Utah has joined the growing list of states taking legal action against Ticketmaster and its parent company, Live Nation, alleging monopolistic practices that drive up ticket prices for fans. This move comes as a welcome development for Utah residents like Julie Barfuss, who experienced the infamous Ticketmaster meltdown during the Taylor Swift Eras Tour ticket sales in 2022.
The Department of Justice (DOJ) originally filed the antitrust lawsuit in Manhattan in May, with 39 states and the District of Columbia now participating. Utah's participation adds to the momentum of the lawsuit, which aims to hold Ticketmaster accountable for its perceived dominance over the concert and live entertainment ticketing industry.
Barfuss, who is the lead plaintiff in a separate lawsuit involving over 350 individuals from across the US, has become a vocal advocate for change. Her experience, which saw her wrongfully charged over $14,000 by SeatGeek during the Eras Tour presale, has fuelled her commitment to fight for fairer ticketing practices.
Live Nation has countered the allegations, stating that the lawsuit "won't solve the issues fans care about relating to ticket prices, service fees, and access to in-demand shows." They attributed the problems during the Swift onsale to a "novel cyber-attack" that slowed down the sales process, despite claiming that no tickets were ultimately compromised.
However, many fans, including Barfuss and other Utah residents like Ann Clark, remain unconvinced. Clark, a frequent concertgoer, echoes the sentiment that Ticketmaster's monopoly has made securing tickets increasingly difficult. She highlights the lack of alternatives, lamenting that Ticketmaster has become the sole gatekeeper to live entertainment experiences.
The involvement of Utah Senator Mike Lee, a ranking Republican member of the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Competition Policy, Antitrust and Consumer Rights, adds further political weight to the issue. The subcommittee announced an investigation into Ticketmaster in January 2023 following the Swift ticket debacle.
Both Barfuss and Clark are hopeful that the lawsuits will bring about meaningful change to the ticketing industry. They believe that the current system, with its high prices, inflated service fees, and limited access, is fundamentally flawed and detrimental to fans. They aim to see a more competitive market emerge, giving consumers greater choice and control over their concert-going experiences.
While the legal battles are ongoing, the growing number of states and individuals joining the fight against Ticketmaster underscores the widespread frustration with the current state of the concert ticketing industry. The hope is that these lawsuits will ultimately lead to fairer practices and a more equitable experience for fans, allowing them to enjoy their favourite artists without the burden of exorbitant prices and unreliable systems.
