 2024, Ticketmaster raised fees at multiple venues. For instance, the city of Sacramento experienced a 25% increase in its per-ticket fee, climbing from $3.45 to $4.25, while Cerritos saw an identical fee increase around the same period. Former FTC officials who reviewed the documents expressed serious concerns about the practice.#ticketmaster #ftc #findlay_toyota_center #wintrust_arena #florida_state_university
LA28 Announces Verified Multi-Platform Ticket Resale Program Opening in 2027 Los Angeles 2028 (LA28) has announced the launch of its verified multi-platform ticket resale program, set to begin in 2027. The initiative will allow fans to purchase verified resale tickets through multiple platforms, including Ticketmaster, Sports Illustrated Tickets, AXS, and Eventim. This move aims to provide greater accessibility and security for fans as the Games approach their first ticket drop in April 2027. The program’s announcement comes as LA28 prepares for its first ticket draw, with millions of global registrants eagerly awaiting access to tickets for the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games. LA28 Chief Executive Officer Reynold Hoover emphasized the importance of ensuring fans can shop with confidence, stating that the multi-platform approach was critical to offering diverse access to verified tickets. “While our resale platforms will not be launched until 2027, having a variety of platforms was essential to providing fans multiple points of access to verified tickets,” Hoover said. Under the program, verified resale tickets for LA28 will only be available through LA28’s Official Secondary Ticket Marketplace, AXS, Eventim, Ticketmaster, and Sports Illustrated Tickets. These platforms will not make LA28 tickets available for resale until 2027, and fans are urged to avoid any resale listings before that date, as those tickets will not have been verified by LA28. AXS Chief Executive Officer Bryan Perez highlighted the role of AXS in providing a secure resale infrastructure, ensuring fans can engage with confidence. Similarly, EVENTIM Chief Executive Officer Greg Klippert noted the company’s commitment to delivering a secure and transparent experience for fans.#ticketmaster #axs #la28 #reynold_hoover #eventim
Madison Beer kicks off Locket Tour in May with European dates Madison Beer officially launched The Locket Tour in May 2026, marking her first arena tour and a significant step in her career. The tour spans Europe, the UK, and North America, with European dates serving as the opening leg. Fans reacted enthusiastically on social media, and tickets are now available through Ticketmaster. The tour is a milestone for Beer, who previously sold out iconic venues like Radio City Music Hall during earlier tours. Her third studio album, Locket, released on January 16, 2026, includes the singles “Make You Mine” and “Bittersweet.” The latter became her first entry on the Billboard Hot 100, while the former earned a Grammy nomination for Best Dance Pop Recording. Beer, 27, celebrated her birthday in March 2026 amid growing anticipation for the tour. The European leg features four major cities in Central and Western Europe: Kraków’s TAURON Arena, Vienna, Munich, and Berlin. These arena-sized venues highlight the scale of the tour, which was announced on January 13, 2026, through Live Nation. Pre-order bundles were available shortly after, with European fans reporting rapid sell-outs, particularly for VIP packages. Following the European dates, the tour moves to the UK in May, starting at The O2 in London. North American shows begin in June 2026, opening in Austin, Texas, and conclude with a sold-out finale at Madison Square Garden in New York on July 13, 2026. Special guests Isabel LaRosa and Lulu Simon will open each leg of the tour. The Locket Tour includes 32 shows across three continents, reflecting Beer’s growing influence and the album’s critical and commercial success. The tour’s extensive schedule, spanning May through July 2026, requires meticulous planning and execution.#ticketmaster #live_nation #madison_beer #locket_tour #tauron_arena
More Than 1.6 Million Were in Queue for Jay-Z Anniversary Concert Tickets Millions of fans attempted to secure tickets for Jay-Z’s anniversary concerts celebrating his seminal albums Reasonable Doubt and The Blueprint through Ticketmaster. On March 23, over 1.6 million people were in the queue to purchase tickets for the two-day event at Yankee Stadium, set for July 10 and 11. The concerts mark the 30th anniversary of Reasonable Doubt and the 25th anniversary of The Blueprint, both of which are considered landmark releases in hip-hop history. Ticket resale prices have surged, with some seats reaching thousands of dollars. Reports indicate that even bleacher seats are selling for as much as $12,000. Queue data from Ticketmaster showed that the second night of the residency attracted more interest, with over 847,000 people attempting to buy tickets, compared to 816,000 for the first night. Jay-Z has been teasing the event with subtle nods, including restoring the umlaut to his name and releasing archival material since the start of the year. The anniversary shows also coincide with his role as headliner for the 2026 Roots Picnic, which will take place in Philadelphia on May 30. Other performers at the event include Erykah Badu, Brandy, Kehlani, T.I., and Mariah the Scientist. Fans who have secured tickets for the concerts are embracing throwback fashion, with 1990s and early 2000s-inspired outfits trending. This includes Roc-A-Fella jerseys, Yankee fitted caps, and oversized jeans. The concerts may also serve as a preview for a potential new album from Jay-Z, following the release of his thirteenth studio project, 4:44. For more information about Jay-Z’s anniversary events or to purchase related merchandise, fans are directed to the Complex Shop, where The Book of Hov is available in two editions.#ticketmaster #jay_z #roots_picnic #yankee_stadium #complex_shop
