WHY CONCERTS AND SPORTS ARE SO DARN EXPENSIVE

-


Up till round 15 (or so) years in the past, ticket scalping was unlawful within the state of Florida. Then, the Florida Legislature, of their infinite (lack of) knowledge, modified their minds. The brand new legislation now permits a reputable firm, dealer or web site to resell tickets for sports activities and leisure occasions with out a worth restrict. The Legislature did set up a couple of “shopper safety options” – every reseller should additionally enable refunds for ticket purchasers if the occasion is canceled; the purchaser is denied admission to the occasion; or the ticket will not be delivered within the method requested, inflicting the purchaser to overlook attending the occasion. You continue to can’t resell tickets on the precise property the place the occasion is going down. God forbid.

What this has completed is principally worth many sporting occasions and live shows out of attain of the typical fan. I usually go to the Ticketmaster web site to attempt to discover tickets to live shows and different occasions. Ticketmaster now options resale tickets together with customary face worth tickets. Legalized scalping. Not solely that, however Ticketmaster’s “dynamic pricing” implies that fascinating non-resale ticket costs are topic to demand — the warmer the occasion, the extra you pay. That’s why the typical ticket costs for Taylor Swift’s latest Eras tour ranged from greater than $1,000 to greater than $3,000 — per ticket. Single ticket costs really exceeded the $10,000 mark, with some tickets for the final present on the tour exceeding $14,000.

Nosebleed 400-level seats that used to have a face worth of beneath $50 are going for 2 to 3 occasions the unique worth. If you happen to dream of sitting within the decrease stage, the (comparatively) moderately priced $180-$250 seats are actually going for over $600. And if you wish to get nearer to the court docket, discipline or stage, you higher determine on shelling out a grand or extra. 

Remember that none of those tickets contains meals, drink, or perhaps a kiss on the cheek. No matter meals you need definitely isn’t low cost. And drinks? Bottled water is $6. Beers go for $13 and up. Blended drinks begin at $17 – or you may get a “double” for simply $25. With a tip, your cocktail simply price you $30. What number of drinks do you really need? Let’s not overlook the $20-$40 parking cost as effectively.

And the way does the everyday middle-class American household of 4 afford to return out to a live performance, or an NBA or NFL recreation? The reply is, they will’t. Professional sports activities have been priced out of the attain of the typical particular person. (Though I perceive that Miami Marlins tickets may nonetheless be a discount…) And musical artists are charging extra per present as a result of dwell efficiency is among the solely remaining earnings streams, since nobody could make a residing promoting data anymore.

All this does, nevertheless, is play into the greed of the reseller. Ticketmaster, StubHub, and different on-line resellers have made thousands and thousands off of what was unlawful in Florida (and lots of different states). Some acts, like James Taylor, Bonnie Raitt and others, put aside good seats at good costs for his or her precise followers. They embrace safeguards like fan-club-only on-line gross sales, ticket limits, will-call pickup on the date of the present and different measures to make sure that their actual followers get the great seats.

Nonetheless, many followers are opting out of the dwell occasion expertise altogether. When prices for a pair having fun with dinner, drinks and first rate tickets for an occasion can simply prime $1,500, it’s instantly much more enticing to remain house, watch on the large display and feast on low cost pizza and wings. Parking at house is cheaper, too.

Gone are the times again within the Nineteen Seventies and Nineteen Eighties once I may go see a serious recording artist for someplace between $10 and $30 a ticket. That was when main labels would usually underwrite touring prices to assist enhance and improve report gross sales. Sadly, costly occasion ticket costs are right here to remain. Not less than native musicians may be loved merely for the price of dinner or a drink — hope to see you out quickly! Simply don’t ask for any Taylor Swift.

– Catch John dwell subsequent Wednesday at Boardwalk in Huge Pine, Thursdays at Sparky’s Touchdown, Saturday evening at Brutus Seafood, and Sunday afternoons at Skipjack Tiki. Discover his music wherever you obtain or stream your music. www.johnbartus.com • johnbartus.hearnow.com

Share this article

Recent posts

Popular categories

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

Recent comments