If I Ran TicketMaster, I'd .....

DebSabriel · Post by **DebSabriel** » August 13, 2001 5:57 pm

We all know that TicketMaster's system bites. How would you improve the ticketing system to minimize scalpers and increase the chances of real fans getting tickets?

Personally, I think all tickets should be distributed on a will-call basis. Springsteen did it in New York and it seemed to work well from what I've heard.

What do you think?

Deb.

LIPH · Post by **LIPH** » August 13, 2001 6:46 pm

I don't know where you got your information about Springsteen, but I went to 5 of the 10 MSG shows last summer and none of them were "will call". I got my tickets on-line through ticketmaster.com and they were mailed to my house.

AlbatrossFlyer · Post by **AlbatrossFlyer** » August 13, 2001 9:07 pm

i think it was the prior tour he did it, but he definitely did the will call on one of his tours specifically to cut down on the scalping.

didn't phish also try it?

BottleofRum · Post by **BottleofRum** » August 14, 2001 9:18 am

Good idea but never would happen. Springsteen did it a few years ago when he was tourning alone with out the East Street Band, he was playing in 2,000 seat arena's which made it all that much easier to make it will call. Could you imagine if they did will call for a Buffett show? Well lets look at Great Wood for an example, the place seats 19,900 where in the world would they be able to set up a will call area to accomadate alll these people? TicketMaster struggles to keep 100 people in order at a ticketmaster location.
So ithe tought is good but not reasonable

AlbatrossFlyer · Post by **AlbatrossFlyer** » August 14, 2001 9:35 am

he did it for his show at the hockey arena at the meadowlands in nj. probably seats about 18,000 for a concert....

BottleofRum · Post by **BottleofRum** » August 14, 2001 10:48 am

Did he? Wow! How were they able to pull it off? Thats allot of man power to cover a will call!

Caribbean Soul · Post by **Caribbean Soul** » August 14, 2001 11:14 am

I believe the "will call" for Springsteen's shows involve ONLY the front 10 rows, or so. Whoever orders them over the phone must show up at the "WILL CALL" window with the same CC that purchased the tix AND a photo ID that proves they ARE that person.

DebSabriel · Post by **DebSabriel** » August 15, 2001 6:06 pm

I realize Springsteen was doing will-call on a limited basis. However, the *way* he did will-call pulled the scalpers' teeth. The scalpers make their money on the front rows.

My point is that TicketMaster has done little - and can do more - to stop scalping.

All the best,

Deb.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » August 16, 2001 11:12 am

Springsteen's will-call ticket program pertained to tickets in the front 17 rows (on the floor) for each of his shows. It was euphemistically called "jailbait" seating (get it ... under 18?) The only way to get these tickets was through a TM phone request (no online ticket requests in the front 17 rows was permitted), and you could order a maximum of two tickets only. When you arrived at the venue, you stood in a separate line, and had to show a picture ID as well as the CC used to purchase the tickets. You were given a wristband after this verification, and had to go directly to your seat. You could not (easily) give your wristband to another fan, although I suspect it did happen. Most venues handled this will-call process pretty well, but a few were ill-prepared for the special handling procedures, and I heard stories of fans not getting in until the show had started. But it was a noble attempt to try to get the tickets into the hands of the fans. It did not completely stop the brokers, who apparently were able to order the tickets, then call TM and switch the name and CC on the account to another person. Also, once you figured out how the system worked, it wan't difficult to get seats in the Front 17, and you started recognizing the same people sitting up front for each show. Hell, one of his shows in Ft. Lauderdale looked like the whole State of New Jersey had flown in for the event!