Ticketmaster Addresses Frustrations Over Canceled Event at Lenovo Center Several attendees expressed frustration after arriving at the Lenovo Center on Saturday for an event that had been canceled months earlier. The event, organized by Women’s Empowerment, was originally scheduled to include a conference followed by a concert featuring Keith Sweat and other artists. However, the conference portion was canceled in January, and Ticketmaster had sent an email to ticket holders informing them of the changes. Despite this, some attendees claimed they were not properly notified of the cancellation. Women’s Empowerment, founded in March 1994, was established to support African-American women by addressing health, relationship, and lifestyle issues. The event was set to include a concert by Keith Sweat, with performances by JOE, Dru Hill, Ginuwine, and Kut Klose. Lenovo Center management confirmed that the concert portion of the event proceeded as planned, but the Women’s Empowerment conference was canceled. Ticketmaster stated that all ticket holders were notified via email in January about the event update and refund process. A spokesperson clarified that the changes constituted an event update rather than a full cancellation, as the R&B Lovers Tour continued without interruption. Lenovo Center also emphasized that ticket purchasers had a 30-day window for refunds and were sent a reminder email on March 20 detailing event specifics, including door times and concert start times. Attendees who arrived at the Lenovo Center on Saturday reported feeling misled. Alice Johnson, one of the guests, said she received daily emails from Ticketmaster but was never informed that the Women’s Empowerment portion of the event had been canceled.#women_empowerment #ticketmaster #lenovo_center #keith_sweat #radio_one
Yankee Stadium to Host Jay-Z on July 10-11, 2026 Yankee Stadium has announced that it will host two Jay-Z concerts this summer on July 10 and July 11, 2026. Tickets for the general public will go on sale to the public starting at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, March 24, through the official Yankees website and Ticketmaster. A presale for Yankees ticket licensees will be available the day before, on Monday, March 23, beginning at 1:00 p.m. The first concert on July 10, titled "Jay-Z 30," will mark the 30th anniversary of his debut album Reasonable Doubt, a landmark release that launched his career. The second concert on July 11, "Jay-Z 25," will celebrate the 25th anniversary of The Blueprint, an influential 2001 album often cited as one of the greatest of all time. Both events will take place at the iconic stadium, which has hosted Jay-Z on multiple occasions in the past. Jay-Z has previously performed at the current Yankee Stadium on five occasions. His 2013 concerts on July 19-20 featured a collaboration with Justin Timberlake. Earlier in 2010, he performed alongside Eminem on September 13-14, which were the first concerts held at the venue. Additionally, he performed with Alicia Keys on October 29, 2009, during a special event before Game 2 of the World Series, where they delivered the hit song "Empire State of Mind." Fans are encouraged to visit the Yankees website for updates and follow the team’s social media accounts for additional information. The club’s official accounts include English and Spanish language platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, and X (formerly Twitter), as well as the @YankeeStadium accounts on Instagram and X.#ticketmaster #jay_z #yankee_stadium #reasonabe_doubt #the_blueprint
Undefeated 'Caps Host San Jose Earthquakes in Early-Season Western Conference Showdown The Vancouver Whitecaps FC, currently undefeated in their first four matches of the season, will face the rejuvenated San Jose Earthquakes in a crucial Western Conference matchup on Saturday, March 21. The game will take place at BC Place in Vancouver, with kickoff scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Pacific Time. The match is expected to draw significant attention as both teams aim to solidify their positions in the league standings. The Whitecaps, known for their strong defensive play and attacking flair, will look to maintain their perfect record, while the Earthquakes, who have shown signs of improvement in recent weeks, will seek to challenge their rivals. The encounter promises to be a high-stakes contest, with both teams vying for dominance in the early stages of the season. Fans are encouraged to secure tickets for the event, which remain available through Ticketmaster and the Whitecaps’ official website. The club has also provided key details for attendees, including information about the Fan Zone on Terry Fox Plaza, which offers a pre-match gathering spot for supporters. Additionally, the club is promoting its season membership program, offering fans the opportunity to lock in a full season of matches at a discounted rate starting from $22 per game. The match will also feature several fan engagement initiatives, such as the "March to the Match" event, where supporters can walk on the pitch to the stadium, and the "Kickin’ with the 'Caps" experience, which includes three unique vantage points for viewing the game. Chevrolet is the presenting sponsor of this fan experience, highlighting the partnership between the club and local businesses.#ticketmaster #vancouver_whitecaps_fc #san_jose_earthquakes #bc_place #kayen_degoey
