Ticket prices for The Cure’s upcoming tour have sparked outrage among fans, with costs skyrocketing on Ticketmaster to exorbitant amounts. The iconic rock band announced a 2023 world tour, their first in over a decade, playing major stadiums and arenas across North America, Europe and Australia. However, ticket costs have left many longtime fans unable to afford going.
Average Ticket Prices
According to data aggregated from Ticketmaster listings, average ticket prices for The Cure 2023 tour are as follows:
Section | Average Price |
---|---|
Floor/Pit | $599 |
Lower Level Seats | $325 |
Upper Level Seats | $199 |
Lawn/SRO | $129 |
As shown, the average price for floor and pit tickets is nearly $600. Even upper level seats are averaging around $200. Compared to recent tours by legacy rock acts like The Rolling Stones, The Who and Paul McCartney, these costs are exceptionally high.
Premium Tickets
In addition to general public tickets, Ticketmaster is offering premium “VIP packages” priced into the thousands:
Package | Average Price |
---|---|
VIP Meet & Greet | $1,500 |
VIP Early Entry | $999 |
VIP Merch Bundle | $750 |
These packages include perks like meeting band members, early venue entry, and exclusive merchandise. While VIP upgrades are common practice, the costs are exceptionally high for The Cure tour. The starting $1,500 for meet and greets represent some of the highest prices ever seen.
Dynamic Pricing
A major factor in the high ticket costs is Ticketmaster’s dynamic pricing system. Prices fluctuate according to market demand, increasing for hot tickets. For highly anticipated events like The Cure reunion, this leads to inflated costs. Some fans have reported $200 upper level seats jumping to $400 within hours.
Ticketmaster claims dynamic pricing helps discourage scalpers and ensures fairer access to tickets. But many consumers feel it disproportionately affects dedicated, working class fans who can’t log on immediately when tickets go on sale.
Service Fees
Another contributing factor is Ticketmaster’s service and processing fees. On top of ticket prices, customers are charged fees like:
Fee | Average Cost |
---|---|
Processing Fee | $15 per ticket |
Service Fee | 25% of ticket cost |
Facility Charge | $15 per order |
For a $200 ticket, an additional $60+ in fees is common. These fees add considerable costs for fans, especially those buying multiple tickets. The fees provide massive revenues for Ticketmaster on top of ticket sales.
Platinum Tickets
Ticketmaster also offers “Platinum Tickets” for The Cure, which are dynamically priced and can soar far above face value. While they include some VIP amenities, Platinum Tickets largely reflect Ticketmaster monetizing demand to push prices higher.
For instance, the average Platinum Ticket price for an upcoming Los Angeles show is $1,250. That dwarfs the $325 lower level general public ticket. Fans argue the Platinum tickets are unfairly limiting access for those unable or unwilling to pay over 4X face value.
Pre-sales
Many tickets are made available through pre-sales before the general on-sale date. These are offered to groups like fan club members, credit card holders and Spotify subscribers. This gives them early access to purchase tickets.
While pre-sales are a longstanding industry practice, some fans complain they make fewer tickets available to the general public. This forces them to pay higher Platinum prices after initial inventory sells out.
Choices For Fans
Given the high ticket costs, fans have a few options to see The Cure on a budget:
Wait for General Public On-Sale
Though pre-sales limit inventory, there are still good tickets released during general on-sale. Fans may get lucky landing seats at face value, especially if willing to go alone.
Resale Sites
Tickets can possibly be found below Ticketmaster prices on sites like Stubhub. Reputable resale sites are an alternative, though fees still apply.
In Person
Purchasing or negotiating ticket prices in person on event day is an option. Scalpers and fans with extras may provide deals.
Enter Contests/Giveaways
Radio stations, local businesses, fan clubs, etc. may provide ticket giveaways. It’s a long shot, but another way to see The Cure for free.
Will Prices Drop?
Don’t expect major price drops as show dates approach. A few lower demand games may see marginal decreases. But for major markets, prices are likely to hold steady or even increase as show dates near.
Dynamic pricing means prices can swing in either direction. But for such a hyped event like The Cure’s reunion, downward movement is unlikely. Fans hoping to get in cheap may have to explore alternative options.
Reasons For High Prices
A confluence of factors have driven up costs for The Cure tour, including:
- High demand to see their long-awaited reunion
- Use of dynamic pricing by Ticketmaster
- Tiered pricing with Platinum and VIP packages
- Limits on general public tickets due to pre-sales
- Additional service and processing fees
Record companies, venues, management and ticketing all take their cut along the way as well. Ultimately, fans pay the price at checkout.
Are Prices Ethical?
The Cure pricing has sparked debates over fairness and ethics. Fans are divided on issues like:
- Whether pricing is scalping when done officially by Ticketmaster
- If dynamic pricing should be regulated more
- If artist and management deserve blame for allowing the official pricing
- If exclusivity deals like pre-sales are anti-consumer
These discussions often devolve into infighting between factions of fans. Some believe Ticketmaster is unfairly profiting at fans’ expense. Others think artists and ticket sellers can charge whatever the market will bear.
Impact on Concert Industry
The Cure ticket prices may be indicative of larger industry trends, where legacy acts realize their loyal fans will pay higher premiums. Other artists and ticket sellers could follow suit, leading to even higher average costs.
Fans have limited power to change the system. Aside from pressuring artists to keep prices lower for their shows, the ticketing industry has few checks and balances. Some support regulation, butTicketmaster and other sellers remain largely free to set prices at their discretion.
It seems likely concert costs across the board will continue rising, especially for veteran artists with enduring demand. The Cure may represent a case study for just how high prices can reach when limiting affordability takes a backseat to profits.
Conclusion
In summary, Ticketmaster prices for The Cure are their highest ever, with tickets averaging:
- $599 for floor seats
- $325 for lower level
- $199 for upper level
VIP packages soar over $1,000. Platinum dynamic pricing lifts tickets as high as $1,250 each. Service fees add another 20-30% per order.
The confluence of high baseline demand, restricted inventory, tiered pricing and fee stacking has outraged fans. While some view the prices as fair market value, many find them unethical and are boycotting the tour.
The Cure prices will likely become the norm for legacy acts moving forward. Fans have limited recourse aside from avoiding purchase. Ultimately, as long as enough buyers feed into the system, costs will continue rising.