FIFA's plans for the 2026 World Cup include exorbitant ticket prices, variable pricing based on demand, and the introduction of NFT vouchers for ticket purchases, all of which are causing widespread criticism and calls for a boycott due to their greed and exploitative nature.
FIFA defended its use of dynamic pricing for the 2026 World Cup, amid criticism from NYC mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani who launched a petition to oppose the model, advocating for capped resale prices and discounted tickets for locals. FIFA stated that the pricing reflects market practices and ensures fair access, with a portion of tickets at fixed prices, and emphasized that revenue supports global football development.
Fifa announced that tickets for the 2026 World Cup will start at $60 with dynamic pricing, meaning prices may increase based on demand, and will no longer be categorized by seat location but by stadium level, aligning with North American norms. Ticket sales begin on September 10 for Visa cardholders, with prices fluctuating throughout the sales process.
Pearl Jam has announced a 10-date US tour for spring 2025, starting in Hollywood, Florida, and including stops in cities like Atlanta, Nashville, Raleigh, and Pittsburgh. To ensure fair ticket pricing, the band will use non-transferable tickets and all-in pricing, with a portion sold through PJ Premium to manage costs. Fans can resell tickets at face value via Ticketmaster's exchange, and any tickets sold above face value on secondary markets will be canceled.
Super Bowl ticket prices have skyrocketed, making it nearly impossible for average fans to attend the game due to a series of business decisions made by the NFL for distributing tickets, including limited availability to the general public and allocation to corporate sponsors and partners. The size of the venue and the involvement of On Location Experiences further drive up costs, with face-value tickets ranging from $950 to $9,500, while resale prices can exceed $12,000. The NFL's investment arm, 32 Equity, and its ownership of On Location have been identified as factors contributing to the high prices, with secondary market deals often involving large sums of cash.
Senators have introduced the Fans First Act, a bill aimed at addressing long-standing issues with ticket purchasing for live events. The bill calls for transparency from sellers, requiring them to disclose the full price of tickets, seat numbers or sections, and whether the ticket is from a primary or secondary seller. Violations could result in civil penalties. The bill comes a year after complaints about ticket-selling practices and high pricing from companies like Ticketmaster and resale marketplaces. Ticketmaster faced scrutiny for its ticket pricing and alleged abuse of the primary ticketing and live event venues market. The bill would strengthen existing legislation against the use of computer bots and require ticket sellers to offer full refunds for canceled events.
Six US senators have introduced the "Fans First Act" to address flaws in the live event ticketing system, aiming to increase transparency, protect consumers from fake or overpriced tickets, and hold bad actors accountable. The bipartisan bill seeks to improve pricing transparency, strengthen the prohibition of bots in ticket purchases, create a reporting website for complaints, and prohibit the sale of speculative tickets. Ticketmaster's parent company, Live Nation, supports the bill and advocates for further reforms in live event ticketing.
Major League Soccer teams, including the Red Bulls, are planning to charge more for games against Inter Miami, the team of global superstar Lionel Messi. The Red Bulls' holiday ticket package includes a disclaimer that if the home opener is against Inter Miami, fans will receive tickets for the second home game instead. While some fans expressed annoyance, others see it as a smart business move. Teams across the league are capitalizing on the Messi factor, with the Columbus Crew charging significantly higher prices for their game against Miami. Miami itself has increased season ticket prices by 46-82%. Teams hope to benefit from the resale market and avoid refunding fans if Messi doesn't play.
Paramount Pictures is focusing on the long-term health of the movie theater business and wants to work with exhibitors to give audiences the experience they want. The studio presented its upcoming film slate at CinemaCon, including "Transformers: Rise of the Beasts," "Mission: Impossible — Dead Reckoning: Part One," and "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem." Paramount also called on the industry to explore new ticket pricing options as theater admissions decline and ticket prices continue to inflate.
Pearl Jam has announced a new string of US tour dates with "fairly priced tickets" for all shows. They will be using Ticketmaster's Verified Fan Registration system and an exclusive pre-sale for their fan club members. Tickets will be non-transferable in most states to protect fans' access to fairly priced tickets, and all-in pricing will be used across the tour for the first time.
Pearl Jam has announced a short tour for August and September 2023, playing nine arena shows in five cities. The band has adopted “all-in” ticket pricing, meaning the added fees that are attached to tickets almost across the board appear as part of the basic ticket price. To avoid scalping, tickets will also be non-transferable, except in Illinois. The majority of tickets will end up in the hands of members of its Ten Club fan club via a presale. Only 10% of tickets will be part of the platinum system, which helps subsidize lower prices for the other 90%.
Tom Morello clarified that no fans at any Rage Against the Machine show have ever had a vaccination requirement to be in the room. He also defended the band's ticket pricing, stating that every penny over $125 went to charities in those cities. Morello discussed the band's uncertain future in the interview.