IBM Completes Acquisition of Confluent, Making Real Time Data the Engine of Enterprise AI and Agents IBM has finalized its acquisition of Confluent, a data streaming platform used by over 6,500 enterprises, including 40% of the Fortune 500. The deal positions real-time data as a foundational element for enterprise AI and automated workflows, enabling organizations to operate across hybrid cloud and on-premises environments. The integration combines IBM’s tools like watsonx.data, IBM MQ, and IBM Z with Confluent’s capabilities to deliver a unified platform for AI models and agents. As businesses transition from AI experimentation to production, data quality and speed have become critical challenges. Most enterprises struggle with siloed data systems that delay insights, often delivering information hours or days after it is generated. IBM and Confluent’s collaboration aims to address this by providing a framework where AI agents can access live, trusted data with governance and real-time processing. This ensures decisions are based on current information rather than outdated datasets. IDC forecasts that over one billion new logical applications will emerge by 2028, driven by AI systems that require live, continuously flowing data to deliver value. To meet this demand, IBM and Confluent are offering a single, governed platform that supports AI models and agents operating in real time across all environments. This approach enables enterprises to scale operations while maintaining data integrity and control. Rob Thomas, IBM’s Senior Vice President, emphasized the importance of real-time data in modern business operations. He noted that AI decisions must align with the speed of transactions, which occur in milliseconds.#ticketmaster #ibm #confluent #apache_kafka #bmw_group
Colter Wall cancels Fox Theatre concert: 'I am mentally unwell' Country singer Colter Wall has canceled his Saturday concert at Detroit's Fox Theatre, citing mental health struggles. The 30-year-old Canadian artist shared a message on Instagram, stating, "I am mentally unwell. Despite this, I have pushed myself to continue with touring. As a result, my mental health has only further declined." He added that after discussions with his team, they have decided to cancel the remaining shows and take an indefinite break from live performances. Wall thanked fans for their understanding and noted that tickets will be automatically refunded through the original point of purchase. The canceled show at the Fox Theatre was part of Wall's "Memories and Empties" tour, which concluded with a sold-out performance. Kade Hoffman was scheduled to open the event. In addition to the Detroit date, Wall also canceled two shows in Indianapolis on Wednesday and Thursday, as well as a Friday concert in Cincinnati. Fans who purchased tickets via Ticketmaster will have their refunds processed automatically. Those who bought tickets through third-party resellers are advised to contact their original point of purchase for refund details.#ticketmaster #colter_wall #fox_theatre #memories_and_empties #kade_hoffman
Live Nation settles antitrust case with DOJ, avoids Ticketmaster breakup Live Nation, the parent company of Ticketmaster, has reached a settlement with the U.S. Department of Justice, avoiding a potential breakup of the company. The agreement, announced on Monday, concludes a high-profile antitrust case that had threatened to split the world’s largest live entertainment firm. The deal comes after a week of testimony during the trial, which had raised concerns about Live Nation’s dominance in the industry. The settlement includes several key provisions. Ticketmaster will provide a standalone ticketing system that allows third-party companies like Seat Geek and StubHub to offer primary tickets through the platform. A senior justice official described this as “open sourcing” their ticketing model. The company will also divest up to 13 amphitheaters and reserve 50% of tickets for non-exclusive venues. Additionally, Ticketmaster is prohibited from retaliating against venues that choose alternative primary ticket distributors. The agreement was reached after negotiations between Omeed Assefi, the acting assistant attorney general for the Antitrust Division, and Michael Rapino, Live Nation’s CEO, on March 5. A senior justice official emphasized that the deal aims to increase competition by giving artists and consumers more choices, potentially lowering prices. While the DOJ and 40 states, including Washington, D.C., had previously accused Live Nation of using its control over venues and ticketing relationships to stifle competition, the settlement allows the company to retain its structure. New York Attorney General Letitia James, who joined the DOJ in the case, stated that her office will continue pursuing its own claims against Live Nation to protect consumers and restore fair competition.#ticketmaster #taylor_swift #live_nation #us_department_of_justice #letitia_james
The concert ticket industry is broken, the U.S. Department of Justice claims as a trial against Ticketmaster and Live Nation begins. During opening statements in Manhattan, a DOJ attorney argued that the companies have created a monopolistic system that harms artists, venues, and fans. The case involves dozens of states seeking compensation for consumers who allegedly overpaid for tickets. An attorney for New York state testified that Ticketmaster retains an average of $7.58 from each ticket sold at major concert venues. This fee, which exceeds the charges of competitors like AXS, is central to the allegations that the company exploits its market dominance. The DOJ and state attorneys general argue that Live Nation and Ticketmaster have used their control over ticketing and venue operations to suppress competition and inflate prices. The trial centers on claims that Live Nation, through its Ticketmaster subsidiary, has maintained illegal monopolies in key markets. The DOJ alleges that the company forces artists to use its promotion services when performing at its owned outdoor amphitheaters. Additionally, Ticketmaster is accused of dominating ticket sales through long-term exclusive contracts with venues and threatening rivals to secure its position. Attorney David Dahlquist, representing the DOJ, told jurors that the concert industry is "controlled by a monopolist" and that Live Nation’s practices have distorted the market. He emphasized that fans have paid excessive fees, with estimates suggesting overpayments ranging from $1.56 to $1.72 per ticket. Jonathan Hatch, another state attorney, described the financial impact as "real money coming out of people’s wallets." Live Nation’s defense claims the company is not a monopolist and operates in a competitive industry.#ticketmaster #manhattan #federal_trade_commission #live_nation #us_department_of_justice
