Ticketmaster faces backlash for misleading fans during Oasis ticket sale
- The Competition and Markets Authority launched an investigation into Ticketmaster due to potentially misleading ticket pricing for the Oasis tour.
- Ticketmaster's labeling of 'platinum' tickets raised concerns of misleading consumers about their value.
- The CMA expects Ticketmaster to implement better practices to ensure consumers can make well-informed decisions.
In the United Kingdom, the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has investigated Ticketmaster following concerns regarding the sale of tickets for the Oasis reunion tour, which began on August 31, 2023. During this ticket sale, more than 900,000 tickets were sold, but many fans felt misled due to the pricing strategies employed by Ticketmaster. The CMA's investigation revealed that certain seated tickets were branded as 'platinum' and sold for nearly 2.5 times the price of standard tickets, without any additional benefits. This has raised concerns regarding potential breaches of consumer protection laws, as the CMA believes that the labeling and pricing strategies may have risked giving customers the impression that platinum tickets were superior. The CMA asserted that Ticketmaster failed to provide clear and timely information about ticket prices, leading to confusion among fans who were left waiting in long queues. Customers were unaware that there were two categories of standing tickets available at different prices, which resulted in many paying higher prices than expected at the point of sale. While Ticketmaster has acknowledged the investigation and expressed its intention to make improvements, the CMA considers the changes implemented thus far as insufficient, prompting a further dialogue that aims to ensure better transparency and compliance in their pricing strategies. In response to concerns raised, the CMA emphasized the importance of clear communication to consumers regarding ticket pricing. Hayley Fletcher, the interim senior director of consumer protection at the CMA, articulated the organization's expectations for better practices in the ticket sales process moving forward. The watchdog aims to ensure that fans are equipped with the necessary information to make informed purchasing decisions. Meanwhile, Ticketmaster remained steadfast in its commitment to enhancing the ticketing experience, insisting they strive for a more transparent and consumer-friendly platform. This investigation coincides with the impending launch of Oasis's tour in Cardiff's Principality Stadium in July 2025. As fans look forward to attending the concerts, the CMA's findings may influence how Ticketmaster adjusts its services in the future, as customer confidence in ticket purchasing processes remains a critical issue in the event industry.