World Series Ticket Prices Skyrocket to Thousands, Sparking Ticketmaster Backlash
The prices for tickets to the World Series games featuring the Dodgers and Blue Jays have skyrocketed, reaching levels that are disheartening for many fans. A surge in ticket costs has resulted in prices soaring into the thousands, leading to significant backlash against Ticketmaster.
Soaring Ticket Prices
Tickets for Games 1 and 2 at Rogers Centre are being resold at astonishing prices. Face-value tickets started at $345 but can exceed $5,000 depending on the section. One fan shared a remarkable listing of nearly $12,000 for a premium seat near the Blue Jays dugout. This price included over $2,000 in fees charged by Ticketmaster.
Resale Market Reaction
- Many face-value tickets disappeared quickly from the market.
- Red resale dots became the only option for fans hoping to attend.
- One ticket was listed for $6,000 shortly after the initial sale.
Frustration among fans has intensified, with many venting their anger at Ticketmaster on social media platforms. Reports indicate that several scalpers purchased tickets immediately upon release and relisted them within minutes, exacerbating the situation.
Government Response
The issue of exorbitant ticket prices has caught the attention of political figures. Ontario Premier Doug Ford has expressed concern over ticket sales practices, stating that the prices are unfairly gouging the public. Ford remarked, “When you have one player in the market that controls the tickets, that’s not right for the people.”
In 2019, Ford’s administration repealed a law that would have limited ticket resale prices to 50% above their original value. This decision has faced scrutiny as complaints about high resale figures have surged.
Conclusion
The growing discontent among fans highlights a crucial issue in sports ticketing. As the World Series approaches, the management of ticket sales remains a hot topic of debate, raising questions around fairness and accessibility in professional sports.
