Ticketmaster is one of the largest ticket providers in the world, selling tickets for concerts, sporting events, festivals and more. With millions of tickets sold each year, there are inevitably going to be some events that end up being cancelled by the organizer. This can be disappointing and inconvenient for ticket holders, who are left wondering what happens next if their show is cancelled on Ticketmaster.
In most cases of event cancellations, Ticketmaster will provide options for ticket holders to get refunds or exchange their tickets. However, the specific policies, procedures and options can vary depending on the event promoter and venue. Ticketmaster aims to make the process as smooth as possible, but cancellations ultimately come down to the event organizer’s policies.
Here is an overview of some key things to know if your event is cancelled on Ticketmaster:
How Will I Know if My Event is Cancelled?
If your event is cancelled, Ticketmaster will notify you by email. This will come from the Ticketmaster email address associated with your purchase. Be sure to check your email inbox and spam folder for any notifications.
The cancellation email should contain details on the refund or exchange options available. There may also be updates posted on the event page on the Ticketmaster website.
You can usually verify a cancellation by checking the event page on Ticketmaster.com. If the event shows as “Postponed” or “Cancelled” then it is officially not taking place as originally scheduled.
Will I Get a Refund if My Event is Cancelled?
In most cases, yes you should be eligible for a refund if your event is cancelled by the organizer. Ticketmaster’s purchase policy states that if an event is cancelled with no rescheduled date, ticket holders can obtain a refund for the ticket purchase price.
Refunds are generally processed back to the original method of payment used at time of purchase. For example, if you paid with a credit card, the refund would go back to that same credit card.
Keep in mind that other fees you paid when purchasing the tickets, such as service fees and shipping, are usually not refunded. Only the base ticket price is guaranteed a refund.
How Do I Get My Refund if the Event is Cancelled?
The process for obtaining a refund will be outlined in the email notification you receive from Ticketmaster about the cancellation.
Typically, there is a window of time in which you can request a refund by clicking on a provided link. This will initiate the refund process.
In some cases refunds may be automatically processed for all ticket orders without requiring individual requests. The cancellation email should make it clear if you need to actively request the refund or if it will happen automatically.
If you run into any trouble or have questions, you can contact Ticketmaster customer support for assistance obtaining your refund.
What If I Don’t Want a Refund, Can I Exchange My Tickets?
Often Ticketmaster will allow you to exchange your tickets for another event if your original event is cancelled. This means you can trade in your tickets and have the value put towards buying new tickets for a different concert, game, etc.
The options available for exchanging tickets vary case-by-case based on the event. Some useful things to know:
– You will need to contact Ticketmaster within the specified time frame to request an exchange
– Exchanges are typically only valid for events in the same city and same venue
– You likely need to exchange for an event that is similar or higher in ticket value
– Exchanges may require paying an additional fee to make up any ticket price differences
– If you can’t find a suitable exchange event, you can still opt for the refund instead
So if you prefer to reuse your ticket value rather than get a refund, be sure to inquire about exchange options when notified of the cancellation.
Factors That Influence the Cancellation Policy
While Ticketmaster does have some standard cancellation policies in place, the specifics of what happens when an event is cancelled can vary greatly. Some key factors that influence the cancellation rules include:
The Event Venue
Different venues have different policies regarding cancellations, exchanges and refunds that they require Ticketmaster to adhere to. Make sure to check the policy specific to your cancelled event’s venue.
For example, some venues may not offer exchanges as an option. Others may focus on automatic refunds rather than exchanges. Venue policies play a major role.
The Event Promoter
Promoters also have say regarding event cancellation policies. In some cases the artist, sports team, festival organizer or other entity behind the event get to set cancellation rules that Ticketmaster must enforce.
Things like refund time frames, fees and eligibility for exchanges can all be dictated by the event promoter’s policies.
State Laws
Local laws related to event ticketing and refunds also shape the policies venues and promoters can put in place. Some states have laws requiring that consumers have the option for a refund if an event is cancelled. State regulations may impact options in certain cases.
Reason for Cancellation
The reason that an event ends up getting cancelled can also play a role in the options made available. Things like weather cancellations, low ticket sales or other logistical issues may have different policies.
For example, if an event is rescheduled instead of fully cancelled, the policy may focus more on exchanges for the new date rather than refunds. The context for the cancellation matters.
How Long Does it Take to Get My Refund?
If you are eligible for a refund after a cancellation, you probably want to get your money back as quickly as possible. However, you may need to be patient as it can take some time for Ticketmaster to fully process refunds. Some key notes on refund timing:
– Refunds can take 7-10 business days to process after requested
– Refunds for cancelled events often take longer than normal purchases
– The volume of refunds to handle can also create delays after major cancellations
– Refunds only begin processing after the event’s official cancellation date
– Delivery times also depend on your payment method (bank, credit card company, etc.)
