Photo Credit: Rory Kramer
Blink-182 fans are lashing out at Ticketmaster for the sky-high presale ticket prices for the band’s upcoming ‘One More Time Tour.’
The tour is in support of the band’s new album, One More Time… which dropped on October 20. This album is the first with the return of original bassist Tom DeLonge since the release of Neighborhoods in 2011. To say that fans are excited is an understatment, but they’re not happy about the sky-high prices Ticketmaster is demanding from true fans.
“Just checked the presale prices for Blink-182 in Toronto and genuinely started crying, this cannot be real!” tweets one person exploring ticket prices. “Was excited to get Blinnk-182 tickets in the presale today for the Toronto show but the prices are absolutely outrageous, Ticketmaster and their ‘Preferred Seating’ bullshit can go fuck themselves.”
A cursory glance at the Toronto date that people are complaining about shows Tickets are available for $265+ in the nosebleed sections of the arena. That’s before Ticketmaster has its way with service fees, which will likely boost the final price for a single seat well over $300.
Even Ticketmaster knows people are complaining as before choosing your seat, a pop-up reminds potential purchasers that some seats are from resellers and may carry a higher price.
“Checked the Blink-182 presale tickets for next year at Ball Arena just for fun, 300 level, before fees, $195. Sheesh!” tweets another person. Tickets closer to the stage are showing up as $600 or more before fees.
Ticketmaster and its parent company, Live Nation are currently being investigated by the Department of Justice over monopolistic practices. Legislators are seeking to make all-in pricing the default, rather than hiding massive fees, which can result in sticker shock at check out. Ticketmaster has the ability to support all-in pricing in all states, but currently only does so where required by law.