– Ticketmaster may provide estimated time frames in the cancellation email
While it can be a bummer to wait, rest assured that eligible refunds will be processed for cancelled shows. If you haven’t received your refund within the stated time frame, you can contact support.
Can I Resell or Transfer My Tickets if the Event is Cancelled?
If your event is cancelled, you may be wondering what happens if you already resold or transferred your tickets to someone else.
In most cases, the cancellation and refund policies also apply to any tickets that have been resold or given away on sites like Craigslist.
The original ticket purchaser is still responsible for requesting any refunds or exchanges. The tickets are tied to the original order information.
However, it is common courtesy that if you resold or gave away your tickets, you should pass along the refund or exchange to the person who ultimately bought or received the tickets from you.
Resellers who resold tickets for profit may lose out on income if they have to refund their buyers after a cancellation. But the buyer is still due back the amount they paid the reseller.
If you bought resale tickets from someone, you’ll need to contact them about compensation if the event cancels. The original buyer controls the fate of the tickets.
Can Ticketmaster Cancel an Event Without Notice?
Ticketmaster aims to provide as much notice as possible when an event is cancelled or postponed. However, in some rare cases, events may end up cancelled by the promoter or venue without much warning.
This last minute notice is usually due to unforeseen circumstances that prevent the event from moving forward. Things like:
– Medical emergencies or other issues with the performers
– Safety or security concerns at the venue
– Extreme weather or natural disasters
– Logistical issues like power outages, equipment problems, etc.
– Decision from local authorities, public health agencies, etc.
When these types of things happen at the last minute, Ticketmaster unfortunately has very little control or ability to provide significant advanced notice. They can only pass along info as soon as they receive it from event organizers.
While extremely inconvenient, last minute cancellations without notice are quite rare. If this does happen, fans would still be eligible for refunds and exchanges if applicable.
What Happens if a Show is Postponed Instead of Cancelled?
Sometimes an event will end up being postponed to a new date rather than fully cancelled. This means your event is still happening, just at a later date.
If a show is postponed, your ticket will typically still be valid for the new rescheduled event date. So you can just hold onto your ticket and use it on the new date.
However, you can also opt to return your ticket for a refund if you cannot make the new postponed date work or no longer wish to attend.
If you choose not to return the ticket, be sure to make note of the new event date, time and any other details provided with the postponement notification.
For high demand shows that sold out quickly, a postponement can actually be a good thing. Fans who missed out the first time may now have another chance to purchase any new tickets released for the new date.
Can I Sue if I’m Upset About a Cancellation?
It’s understandable for fans to feel disappointed, angry or inconvenienced when an event they were excited for gets cancelled at the last minute. However, in most cases you cannot sue or pursue formal legal action against Ticketmaster.
The key things to remember are:
It is Not Ticketmaster’s Fault
Ticketmaster only facilitates ticket sales on behalf of event organizers. They do not have control over the event actually happening or getting cancelled. You would have no grounds to sue Ticketmaster directly.
Refunds Are Provided
As long as full refunds are issued in compliance with policy, there are no real damages to sue for. You get your money back.
It’s a Risk of Buying Tickets
When you purchase event tickets, there is always some risk that unforeseen circumstances may prevent it from happening as planned. This reality is understood and accepted as part of the deal.
In very exceptional cases where refunds are wrongly denied, you may consult a lawyer. But otherwise there are no legal grounds for lawsuits over event cancellations handled properly.
How Can I Avoid Disappointing Cancellations?
No one can control unforeseen circumstances that lead to event cancellations. But fans can use some cautionary tactics to reduce their risk and potential disappointment:
– Avoid buying tickets too far in advance, as more time allows more likelihood of a cancellation
– Be extra wary for new tours, new events or anything involving performers with shaky track records
– Don’t pay extra for resale tickets, as resellers likely won’t refund that premium if cancelled
– Look into ticket insurance options that provide coverage for cancellations
– Don’t make non-refundable travel arrangements right away when buying tickets
– Follow event organizers and venue on social media for early warning signs of issues or cancellations
– Understand that cancellations are just part of the landscape with live event tickets
– Have back-up plans or alternative events in mind if your main event is cancelled
Being proactive and cautious is no guarantee against cancellations affecting your plans. But it can help minimize some of the disruption.
Conclusion
Having an event cancelled through Ticketmaster can certainly be a frustrating experience as a ticket holder. While the specific policies and options may vary, in general you can expect to either get a refund or exchange your tickets if a show is cancelled. Be aware this process takes some time for Ticketmaster to handle after a major cancellation.
Understanding the factors that go into cancellation policies, your rights as a ticket holder, and steps you can take to minimize risk can help you navigate any disappointing cancellations. With hundreds of thousands of events happening each year, some cancellations are unavoidable. But Ticketmaster aims to make these situations as smooth as possible for impacted fans.